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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 





CONTAINING TUE MOST INTERESTING 

FACTS, TRADITIONS, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES, E r 

RELATING TO ITS HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES, FROM ITS FIRST 
SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

COMPILED FKOM ORIGINAL RECORDS AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. 

ILLUSTRATED BY NEARLY 

ONE HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS 

OF 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS, RELICS OF ANTIQUITY, HISTORIC LOCALITIES, NATURAL SCENERY 

PORTRAITS OF DISTINGUISHED MEN, ETC., ETH 




hfaz 25- 



THIRD EDITION. 



5J7 



BY THE REV. GEORGE WHITE, M.A. 



AUTHOR Or THE "STATISTICS OF GEORGIA," HONORARY MEMBER OF THE WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK LYCEUM, CORRESPONDING .MEMBER OF 
THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE, BTC, ETC. 



NEW YORK: 
PUDNEY & RUSSELL, PUBLISHERS, 

No. 79 JOHN-STREET. 
1855. f^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1S53, 

Bt TUDNEY & ETJSSELL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southorn District of New York. 



Ppdkey &. Russell, Printers and Stereotypers, 
No. 79 John-street, New York. 



TO 



JAMES HAMILTON CO U PER, ESQ., 
HON. GEORGE R. GILMER, 

AND THE 

HO X. JOSEPH II. LUMPKIN, 

WITH 
SINCERE ADMIRATION FOR THEIR VIRTUES AND TALENTS 

€\u Sink 

IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY 



THE AUTHOR. 



INDEX, 



PAGE 

Ai> ' 't/r. Mr. John 631 

Abi /corn 427 

Ab rigines, relics of 279 

Account of the progress of the Colony 319 

Acworth 401 

Adairsville 298 

Adams, Gen. David 500 

Address of Upper House of Assembly to Sir 

James Wright 52 

Address of Commons to Sir James Wright 54 

Address of Provincial Congress to Sir James 

Wright 75 

Address of Medway Church to George Washing- 
ton 529 

Address of citizens of Augusta to General Wash- 
ington 623 

Address of Committee of Provincial Congress. .SI, 82 

Adventure with a panther 541 

Advertisement of the Governor of South Caro- 
lina in regard to General Oglethorpe 321 

Albany 260 

- AUapaha, Battle near 498 

Alatoona 404 

Allen, Eev. Moses 532 

Allen, Rev. Beverly 44S 

Alexander 2S2 

Americus 641 

Americus Female Institute 641 

American Iron Foundry 599 

Amusing incident 403 

Anawaqua's Tomb 293 

Ancient works in Cass County 299 

Ancient works in Coweta County 413 

Ancient works in Fatly County 425 

Andrew, James O., Bishop 575 

Andrew, Herbert 578 

Appling County 259 

Appling 4.14 

Appling, Colonel Daniel 409 

Approval of Colonial Seal 1S2 

Arnold, Be v. AV 5S9 

Arrival of Colonists at Charle 4own 319 

Association of Deputies 5S 

Atlanta 421 

Atlanta Tanning Company 422 

Atlanta Machine Shop 422 

Attapulgus 419 

Athens 391 

Athens Manufacturing Company 392 

Augusta 593 

Augusta, unsuccessful attempt to retake 6n7 

Augusta Manufacturing Company 593 

Augusta, Siege and Surrender of 609 

Auraria 542 

Baden, N. H 494 

Bainbridge 419 

Bacon, Mr. M. E 651 

Baker County 259 

Baker, Benjamin 533 

Baker. Colonel John ' . . 5.33 

Baker, Colonel William 53.3 

Baldwin County ".'..'.'..'.'.'.'. 265 



PAGE 

Ball-ground 390 

Ball-play, Indian 670 

Baptist Female College of Southwe • Georgia. 590 

Baptist Church, Second, Savanna! 316 

Baptists, colored, Savannah 313 

Barber, Colonel . 898 

Barnard, Timpoochee 163 

Barnard, Major John 306 

Barnes ville 5S3 

Bateman. Colonel Simon 497 

Battle at Jack's Creek , 672 

" at Chickasawhaeb.ee 262 

" at Briar Creek 633 

" at Burke Jail 232 

" at Echowanotchaway 591 

" at Kettle Creek 6S3 

" at Medway 524 

" near Rome 456 

" at Shepard's Plantation 639 

with the Indians 643 

507 



Bath. 

Beaulieu 

Belair 

Belleville Factor}- 

Bergman, Rev. John E 

Berrien, Major John 

Berrien, Hon. John M 

Bess, a Negro, interesting account of . 

Bibb County 

Blackburn, General Samuel 

Blackshear, General David 

Blairsville 

Blakelv 



S-\6 
597 

5 9 



50-S 

371 
27S 
269 



Bolzius, Rev. John Martin 

Bolzius, " extracts from Journal of. 

Bonaventure 

Bonner, Henry 

Bosomworth, Rev. Thomas 

Bosom worth, Mrs. Mary. . .: 

Bothwell, Eev. David E 

Boykin, Dr. Samuel 

Bowles, General William Augustus 

Bragg, Rev. Seneca G 

Branham, Dr. II 

Brantley, Amos 

Brewtoh's Hill 

Bridge at Augusta 

Broken Arrow 

Broomtown 

Brotherville 

Browne, Colonel Thomas 

Browne, bravery of .Mrs 

Brown. Tarlton 

Brownson. Governor N 

Brunswick 

Bryan County 

Bryan, Hon. Jonathan 

Buena Vista 

Buffalo Fish Town 

Bulloch County 

Bulloch, Governor Archibald 

Burke County 

Burke Jail, skirmish at 

Burnett, Captain John 



428 

4:3 



675 
31 
26 

503 

267 

103' 

273 

5S9 

491 

336 

594 

671 

387 

597 

614 

678 

613 

213 

461 

276 

366 

545 

404 

279 

200 

2S2- 

2S2 

468 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

'ort 286 

fillage: A Tale of the Indian War 658 

irof Roanoke 688 

11. l>r 406 

town of 646 

i ounty 285 

Calhoun 475 

Camd 3 County 286 

Carnal; .* 675 

Campbell County 292 

Cauipbellton ...". 292 

Campbell, l>. Q 685 

Campbell. Mrs. Maria 680 

Canal at Augusta 504 

Canton 890 

Capi ure of American Prisoners 526 

(.'arm -\ [lie -I.".'.' 

Carroll County 294 

Carrollton . . .' 294 

Carr, Patrick 504 

( !ai r, Paddy 169 

Carey, George 666 

Cartor, Major 608 

Cartersville 298 

( ass County 297 

i assville . ." 293 

Cave Spring 4.">7, 

Cava, Nix's 458 

Cave, Baltpetre 800 

Cave, Wilson's 669 

Cedar Town 586 

Cemetery at Mod way 519 

Centreville ' 2S6, 671 

Cessna, murder of Miss 480 

Charter of tile Colony 1 

Chatham County . . ." 302 

Chatooga County 886 

Charlton, Hon. T. C. P 86T 

Chela, destruction of Indian town of 512 

Chestnut Town 670 

Chopped Oak, tradition of 4S9 

t 1 ri i { hur h Mi. -on .1 

si Church, Savannah 817 

Church of the Atonement 595 

Hall of Augusta 598 

Clarke County 891 

, Governor John 229 

Clarke, Mrs. Hannah 682 

Clarke, General FKjah 685 

Clarkesvilte 4S6 

Clayton ;>v> 

Clinch County 399 

Clinton ' 505 

Cobb Coimty 41m 

Cobb, T. W. 412 

Cobb, Colonel Howell 49s 

I . Govt rnor Howell 252 

Cobb, Captain Thomas 405 

ge, Ft male, in Macon 26!) 

... Medical, at Augusta 594 

ico-Mcdical 

1 ege, Emory 574 

642 

I mine -j^f; 

Columbia County .1. 4 

Volumbus " 5(jg 

Columbus Female Asylum 

Columbus Factory. . .' :,- > 

titt 565 

I 26] 

>k, Hon. Z 8 S 

Corinth 1, 1 1 

Correspondence between Colonels Browne, Lee, 

and Pickens fill 

Cotting, Dr 

Council of SatVty appointed SC 

Couper, John 

( o\ illL'tOll "74 

Ooweta County 4';; 

Coweta Fails Factory 570 

Crawford County ..'. 4^0 



Crawfordville 643 

( irawford, Major Joel 405 

Crawford, Governor. George W 245 

Crawford, Hon. William 11 5S0 

Crayfish Town (570 

Culloden 561 

Cumberland Island 2S6 

Cumming 45s 

Cummins,Dr F 4S3 

Cunningham's Flour Mills 59s 

Custom-House, Savannah 80S 

-Curry. Major Nicholas 077 

Curtright Manufacturing Company 479 

Cuthbert, town of " 590 

Cut Illicit, lion. Alfred 501 

Cuyler 54:3 



Dnbney, Austin 584 

Hade County 418 

Dahlonega : 542 

Pallas 582 

Dalton 079 

Danburg 6S1 

1 laniellsville 545 

I larieu 540 

1 >avis. Rev. Win 447 

Davis, Judge Wm 367 

Dawson, Hon. Wm. C 4S1 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum 455 

Decatur County 419 

Decatur '. 421 

I'e Fa!b County 421 

Denmead's Mills 401 

l>e Soto's yjsil to Rome 458 

Devereaux, W. J 2G7 

Dickson. General Din i 1 451 

Difflcu ties with the t herokecs 186 

Dili ulties-with the Creeks 128, 129, 180,131 

Dissenting resolutions of St. Matthew's Parish. . 437 

Dissenting resolutions of St PauVs Parish (103 

Dissenting resolutions of the Kiokee and Broad 

Fiver Settlements 605 

Dissenting resolutions of Savannah 48 

Dissenting resolutions of < lolumbia County .... 412 

Dissenting N solutions of Burke County 2S3 

Disqualifying Act 95 

Doberty, amusing history of Michael 0->2 

Doswood G09 

Dooly County 4ji 

Dooly. Judge J M 589 

Dooly, Colonel -John 539 

Dooly, Ci is 539 

Dorchester 513 

I (ougherty, Major 399 

Dougherty, Judge 399 

I >raper, James C75 

Drayton's reply to Governor Treutlen's Pro- 

clamation 207 

Drayton 424 

Drinking of rum prohibited 16 

Dublin 2S5, 5 9 

. illo 648 

Dungeness 2s7 



Eagle Factorv in Columbus 570 

Earlj County 424 

F. irly. Governor Peter 227 

Eatonton 588 

Eatonton Manufacturing Company 5*3 

Echolls, Hon. 11)1 ". 073 

Feiint'iuocau Swamp 674 

Ebenezer 426 

Effects received in America for Georgia 324 

Effingham County 426 

Elberl County..." 43$ 

Elberton 488 

Elbert, Governor Samuel 215 

F.lholm, A. C. G 02S 

Ellis, Governor Henry 185 

Elliott, Bishop Stephen 385 

Elliott, Hon. John, 533 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

EUijay 460 

. Ell ija ■' 401 

Emanuel County 450 

Emanuel, Hon. David 2?1 

Emathla. Tustennuggee j7| 

Enchanted Mountain 658 

Ewen, President William l' J p 

Exchange in Savannah 313 

Extracts from the Minutes of the Trustees 14 

Extract from the Speech of Henry Williams ... 811 
Extracts from the Records of Medway Church . 514 



EaTuurnc fol 

Eairmount 4t5 

Falls of Amicololah jjfS 

• Falls of Towaliga 8ff, 

• Falls of Tallulah 4S8 

Falls of Toccoa 489 

Fainbrough, Thomas 4<* 

Farmington J™* 

Fauche, Colonel Jonas 4b3 

Fayette County 451 

FaVetteville 451 

Female Asylum of Savannah 303 

Female Asylum in Columbus 569 

Female College in Macon 269 

Few, Colonel William 409 

Few. Captain Ignatius 400 

Fielder, heroism of Mrs 480 

Findley's Foundry 271 

Fitch. Thomas 267 

Flat Shoals 557 

Fletcher Institute 648 

Flint liiver Factory 666 

Florence ,; ; ; > 

Floyd County 452 

Floyd, General John 289 

Forsyth County 458 

Forsyth, Governor John 238 

Forsyth 561 

Forsyih Female College 56) 

Fort'.Dr 26T 

Fort, Arthur '•.< 

" Scott 419 

" Jackson : y : ] 

" Barrtngton 540 

" Hawkins 275 

" Wilkinson 200 

'■ Valley 497 

" Valley Seminary 497 

" Argvie 270 

" Gaines 425 

Fortification in Houstoun 498 

Fortifications in Savannah River 88G 

Franklin County 459 

Franklin 49 1 

Franklin Mines 39 I 

Franklin Volunteers 460 

Franklin College : 891 

Franklin factory 666 

Francisville 416 

Francis, Milly, noble conduct of 208 

Frederica 462 

Freeman, Mrs. Catherine 47^ 

Freight Depot in Augusta : 594 



Gaines, Fort 425 

Gainesville 490 

Galphinton 502 

Galphin Claim considered 246 

Gamble, Hon. Roger L 503 

Garmany, Captain 414 

Garrett, murder of Mrs 2ft9 

Gay, Allen 414 

Georgia 1 1 istorical Society 315 

Military Institute 400 

" Academy for the Blind 209 

" Factory 393 

" Episcopal Institute 502 

" Roll 38 

tt Asylum for Deaf and Dumb 455 



PAGB 

Georgia Fema'e College at Madison 566 

Georgetown 590 

GUlionsville 261 

Gilmer County 400 

Gilmer, Hon. George R 233 

Gobert. J. B 502 

Goodrich's Factory 593 

Gogsrans, Win 294 

Gordon County 475 

Gordon, William W 475 

Gordon, Major James 656 

Gordon 683 

Goshen 539 

Glascock, General Thomas 628 . 

Glenalta 515 

Glynn County 401 

Grantland, Hon. S 207 

Graves, Colonel John 688 

Graybill, Henry 491 

Greene County 476 

Greenesborough 477 

Greeneville 557 

Greenesborough Female College 477 

Greenesborough Manufacturing Company 478 

Gresham, Alexander 478 

Griffin 634 

Griswold Factory 505 

Grooversville 618 

Gulletsville 562 

Gumpond 261 

Gwinnett County 483 

Gwinnett, Hon. .Button 202 

Habersham County 486 

Habersham, Hon. James 106 

Habersham, Major John 866 

Habersham. Hon. Joseph 869 

Hall County 490 

Hall, Governor Lyman 215 

Hall, Hon. Boiling 491 

[Hancock County 491 

Hancock Manufacturing Company 492 

Handley, Governor George 218 

Hamilton *™ 

Hamilton, John 491 

Hamilton, I)r 506 

Hammond, Colonel Samuel 024 

Hardeman, Colonel Robert 506 

Hardwick -'''' 

Haralson, Hon. II. A 6o3 

Harrisonville 652 

Harris County 4^3 

Harris, Colonel Francis II 365 

Harris, Hon. Charles 371 

Harris, Augustine -"? 

Harris, General J. V . 899 

Hart, Nancy, a Georgia heroine 441 

Hartford °*7 

.Hawkins, Fort 417 

''Hawkins, Colonel Benjamin 417 

Hawkinsville r '^7 

Hawthorn, death of Rev. Mr 489 

Hayno\ ille 497 

Haygood, Mrs 563 

Heard County 494 

Heard, Hon. Stephen 212 

Henderson 497 

Henry County 495 

Herbert. Rev. Henry 15 

1 1 icks, < Iharles 670 

Hicks, Elijah 070 

Hickory Hill, skirmish at 526 

Hickory Grove 416 

High Shoals Factory 506 

Hillsborough 500 

Hill, Hon. E. Y 652 

Hillhouse, Mrs 687 

Hinesville 513 

Hobbs, Mrs 47S 

Hodge, David 405 

Hogg, Mrs 478 

Holcoinbe, Rev. Henry 370 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Holmesvllle 259 

Honors to the French Republicans In Augusta. 024 

Hood, Dr 491 

Hopoethlcyoholo, a Creek Chiei 165 

Hopewell '. 416 

Houstoun County 49C 

Houstoun, Gove r John 209 

Houstoun - ! !)4 

House in which Legislature met in Savannah .. 8-18 

Major John 267 

Howard Manufacturing Company 570" 

Howlev. Governor Richard 211 

Hull. General 60S 

v. Hope 393 

Hull. 1 Ion. Asbury 394 

Hull. Dr. Henry 394 

Independent Presbyterian Church, Savannah .. 805 

[ndi pci dence, Brst celebration of in Georgia... 200 

Indian talk 26S 

Indian depredations in Liberty 527 

Indian depredal ions in Greerie 479 

I ml an depredations in Washington G77 

Indian depredations in Telfair 047 

Intel esting trial of Jesse L. Bunkley 500 

lr\\ in ( lounty 498 

Irwin, Governor Jared 218 

Ivwinton OSS 

Irwinville 498 

Island Town 3S7 

Jack, James 447 

Jack, Colonel Samuel 682 

.larks. .ii County 499 

Jackson, Governor -lames 219 

Jackson 2S5 

Jacksonville 046 

Jack's Cieek. battle at G72 

Jacksonborough 031 

Ja per County 499 

Jasper, Sergeant 886 

• i Spring 336 

Jefferson County 502 

Jefferson 2S6, 499 

Jeffersonville G56 

Jenkins, Hon Charles J 629 

Jerri an. Major 689 

Jews, arrival, of, in Savannah 828 

Jinnings, Miles 531 

Johnson, Governor II. V 254 

Iei.es County 505 

rones, Hon. Noble W 367 

Jones, Hon. James 867 

Jones. Minor John 533 

Jonesi George W mo 

Jones, Hon. Seaborn 267 

Jones, lion, .loh n 582 

loins. Rev. Dubney 414 

ronesborough 451 

lonesville 546 

lury, Grand, first in Washington County . • 67S 

" Walton County 673 

" " " Twiggs County 657 

,: " " Monroe County 504 

" " " I'-aker ; 261 

" " " Cordon 476 

" " " Fayette 452 

" " " Mew ton 578 

" " " Oglethorpe 581 

" " " Cobb 408 

" " li Campbell 293 

" " " Bulloch 2S0 

" " " Coweta 4l6 

" " " Harris County 494 

" " " Homy County 496 

" " " Liberty 531 

Kingston 29S 

Konesaw Mountain 4ul 

• Keiiesaw Town 404 



TAGB 

Knoxville 416 

Kolloek, Rev. Henry 309 

La Fayette 607 

La Grange 050 ' 

La < I range Female College 651 

Lamar, John 5fl6 

Lanahassee 637 

Landing of British on Cumberland Island 2S7 

Lanier 543 

Lanman's letters 662 

Lauiens County 509 

Lawrenceville 483 

Lawrenceville Manufacturing Company 4S3 

Lawson, Colonel John 657 

Lee County 511 

Lei', funeral of General 2S7 

Legend of Iliwassee 600 

Legend of Naeoochee 4S6 

Letter from Piggy and Susannah Mcintosh 295 

Letter from Jane "Hawkins 296 

Letter from Governor Wright to the Eavl of 

Dartmouth 437 

Lelter from Governor Wright in regard to the 

people of St. John's Parish 523 

Letter from Wm. 11. Drayton to Humphrey 

Wells ".203 

Letter from James Habersham 516 

Letter from Colonel John White to Lieutenafit- 

Colonol Prevost 524 

Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost to Col- 
onel John White 524 

Letter from Colonel L. V. Fuser to Colonel John 

Mcintosh 525 

Letter, from Colonel John Mcintosh to Colonel 

L. V. Fuser 526 

Letter from Colonel Maxwell to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Fishburne 528 

Letter from Oglethorpe to the Earl of Oxford. . 463 
Letter of the Governor and Council of South 

Carolina to General Osrletliorpe 322 

Lelter from Robert Johnson to Benjamin 

Martyn 823 

Letters which passed between D'F.staing and 

General Prevost 348 

Letter from President Drayton to the Council 

of Safety 91 

Letter from General Lachlan Mcintosh to Gen- 
eral Washington 92, 95 

Lciter from Colonel Thomas Browne to Dr. 

Ramsey 014 

Letter from Colonel A.J. Pickett 170 

Letters from the Council of Safety S6, S7, S8 

Letter from n gentleman in Georgia 61 

Letter from Georgia Delegates to the Continental 

Congress.... 01,02.63 

Letter lo the Committee of Donations 03, 64 

Letter from Augusta 000 

Letter from Mr. Launitz 811 

Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Elbert 463 

Lexington 579 

Lewis, Dixon II 492 

Liberty County 513 

Lincoln County 539 

Lini olnton 5,39 

Lisbon 539 

List of Indian traders in A ugusta 600 

List of persons disqualified 11.2 

Lithoiiia 422 

Long. Colonel Nicholas 684 

I. on -Swamp 390 • 

Long Cane 652 

Long Pond 003 

Loudsvile 4S6 

Louisville 502 

Lovers Leap. Legend of 571 

Lowndes County 540 

Lumber City : C46 

Lumpkin County 542 

Lumpkin 637 

Lumpkin, Governor Wilson 286 

Lumpkin, lion. Joseph II 895 



XI 



PAGE 

Lutheran Church in Savannah 31 S 

Lutheran Church at Ebenezer 426 

Macon County 54-3 

Macon 2(59 

Macon Cotton Factory 272 

Machine Factory 599 

Madison County 544 

Madison 506 

Madison Female College 566 

Madison Steam Mill Company 566 

Magnolia 3 fl 9 

Maflorysville 681 

Marbury, Leonard 4*5 

Marietta 400 

Marietta Tannery 401 

Marion County 545 

Marion 656 

Marriage of David Hodge 405 

Marshall, Rev. Daniel 406 

Marshallville 543 

Marthasville 543 

Martin, Governor John 214 

Mars Hill Factory 393 

Masonic Hall in Augusta 594 

Masonic Female College 637 

Matthews, Governor George 217 

Maxwell, Audley 533 

McBride's Mills 494 

McCall, Major 31 

McDonald, Governor Charles J 239 

McDonough 495 

McFlesh"s Varietv Works 402 

McGirth. Colonel" Daniel 281 

MeGidivray, General Alexander 154 

McKrimmon, Duncan, romantic story of 267 

Mcintosh County 546 

'• General Lachlan 547 

" General William 17(1 

" General John 547 

" Colonel J. S 547 

" Roderick 470 

" Mrs. Ann 546 

" Mrs. Sarah 547 

Mcintosh, Colonel John, his noble reply 526 

McWhir, Rev. William. D.D 532 

Medical College, Augusta 594 

Medway Church 517 

Meeting of the Trustees of Georgia 14 

Meeting oi Merchants in Savannah 42 

Meeting of Inhabitants of Savannah 42, 64 

Meeting in Lawrenceville in regard to Volun- 
teers 4S4 

Meeting of Provincial Congress 65 

Meeting of Inhabitants of Liberty 520 

Meeting of Indians called by Oglethorpe 325 

Meigs, Josiah 397 

Mercer, Rev. Jesse 6S4 

Meriwether County 556 

Meriwether, Captain James 503 

Meriwether, Judge 588 

Meriwether, General David 397 

Meteoric Stone 564 

Methodist Church, Savannah 306 

Midway 266 

Millar, Hon. A. J 629 

Millord 261 

Milfort 573 

Mill Haven 631 

Milner, Rev. John 5S4 

Milledgeville 265 

Midedireville Manufacturing Company 266 

Milledge. Governor John 223 

Missionaries, imprisonment of 140 

Mitchell, Thomas 399 

Mitchell, Governor David B 224 

Monroe County 560 

Monroe 671 

Montezuma 543 

Montaigut, David 366 

Monticeilo 499 

Montgomery County 565 



Montgomery, Joseph T 651 

Monument in Augusta 599 

Monument in Lawrenceville 485 

Moravian Missions 567 

Moreau, General 418 

Morgan County 565 

Moseley, Rev. William 636 

Mound near Macon 275 

" in Karl v 425 

" in Libert 439 

" in Cass 299 

Mounds in Hancock 492 

'• on Murder Creek 500 

" in Forsyth 458 

" in Butti 286 

Mount Brown 275 

'• Lnon ! ... 597 

. " Vernon 565 

>_ " Zion 4!ii 

Mountain, Enchanted 658 

Mountain. Stone 422 

Mountain Town 461 

Monntville 052 

Murder of a family in Baker 264 

Murray County 507 

Murray, Hon. T. W 5R9 

v -iIuscogec County 56S 

Musgrove, Mary 21 

Muster Hull of" Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander's 

regiment 676 

Muster Hull of Burke County 284 

Muster Roll of Greene County 480 



Nacoochee Valley 486 

Karnes of orphans educated at Whitetield's 

Orphan House 332 

Nanus of persons to whom lands were allotted 

by the Court of President and Assistants 32 

Karnes of persons who took the oath of Alle- 
giance 39 

Names of offiVers and soldiers who made appli- 
cation for lands Ill 

Names of persons declared rebels 102 

Names of Volunteers to Mexico 115 

Names of officers who were in the Continental 

Line of the Georgia Brigade 113 

Names of Indian traders in Augusta 6« 

Nesbel and Le\ y's Foundry 272 

Kesbit. Hon. Kugenius A 273 

Neuf\ i te. Bev. Dr. Edward 371 

New Kehota .475 

Newnan 413 

Newnan, General Daniel 669 

Newton County 574 

Newton 260 

Newton Faetoiy 575 

Nickajack Factory 402 

Noel, John Y 367 

Norcross. J 421 

Notice of meeting in Savannah 44 

Nowlan, Colonel George G 438 



Oak Lawn 261 

Oak Mountain 493 

Observations by the Georgia Delegates 106 

Observations on the soil of Lee County by Dr. 

Mercer 511 

Oglethorpe, General 177 

Oglethorpe County 579 

Oglethorpe University 266 

Oglethorpe 543 

Old Church 282 

Old Sixes Town 390 

Osborn, Lady 15 

Oostenaula 476 

Oothcologa 476 

Oxford 574 



Palmyra .' 511 

Parish, Captain Joel 473 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Park, Ezeklel E 478 

Parker, Henry 181 

Parsons, Samuel *>2 

Pastors of Medway Charcli 519 

Pataula Falls 591 

Paulding County 582 

Payne, Edward 898 

Penfleld fj 

Penitentiary 265 

Perry 4; ! 7 

Petersburg 489 

Petition of the inhabitants of Georgia to the 

Ki n g 82, 83, 84, 85 

Petition of inhabitants of Augusta 601 

Pickett, Colonel A.J 170 

Pike County 538 

Pine Mountains 493 

Pine Hill 502 

Plneville 545 

Pioneer Paper Mill 393 

Plantation of James Potter 802 

Planters' Factory 2S5 

Poindexter 545 

Polk County 586 

Polk. Eev. M 502 

Porter, Oliver 488 

Powder Springs 401 

Powelton 491 

Prattsville 562 

Presbyterian Church in Augusta 595 

Princeton Manufacturing Company 392 

Prison Ships 339 

Proceedings in Wilkes County relating to Gen- 
eral E. Clarke's arrest GS6 

Proceedings of first I lonri in Liberty 53d 

Proceedings of Council of Safety... 86, 87, 88, 89, 90 
Proceedings of Committee of St. John's Parish 521 

Proclamation of President Ewen 90 

" of Governor Treutlen 206 

" of Sir James Wright 46 

" of John Wereat 210 

" of Governor Brownson 213 

Pulaski, Count 307 

Pulaski County 5S7 

Pulaski, loss of steamer 353 

Pulaski House 312 

Pulaski Monument 308 

Putnam County 588 

Quincv, Rev. Mr 15 

Quebec 6-12 

Queensborough 562 

Rabun County 589 

Babun, Governor Win 228 

Randolph County 590 

Ratification of Federal Constitution 620 

Kaysville 405 

Raytown 043 

Redding, Anderson 503 

Eeidsville 0-15 

■ Remarkable stone in Columbia County 405 

Remarkable feat in Camden County 2S8 

Remarkable rock in Forsyth County 458 

Remarkable instances of longevity 597 

Report of Committee to devise temporary Con- 
stitution 96, 97 

Resaca 475 

Rees, Dr 501 

Resolutions at Savannah 45 

Resolution^ of General Committee at Charles- 
town in regard to St. John's Parish 522 

Resolutions of South Carolina in regard to Ogle- 
thorpe 321 

Resolutions of House of Assembly 56, 57, 58 

Return of Burke County Militia 284 

Return of American forces killed at Savannah.. 317 
Return of officers chosen for Georgia Battalion. 94 

Return of strength of Georgia Battalion 90 

Revolutionary Soldiers in YY-ilkes 682 

Revolutionary Incident GOG 



PAGE 

Revolutionary documents connected with Mcin- 
tosh County 554 

Reynolds, Governor John 182 

Reynolds, Colonel 898 

Reynolds 646 

Riceborough 518 

Richmond County 598 

Richmond Factory f>'*i» 

Ridge, Major 167 

Ridge, John 163 

Ringgold 667 

Roanoke, burning of 683 

Robbery, singular, by a female 451 

Rock, curious 453 

Hoik Wand Paper Mill 571 

Pome 452 

Rose Hill Cemetery 270 

Rose, S 270 

Ross, John 138 

Ross, II. G 272 

Roswell 401 

Roswell Factory 402 

Rough and Ready 451 

Round POnd 06S 

Ruckersville 438 

Russellville 562 

Rutherford, Robert 2G7 

Salem 392 

Sandtown 292, 557 

Sapp, Henry 056 

Sapp, Mrs. R 650 

Saundersville 077 

Sanders, George 401 

Savannah 802 

Female Asylum 303 

" Waterworks 808 

" Poor-House and Hospital 314 

" reduction of 337 

'" attack and repulse at 313 

Saying of a lawyer 282 

Schley, Governor William 238 

School at Goose Pond 5S1 

Scottsborough 266 

Scott, General John 267 

Screven County 631 

Screven, General 521 

Scull Shoals Manufacturing Company 47S 

Seal of the Trustees ." 819 

Seizure of the Mail 1 95 

Snake story 662 

Southern Masonic Female College 574 

Social Circle 671 

South Newport 510 

Starkville 511 

StapTe'ton, George 5i)3 

State House 265 

State Lunatic Asylum 266 

Btatesborough 2S0 

State Bank in Savannah 310 

Stephens, Hon. William 367 

Stephens, President William ISO 

Stephens, Hon. A. II 643 

Stevens, Rev. Wm. B 191 

Stewart County 037 

Stewart, General Daniel 53.3 

Stiles, Samuel 270 

Stokes, Captain 4S3 

Stokes, Hon. Anthony 306 

Strawberry 069 

Strobe], Rev. P. A 427 

Strong, Judge Christopher 273 

Spalding County 634 

Spalding. Hon Thomas 034 

Spanish invasion of Georgia 462 

Sparta 491 

Spring Cave 457 

" Limestone, in Hall ., 490 

" Limestone, in Polk 586 

" Cold 557 

" Sulphur, in Hall 490 

" Rowland 299 



PREFACE. 



The flattering reception given by rny fellow-citizei 
to " The Statistics of Geoegia," naturally encourage < 
me to venture still further in that field, which must ev< 
be a favourite with the patriotic Georgian. 

Ten years of incessant labour, expense, and trav 
throughout the State, have been cheerfully bestowed, ai 
the " Historical Collections of Georgia" are the re- 
sult. 

No source of knowledge has been neglected or despised 
The Libraries of Charleston, Savannah, Milledgevii 
and New- York, have been diligently searched. 

The Colonial Documents kindly furnished me by the 
Legislature of Georgia, to aid in the compilation of tl 
work, have been freely used. A large amount of in- 
formation has been gleaned, moreover, from aged perso 
— " the oldest inhabitants" of many of our towns an* 
villages — whose memories are proverbially tenacious 
regard to events, which made their vivid impressions 
early youth. This oral tradition, indeed, often furnish 



PEEFACE. 

e warm flesh and blood of the body of History, while 
1 >curnentary evidence can be relied on for the putting 
gether of the dry skeleton alone. 

Correctness rather than elegance has been the end 

.iefly sought; and the pains unsparingly taken give me a 

*ht to claim general reliability for all facts stated. 

But, in a field of original research, so new, so extended, 

(1 so largely unexplored before, it is too much to expect 

at entire freedom from error has been attained. 

To James Hamilton Couper, Esq., Hon. George R. 

I llmer, Hon. Wilson Lumpkin, I. K. Tefft, Esq., 

t olonel William Harden, of Cass County, Be v. P. A. 

Strobel, George W. Waltiiour, Esq., Nelson Tift, 

Esq., General J. V. Harris, Colonel A. J. Pickett, 

Alabama, Edward F. Campbell, Esq., Rev. John 

Jones, William Mcintosh, Esq., J. H. R. Washington, 

Esq., Benjamin E. Stiles, Esq., and Colonel John Mil- 

ledge, the author is indebted for valuable assistance. 

This work does not assume to be a consecutive His- 
tory. It is but a collection of materials for the use of 
the future historian. It is enough for me, if, by the 
igh toil of the literary pioneer, I succeed in break- 
r and gathering out the stone from the quarry, and 
in hewing the heavy timber from the mountains, where- 
th, hereafter, some accomplished architect, in its full 
portion and finished beauty, may rear the fair fabric 
the History of Georgia. 

G. W. 

Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia, | 
1st January, 1854. ) 



PAGE 

Spring Place 29S. 567 

•• Thundering Gfi5 

" Yates's 667 

Springs, Cherokee 667 

Cohuttab 508 

" Cotoosa 66S 

" Crayfish 607 

Indian 285 

" Madison 540 

Franklin 459 

u Medicinal 667 

" Powder 401 

" "Warm 557 

" Chalybeate 557 

Springfield 426 

Settlement of Liberty County 514 

Sequoia, or George Guess 3S7 

Siege and Surrender of Augusta 609 

Siloquoy 470 

Silver Mines 19, 20 

Shady Dale 500 

Shaffer, B 201 

Sharp Mountain 390 

Sheftall Sheftall 340 

Sheftall, Mordecai, Journal of 340 

Shine, John 6 6 

Shivers. Jonas 675 

Smith, Lorenzo Dow, history of 662 

Smith, Rev. Isaac 503 

Southern Female College of La Grange 651 

St. Andrew's Society 815 

St. John's Church 817 

St. Mary's 286 

St. Simon's Island 462 

St. Cloud's 494 

St. Paul's Church 595 

Subterranean Village 437 

Summary mode of justice among the Creeks. . . 417 

Summerville 3^6, 597 

Sumter County 641 

Banbury 513" 

Surrender of the Charter 20 

Suttle, William, generous conduct of 440 

Sylvania 631 

Synodical Female College at Griffin 634 

Swainsborongh 450 

Sweet Water Factory 293 

Sweet Water Old Town 404 

Talbot County 642 

Talbotton 642 

Talbot, Governor Matthew 229 

Tait. Charles 448 

• Talona 401 

Taliaferro County 643 

Tar and feathering 606 

Tarvcrsville 656 

Tattnall County 645 

Tattnall. Governor Josiah 222 

Taylor County 646 

Taylor, Richard 670 

Taylor's Cotton Gin Manufactory 570 

Tazewell 545 

Tetft, I. K 106 

Telfair County 646 

Telfair, Governor E 216 

Terrell, Captain James 459 

Thrasher, sufferings of Mrs 479 

Thomas County 648 

Thomaston 665 

Thomasville 648 

Thomas, General J 648 

Thomas, Mrs. Martha 267 

Thomaston Factory 666 

Thunderbolt 336 

Tomo Chachi's visit to England 325 

Torrence, John 675 

Town Bluff 259 

Towns, Governor George W 252 

Tragical incident in Baker 264 

Travellers' Rest 424 

Treutlen, Governor John A, 202 



PACK 

Troup County 650 

Troupville 540 

Troup Factory 652 

Troup, Governor George M 231 

Tradition of the Cherokees 404 

Treaty with the Lower Creeks in Savannah, 1783. 121 
Treaty with the Creeks, Cherokees. and Chicka- 
saw's at Coweta, 1739 121 

Treaty with the Cherokees and Creeks at Au- 
gusta, 1773 121,122, 128 

Treaty with the Cherokees at Augusta, May 81, 

1783 123 

Treaty with the Creeks at Augusta, Nov. 1. 1733. 123 
" Cherokees at Rope well, 1785... 123 
" Creeks at Shoulder-Bone Creek, 

1786 . 123 

Treaty with the Creeks at New York, 1790 124 

" " Cherokees at Holston, 1791 124 

" " " at Philadelphia^ 794. 124 

" " Creeks at Coleraine, 1796... 124,125 

" " " at Fort Wilkinson. 1S02. 125 

" " " at the Agency, 1804 125 

" " " at Washington City, 1805. 125 

" " " at Fort Jackson, 1814. . . 126 

" " " at the Creek Agency, 

1818 ■ 126 

Treaty with the Creeks at Indian Springs, 1821.. 126 
" •' " at Indian Springs, 1825.. 126 

" " " at Washington City, 1826. 126 

" " " at the Creek Agency, 

1827 127 

Treaty with the Cherokees at New Eehota, 

1635 127 

Trenton 41rf 

Tryon Factory 3S7 

Tunnel 6S0 

Twiggs County 656 

Tv, iggs, General John 629 

Twiggs, General D. E 629 

Tyner's family, capture of 440 

Union County 657 

Union Point 473 

University, Mercer 477 

Upson County 665 

Upson, Hon. Stephen 5S0 

Vandever. the hunter of Tallulah 663, 604 

Variety Works at Columbus 570 

Vanwert 5S2 

Vienna 424 

Villa Rica 294 

Viiieville 272 

Von Reek's Journal 433 

Waddel, Rev. Dr. Moses 394 

Walker County 667 

Walker, Major Freeman 629 

Wallace, Norman 815 

Walthour 538 

Walthourvillo 513 

Walton County jti^M 1 

Walton, Governor George 21 u 

Ware County .^^73 

Waresborough 673 

Ware, lion. Nicholas 629 

Warehouses in Augusta 594 

Warren County 674 

Warrenton 675 

Warren and Coleman's Mill 599 

Warner, Hon. Hiram 557 

Washington County 676 

Washington 681 

AVashington's visit to Augusta 621 

Washington's answer to address of Medway 

Church 530 

Watkinsville 391 

Watkiusville Tanning Company 393 

Watson's Cotton Gin Factory 511 

Watts, Ludwell 285 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Water-Cure Establishment *00 

"Way man Factory 6'i6 

Wayne County £79 

Wavnesborough '- s 2 

Wayneville 679 

Wayne, Hon. James M 879 

Wctr.it, Governor John 210 

Wesley, Uev. John 16, 17 

Wesley, Rev. Samuel 15 

Wesl Point 652 

Whitesville 426,493 

Whltefleld County .679 

W bitefleld, Rev. George 630 

Whitefleld's Orphan House 829 

White House, skirmish at 526 

W hite Path 401 

White, l>r 267 

White Plains 47S 

White, Colonel John 307 

Whitaker, Hon. Benjamin 504 

Wilde, Hon R II 029 

Williamiot's Minos 390 



PAGE 

AVilson's Cavo 609 

Wilkes County 681 

Winter's Merchant Mill 571 

Wlnship's Establishment 421 

Wlnshlp's Cotton Gin Factory 566 

"Wilkinson County 6SS 

Woodlawn Seminary 5ST 

Wright, Sir James, speech to the General As- 
sembly 50, 51 

Wright, Sir James, answer to the House of 

Assembly 54, 55 

Wright, Sir James 1S3 

Wrightsborough 4f>4 

Wright, John , 682 

Wyatt, John 495 

Yonah Mountain 4ST 

Zebulon 5S3 

Zubly, Bev. J. J. 365 



INDEX 



THE ILLUSTRATIONS 



PAGE 

BTATE-HOUSE (Baldwin County) 265 

ROSE HILLL CEMETERY (Bibb County), 270 

CHRIST CHUBCII, " 2T1 

MACON COTTON FACTORY, " 272 

SPRING PLACE (Cass County), 20$ 

ETOWAH RIVER, " 299 

RESIDENCE OK JAMES POTTER (Chatham County), 302 

FEMALE ASYLUM, " " ' 303 

SAVANNAH WATER-WORKS, " " 3)4 

CUSTOM-HOUSE, " " 305 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, « " 306 

PULASKI MONUMENT, " " 303 

PULASKI HOUSE, " " 312 

MERCHANTS- EXCHANGE, " " 313 

POOR-HOUSE AND HOSPITAL, " " 314 

ST. ANDREW'S HALL, " " 314 

GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, " " 315 

STATE BANK, " " 316 

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, " " 316 

ST. JOHNS CHURCH, " " 317 

LUTIIERAN CHURCH, " " 31S 

SEAL OF THE TRUSTEES, « " 319 

HOUSE IN WHICH THE LEGISLATURE MET (Chatham County), 34S 

WATER-CURE ESTABLISHMENT (Cobb County), 400 

STONE MOUNTAIN (De Kalb County), 423 

INDIAN MOUNDS (Early County), 425 

CHURCH AT EBENEZER (Effingham County), 426 

NANCY HART (Elbert County), 441 

DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM (Floyd County), 455 

GREENESBOROUGH FEMALE COLLEGE (Greene County) 477 

CURTWRIGHT MANUFACTURING COMPANY (Greene County), 479 

TALLCLAH FALLS (Habersham County), 

TOCCO.V FALLS, « " 

MEDWAY CHURCH (Liberty County) 

CEMETERY OF MEDWAY CHURCH (Liberty County) 519 

FORSYTH FEMALE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE (Moseob County) 561 

TOWALIG A FALLS (Monboe County), 562 

EAGLE MILLS. COLUMBUS (Muscogee County) 570 

LOVER'S LEAP (Muscogee County), 571 

SOUTHERN MASONIC FEMALE COLLEGE (Newton County) 574 

LIMESTONE SPRING (Polk County-), 5S6 

CITY II ALL (Richmond County), 593 

FREIGHT DEPOT, " ' 594 

CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT (Richmond County) 595 

ST. PAULS CHURCH, « " 595 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, « » [ [.' 596 



» 



XVJ INDEX TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

CUNNINGHAM'S FLOUR MILLS (Richmond County) 508 

GOODRICH S MANUFACTORY, " " 598 

MONUMENT TO LYMAN HALL AND GEORGE WALTON (Richmond County) 599 

SYNODICAL FEMALE COLLEGE (Spalding County) C34 

LA GRANGE FEMALE COLLEGE (Troup County) 651- 

VIEW OF LA FAYETTE (Walker County) 667 

VIEW OF COTOOSA SPRINGS, " 668 

TUNNEL OF THE WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD (Whitefield County... 680 

PORTRAITS OF GOVERNORS AND DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. 

GENERAL OGLETHORPE 117 

HON. GEORGE M. TROUP 231 

HON. JOHN FORSYTH 233 

HON. GEORGE R. GILMER 235 

HON. CHARLES McDONALD 239 

HON. GEORGE W.CRAWFORD 245 

HON. HOWELL COBB 252 

HON. HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON 254 

HON. E A. NESBIT 273 

HON. JOHN MACPHERSON BERRIEN - : 373 

HON. JOSEPH H.LUMPKIN 395 

HON. WILLIAM C. DAWSON 481 

HON. HIRAM WARNER 557 

HON. R. TOOMBS 685 

COL. JOSEPH CLAY 277 

COL. FRANCIS H. HARRIS 365 

COL. SAMUEL HAMMOND 624 

COUNT PULASKI 307 

SHEFTALL SHEFTALL, ESQ 340 

REV. EDWARD NEUFVILLE 371 

REV. WILLIAM McWHIR 532 

REV. JAMES 0. ANDREW 575 

REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD ' 680 

DISTINGUISHED INDIANS. 

GENERAL WILLIAM McINTOSH 170 

MAJOR RIDGE 167 

HO-PO-ETH-LE-YO-HO-LO 105 

TIMPOOCHEE BARNARD 166 

JOHN RIDGE 168 

DDY CARR... 169 

STENNUGGEE EMATHLA 174 

TOMO CHACHI : 325 



OUI 



THE 

HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 



OF 



GEORGIA. 



DOCUMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF GEORGIA. 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 

George the Second : 

By the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and 
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these 
presents shall come, greeting : Whereas we are credibly informed, 
that many of our poor subjects are, through misfortunes and want 
of employment, reduced to great necessity, insomuch as by their 
labour they are not able to provide a maintenance for themselves 
and families ; and if they had means to defray their charges of pas- 
sage, and other expenses incident to new settlements, they would be 
glad to settle in any of our provinces in America, where, by cultivat- 
ing the lands at present waste and desolate, they might not only gain 
a comfortable subsistence for themselves and families, but also 
strengthen our colonies, and increase the trade, navigation, and wealth 
of these our realms. And whereas our provinces in North America 
have been frequently ravaged by Indian enemies ; more especially 
that of South Carolina, which in the late war, by the neighbouring 
savages, was laid waste by fire and sword, and great numbers of the 
English inhabitants miserably massacred ; and our loving subjects who 
now inhabit there, by reason of the smallness of their numbers, will, 
in case of a new war, be exposed to the like calamities ; inasmuch as 
their whole southern frontier continueth unsettled, and lieth opeajtp 
the said savages ; and whereas we think it highly becoming our 
crown and royal dignity to protect all our loving subjects, be they 
never so distant from us ; to extend our fatherly compassion even to 
the meanest and most infatuate of our people, and to relieve the wants 
of our above mentioned poor subjects ; and that it will be highly con- 
ducive for accomplishing those ends, that a regular colony of the said 
poor people be settled and established in the southern territories of 
Carolina ; and whereas we have been well assured, that if we would 
be graciously pleased to erect and settle a corporation, for the receiv- 
ing, managing and disposing of the contributions of our loving sub- 



2 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

jects, divers persons would be induced to contribute to the purposes 
aforesaid. Know ye therefore, that we have, for the consideration 
aforesaid, and for the better and more orderly carrying- on the said 
good purposes, of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere 
motion, willed, ordained, constituted and appointed, and by these 
presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do will, ordain, constitute, 
declare and grant, that our right trusty and well beloved John Lord 
Viscounl Percival, of our Kingdom of Ireland, our trusty and well 
l)clo\ ed Edward Digby, George Carpenter, James Oglethorpe, George 
Heathcote, Thomas Tower, Robert Moor, Robert Hucks, Roger Hol- 
land, William Sloper, Francis Eyles, John Laroche, James Vernon, 
William Beletha, Esqrs., A. M., John Burton, B. D., Richard Bun- 
dy, A. M., Arthur Beaford, A. M., Samuel Smith, A.M., Adam Ander- 
son, and Thomas Coram, gentlemen, and such other persons as shall 
he elected in the manner herein alter mentioned, and their successors 
to he elected in the manner herein after directed, be, and shall be one 
body politic and corporate, in deed and in name, by the name of The 
'Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America; and them 
and their successors by the same name, we do, by these presents, for 
us, our heirs and successors, really and fully make, ordain, constitute 
and declare, to be one body politic in deed and in name forever; and 
that by tin- same name, they and their successors shall and may have 
perpetual succession; and that they and their successors, by that 
name, shall and may forever hereafter be persons able and capable 
in the law, to purchase, have, take, receive and enjoy, to them and 
their successors, any manors, messuages, lands, tenements, rents, 
advowsons, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, franchises, and other 
hereditaments whatsoever, lying and being in Great Britain, or any 
part thereof, of whatsoever nature, kind or quality, or value they be, 
in fee and in perpetuity ; not exceeding the yearly value of one 
thousand pounds, beyond reprises ; also estates tor lives and for years; 
and all other manner of goods, chattels and things whatsoever they 
be ; for the better settling and supporting, and maintaining the said 
colony, and other uses aforesaid; and to give, grant, let and demise 
the said manors, messuages, Lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods, 
chattels and things whatsoever aforesaid, by lease or leases, for term 
of years, in possession at the time of granting thereof, and not in 
reversion, not exceeding the term of thirty-one years from the time 
ofc granting thereof; on which in case no fine be taken, shall be 
reserved tin- full; and m ease a fine be taken, shall be reserved 
at least a moiety of the value that the same shall reasonably 
and bona fide be worth at the time of such demise ; and that they and 
their successors, by the name aforesaid, shall and may forever here- 
after be persons able, capable in the law, to purchase, have, take, 
receive and enjoy, to them and their successors, any lands, territories, 
possessions, tenements, jurisdictions, franchises and hereditaments 
whatsoever, lying and bring in America, of what quantity, qualitv or 
value whatsoever they be. for the better settling and supporting, "and 
maintaining the said colony; and that by the name aforesaid they 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 6 

shall and may be able to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, 
answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended in all courts 
and places whatsoever, and before whatsoever judges, justices and 
other officers, of us, our heirs and successors, in all and singular 
actions, plaints, pleas, matters, suits and demands, of what kind, 
nature or quality soever they be ; and to act and do all other matters 
and things in as ample manner and form as any other our liege sub- 
jects of this realm of Great Britain ; and that they and their successors 
forever hereafter, shall and may have a common seal to serve, for the 
causes and businesses of them and their successors ; and that it shall 
and may be lawful for them and their successors, to change, break, 
alter and make new the said seal, from time to time, and at their 
pleasure, as they shall think best. And we do further grant, for us, our 
heirs and successors, that the said corporation and the common coun- 
cil of the said corporation hereinafter by us appointed, may from time 
to time, and at all times, meet about their affairs when and where 
they please, and transact and carry on the business of the said cor- 
poration. And for the better execution of the purposes aforesaid, we 
do, bv these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant 
to the said corporation, and their successors, that they and their suc- 
cessors forever may, upon the third Thursday in the month of March 
yearly, meet at some convenient place to be appointed by the said 
corporation, or major part of them who shall be present at any meet- 
ing of the said corporation, to be had for the appointing of the said 
place ; and that they or two-thirds of such of them that shall be present 
at such yearly meeting, and at no other meeting of the said corporation, 
between the hours of ten in the morning and four in the afternoon of 
the same day, choose and elect such person or persons to be members 
of the said corporation, as they shall think beneficial to the good 
designs of the said corporation. And our further will and pleasure 
is, that if it shall happen that any person herein after by us appointed, 
as the common council of the said corporation, or any persons to be 
elected or admitted members of the said common council in the man- 
ner hereafter directed, shall die, or shall by writing under his and 
their hands respectively resign his or their office or offices of common 
council man or common council men; the said corporation, or the 
major part of such of them as shall be present, shall and may at such 
meeting, on the said third Thursday in March yearly, in manner as 
aforesaid, next after such death or resignation, and at no other meet- 
ing of the said corporation, into the room or place of such person or 
persons so dead or so resigning, elect and choose one or more such 
person or persons, being members of the said corporation, as to them 
shall seem meet : and our will is, that all and every the person or 
persons which shall from time to time hereafter be elected common 
council men of the said corporation as aforesaid, do and shall, before 
he or they act as common council men of the said corporation, take 
an oath for the faithful and due execution of their office ; which oath the 
president of the said corporation for the time being, is hereby author- 
ized and required to administer to such person or persons elected as 



4 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

aforesaid. And our will and pleasure is, that the first president of the 
said corporation is and shall be our trusty and well-beloved, the said 
Lord John Viscount Percival ; and that the said president shall, 
within thirty days after the passing this charter, cause a summons to 
be issued to the several members of the said corporation herein par- 
ticularly named, to meet at such time and place as he shall appoint, 
to consult about and transact the businesses of said corporation. And 
our will and pleasure is, and we, by these presents, for us, our heirs 
and successors, grant, ordain and direct, that the common council of 
this corporation shall consist of fifteen in number ; and we do, by 
these presents, nominate, constitute and appoint our right trusty and 
well-beloved John Lord Viscount Percival, our trusty and beloved 
Edward Digby, George Carpenter, James Oglethorpe, George Heath- 
cote, Thomas Laroche, James Vernon, William Beletha, Esqrs., and 
Stephen Hales, Master of Arts, to be the common council of the said 
corporation, to continue in the said office during their good behaviour. 
And whereas it is our royal intention, that the members of the said 
corporation should be increased by election, as soon as conveniently 
may be, to a greater number than is hereby nominated ; Our further 
will and pleasure is, and we do hereby, for us, our heirs and succes- 
sors, ordain and direct, that from the time of such increase of the 
members of the said corporation, the number of the common council 
shall be increased to twenty-four ; and that the same assembly at 
which such additional members of the said corporation shall be chosen, 
there shall likewise be elected in the manner herein before directed 
for the election of common council men, nine persons to be the said 
common council men, and to make up the number twenty-four. And 
our further will and pleasure is, that our trusty and well-beloved 
Edward Digby, Esq., shall be the first chairman of the common 
council of the said corporation ; and that the said Lord Viscount 
Percival shall be and continue president cf the said corporation ; and 
that the said Edward Digby shall be and continue chairman of the 
common council of the said corporation, respectively, until the meet- 
ing which shall be had next and immediately after the first meeting 
of the said corporation, or of the common council of the said corpora- 
tion respectively, and no longer : at which said second meeting, and 
every other subsequent and future meeting of the said corporation, or 
of the common council of the said corporation respectively, in order 
1o preserve an indifferent rotation of the several officers of president 
of the corporation, and of chairman of the common council of the 
said corporation, we do direct and ordain, that all and every the 
person and persons members of the said common council for the time 
being, and no other, being present at such meetings, shall severally 
and respectively in their turns, preside at the meetings which shall 
from time to time be held of the said corporation, or of the common 
council of the said corporation respectively. And in case any doubt 
or question shall at any time arise touching or concerning the right 
of any member of the said common council to preside, at any meeting 
of the said corporation, or at the common council of the said corpora- 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 



tion, the same shall respectively be determined by the major part of 
the said corporation, or of the common council of the said corporation 
respectively, who shall be present at such meeting. Provided always, 
that no member of the said common council having served in the 
offices of president of the said corporation, or of chairman of the com- 
mon council of the said corporation, shall be«capable of being or of serv- 
ing as president or chairman at any meeting of the said corporation, 
orcommon council of the said corporation, next and immediately ensu- 
ing that in which he so served as president of the said corporation, 
or chairman of the said common council of the said corporation 
respectively ; unless it shall so happen, that at any such meeting of the 
said corporation there shall not be any other member of the said com- 
mon council present. And our will and pleasure is, that at all and every 
of the meetings of the said corporation, or of the common council of 
the said corporation, the president or chairman for the time being, 
shall have a voice, and shall vote and shall act as a member of the 
said corporation, or of the common council of the said corporation, at 
such meeting; and in case of any equality of votes, the said president 
or chairman, for the time being, shall have a casting vote. And our 
further will and pleasure is, that no president of the said corporation, 
or chairman of the common council of the said corporation, or member 
of the said common council or corporation, by us by these presents ap- 
pointed, or hereafter from time to time to be elected and appointed in 
manner aforesaid, shall have, take or receive, directly or indirectly, any 
salary, fee, perquisite, benefit or profit whatsoever, for or by reason of his 
or their serving the said corporation, or common council of the said 
corporation, or president, chairman, or common council man, or as 
being a member of the said corporation. And our will and pleasure is, 
that the said herein before appointed president, chairman or common 
council men, before he and they act respectively as such, shall severally 
take an oath for the faithful and due execution of their trust, to be 
administered to the president by the Chief Baron of our Court of 
Exchequer, for the time being, and by the president of the said 
corporation to the rest of the common council, who are hereby 
authorized severally and respectively to administer the same. And 
our will and pleasure is, that all and every person and persons shall 
have, in his or their own name or names, or in the name or names of 
any person or persons in trust for him or them, or for his or their 
benefit, any office, place or employment of profit, under the said cor- 
poration, shall be incapable of being elected a member of the said 
corporation ; and if any member of the said corporation, during such 
time as he shall continue a member thereof, shall in his own name, 
or in the name of any person or persons in trust for him, or for his 
benefit, have, hold, exercise, accept, possess or enjoy any office, place 
or employment of profit under the said corporation, or under the 
common council of the said corporation, such member shall from the 
time of his having, holding, exercising, accepting, possessing and 
enjoying such office, place and employment of profit, cease to be a 
member of the said corporation. And we do, for us, our heirs and 



6 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

successors, grant unto the said corporation, that they and their 
successors, or the major part of such of them as shall be present 
at any meeting of the said corporation, convened and assembled 
for that purpose by a convenient notice thereof, shall have power 
from time to time and at all times hereafter, to authorize and 
appoint such persons as they shall think fit, to take subscriptions, 
and to gather and collect such moneys as shall be by any person or 
persons contributed for the purposes aforesaid, and shall and may 
revoke and make void such authorities and appointments as often as 
they shall see cause so to do. And we do hereby, for us, our heirs 
and successors, ordain and direct, that the said corporation every year 
lay an account in writing before the chancellor or speaker, or com- 
missioners for the custody of the great seal of Great Britain, of us, 
our heirs and successors, the Chief Justice of the Court of King's 
Bench, the Master of Rolls, the Chief Justice of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, and the Chief Baron of the Exchequer, of us, our heirs 
and successors, for the time being, or any tw r o of them, of all moneys 
and effects by them received or expended for carrying on the good 
purposes aforesaid. And we do hereby, for us, our heirs and succes- 
sors, give and grant unto the said corporation and their successors, 
full power and authority to constitute, ordain and make such and so 
many by-laws, constitutions, orders and ordinances, as to them or the 
greater part of them, at their general meeting for that purpose, shall 
seem necessary and convenient for the well ordering and governing 
of the said corporation, and the said by-laws, constitutions, orders and 
ordinances, or any of them, to alter and annul as they or the major 
part of them then present shall see requisite ; and in and by such by- 
laws, rules, orders and ordinances, to set, impose and inflict reasona- 
ble pains and penalties upon any offender or offenders w r ho shall 
transgress, break or violate the said by-laws, constitutions, orders and 
ordinances, so made as aforesaid, and to mitigate the same as they or 
the major part of them then present shall think convenient ; which 
said pains and penalties shall and may be levied, sued for, taken, 
retained and recovered by the said corporation and their successors, 
by their officers and servants from time to time to be appointed for 
that purpose, by action of debt, or by any other lawful ways or means, 
to the use and behoof of the said corporation and their successors ; 
all and singular which by-laws, constitutions, orders and ordinances, 
so as aforesaid to be made, we will shall be duly observed and kept, 
under the pains and penalties therein to be contained, so always, as 
the said by-laws, constitutions, orders and ordinances, pains and 
penalties, from time to time to be made and imposed, be reasonable, 
and not contrary or repugnant to the laws or statutes of this our 
realm ; and that such by-laws, constitutions and ordinances, pains 
and penalties, from time to time to be made and imposed ; and any 
repeal or alteration thereof, or any of them, be likewise agreed to, be 
established and confirmed by the said general meeting of the said 
corporation, to be held and kept next after the same shall be respect- 
ively made. And whereas the said corporation intend to settle a 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 7 

colony, and to make an habitation and plantation in that part of our 
province of South Carolina, in America, herein after described; know 
ye, that we, greatly desiring the happy success of the said corporation, 
for their further encouragement in accomplishing so excellent a work, 
have, of our 'foresaid grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, 
given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and suc- 
cessors, do give and grant to the said corporation and their successors, 
under the reservation, limitation and declaration hereafter expressed, 
seven undivided parts, the whole in eight equal parts to be divided, 
of all those lands, countries and territories situate, lying and being in 
that part of South Carolina, in America, which lies from the most 
northern part of a stream or river there, commonly called the Savan- 
nah, all along the sea coast to the southward, unto the most southern 
stream of a certain other great water or river called the Alatamaha, 
and westerly from the heads of the said rivers respectively, in direct 
lines to the South Seas ; and all that share, circuit and precinct of 
land within the said boundaries, with the islands on the sea lying 
opposite to the eastern coast of the said lands, within twenty leagues 
of the same, which are not inhabited already, or settled by any 
authority derived from the crown of Great Britain, together with all 
the soils, grounds, havens, ports, gulfs and bays, mines, as well royal 
mines of gold and silver as other minerals, precious stones, quarries, 
woods, rivers, waters, fishings, as well royal fishings of whale and 
sturgeon as other fishings, pearls, commodities, jurisdictions, royal- 
ties, franchises, privileges and pre-eminences within the said fron- 
tiers and precincts thereof, and thereunto in any sort belonging or 
appertaining, and which we by our letter patents may or can grant ; 
and in as ample manner and sort as we may, or any of our royal 
progenitors have hitherto granted to any company, body, politic 01 
corporate, or to any adventurer or adventurers, undertaker or underta- 
kers, of any discoveries, plantations or traffic, of, in, or unto any foreign 
parts whatsoever, and in as legal and ample manner as if the same 
were herein particularly mentioned and expressed: To have, hold 
possess and enjoy the said seven undivided parts, the whole into 
eight equal parts to be divided as aforesaid, of all and singular the 
lands, countries and territories, with all and singular other the premises 
herein before by these presents granted or mentioned, or intended to 
be granted to them the said corporation and their successors, for ever, 
for the better support of the said colony ; to be holden of us, our 
heirs and successors, as of our honour of Hampton Court, in our county 
of Middlesex, in free and common soccage, and not in capite ; yield- 
ing and paying therefor to us, our heirs and successors, yearly for ever, 
the sum of four shillings for every hundred acres of the said lands 
which the said corporation shall grant, demise, plant, or settle ; the 
said payment not to commence or to be made until ten years after 
such grant, demise, planting or settling, and to be answered and paid 
to us, our heirs and successors, in such manner, and in such species 
of money or notes as shall be current in payment by proclamation, 
from time to time in our said province of South Carolina ; all which 



8 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

lands, countries, territories and premises hereby granted, or mentioned 
and intended to be granted, we do, by these presents, make, erect and 
create, one independent and separate province, by the name of Georgia, 
by which name, we will, the same henceforth be called ; and that all 
and every person or persons who shall at any time hereafter inhabit 
or reside within our said province, shall be and hereby are declared 
to be free, and shall not be subject to or be bound to obey any laws, 
orders, statutes, or constitutions which have been heretofore made, 
ordered, and enacted, or which hereafter shall be made, ordered or 
enacted by, for, or as the laws, orders, statutes or constitutions of our 
said province of South Carolina (save and except only the command 
in chief of the militia of our said province of Georgia, to our gover- 
nor for the time being, of South Carolina, in manner hereafter 
declared) but shall be subject to and bound to obey such laws, orders, 
statutes and constitutions as shall from time to time be made, ordered, 
and enacted, for the better government of the said province of Geor- 
gia, in the manner herein after declared. And we do hereby, for us, 
our heirs and successors, ordain, w 7 ill and establish, that for and dur- 
ing the term of tw T enty-one years, to commence from the date of 
these our letters patent, the said corporation assembled for that pur- 
pose, shall and may form and prepare laws, statutes and ordinances, 
fit and necessary for and concerning the government of the said colo- 
ny, and not repugnant to the laws and statutes of England, and the 
same shall and may present, under their common seal, to us, our 
heirs and successors, in our or their privy council, for our or their 
approbation or disallowance ; and the said laws, statutes and ordi- 
nances, being approved of by us, our heirs and successors, in our or 
their privy council, shall from thenceforth be in full force and virtue 
within our said province of Georgia. And forasmuch as the good and 
prosperous success of the said colony cannot but chiefly depend, next 
under the blessing of God and the support of our royal authority, upon 
the provident and good direction of the whole enterprise; and that it 
will be too great a burthen upon all the members of the said corpora- 
tion, to be convened so often as may be requisite to hold meetings for 
the settling, supporting, ordering and maintaining the said colony: 
therefore we do will, ordain, and establish, that the said common 
council for the time being, of the said corporation, being assembled 
for that purpose, or the major part of them, shall from time to time 
and at all times hereafter, have full power and authority to dispose of, 
extend, and apply all the moneys and effects belonging to the said 
corporation, in such manner and ways, and by such expenses as they 
shall think best to conduce to the carrying on and effecting the good 
purposes herein mentioned and intended: and also, shall have full 
power, in the name and on the account of the said corporation, and 
with and under their common seal, to enter under any covenants or 
contracts for carrying on and effecting the purposes aforesaid. And 
our further will and pleasure is, that the said common council for the 
time being, or the major part of such common council which shall 
be present and assembled for that purpose, from time to time, and at 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 9 

all times hereafter, shall and may nominate, constitute and appoint a 
treasurer or treasurers, secretary or secretaries, and such other offi- 
cers, ministers and servants of the said corporation, as to them or the 
major part of them as shall be present shall seem proper or requisite 
for the good management of their affairs ; and at their will and plea- 
sure to displace, remove, and put out such treasurer or treasurers, 
secretary or secretaries, and all such other officers, ministers and ser- 
vants, as often as they shall think fit so to do, and others in the room, 
office, place or station of him or them so displaced, removed or put 
out, to nominate, constitute and appoint ; and shall and may deter- 
mine and appoint such reasonable salaries, perquisites and other re- 
wards for their labour, or service of such officers, servants and persons, 
as to the said common council shall seem meet ; and all such officers, 
servants and persons shall, before the acting their respective offices, 
take an oath, to be to them administered by the chairman for the time 
being of the said common council of the said corporation, who is 
hereby authorized to administer the same, for the faithful and due 
execution of their respective offices and places. And our will and 
pleasure is, that all such person and persons who shall from time 
to time be chosen or appointed treasurer or treasurers, secretary or 
secretaries of the said corporation, in manner herein after directed, shall, 
during such times as they shall serve in the said offices respectively, 
be incapable of being a member of the said corporation. And we do 
further, of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, for 
us, our heirs and successors, grant, by these presents, to the said cor- 
poration and their successors, that it shall be lawful for them and 
their officers or agents, at all times hereafter, to transport and convey 
out of our realm of Great Britain, or any other of our dominions, into 
the said province of Georgia, to be there settled, so many of our lov- 
ing subjects, or any foreigners that are willing to become our subjects 
and live under our allegiance in the said colony, as shall be willing to 
go to inhabit or reside there, with sufficient shipping, armor, weapons, 
powder, shot, ordnance, munition, victuals, merchandise and wares, 
as are esteemed by the wild people, clothing, implements, furniture, 
cattle, horses, mares, and all other things necessary for the said 
colony, and for the use and defence, and trade with the people there, 
and in passing and returning to and from the same. Also we do, for 
ourselves and successors, declare, by these presents, that all and 
every the persons wdiich shall happen to be born within the said pro- 
vince, and every of their children and posterity, shall have and enjoy 
all liberties, franchises and immunities of free denizens and natural 
born subjects, within any of our dominions, to all intents and pur- 
poses, as if abiding and born within this our kingdom of Great Bri- 
tain, or any other dominion. And for the greater ease and encour- 
agement of our loving subjects, and such others as shall come to 
inhabit in our said colony, we do, by these presents, for us, our heirs 
and successors, grant, establish and ordain, that for ever, hereafter, 
there shall be a liberty of conscience allowed in the worship of God, 
to all persons inhabiting, or which shall inhabit or be resident within 



10 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

our said province, and that all such persons, except papists, shall 
have a free exercise of religion; so they be contented with the 
quid and peaceable enjoyment of the same, not giving- offence or 
scandal to the government. And our further will and pleasure is, 
and we do hereby, for us, our heirs and successors, declare and grant, 
that it shall and may be lawful for the said common council, or the 
major part of them, assembled for that purpose, in the name of the 
corporation, and under the common seal, to distribute, convey, assign, 
and set over such particular portions of lands, tenements and heredi- 
taments by these presents granted to the said corporation, unto such 
of our loving subjects naturally born or denizens, or others, that shall 
be willing to become our subjects, and live under our allegiance in 
the said colony, upon such terms, and for such estates, and upon such 
rents, reservations and conditions as the same may be lawfully granted, 
and as to the said common council, or the major part of them so 
present, shall seem fit and proper. Provided always, that no grants 
shall be made of any part of the said lands unto any person being a 
member of the said corporation, or to any other person in trust for the 
benefit of any member of the said corporation ; and that no person 
having any estate or interest in law or equity in any part of the said 
lands, shall be capable of being a member of the said corporation, 
during the continuance of such estate or interest. Provided also, 
that no greater quantity of lands be granted, either entirely or in 
parcels, to or for the use or in trust for any one person than five hun- 
dred acres ; and that all grants made contrary to the true intent and 
meaning hereof, shall be absolutely null and void. And we do hereby 
grant and ordain, that such person or persons for the time being, as 
shall be thereunto appointed by the said corporation, shall and may 
at all times, and from time to time hereafter, have full power and 
authority to administer and give the oaths appointed by an act of par- 
liament made in the first year of the reign of our late royal father, to 
be taken instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy ; and also 
the oath of abjuration, to all and every person and persons which 
shall at any time be inhabiting or residing within our said colony ; 
and in like cases to administer the solemn affirmation to any of the 
persons commonly called quakers, in such manner as by the laws of 
our realm of Great Britain the same may be administered. And we 
do, of our further grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, grant, 
establish and ordain, for us, our heirs and successors, that the said 
corporation and their successors, shall have full power and authority 
for and during the term of twenty-one years, to commence from the 
date of these our letters patent, to erect and constitute judicatories and 
courts of record, or other courts, to be held in the name of us, our 
heirs and successors, for the hearing and determining of all manner 
of crimes, offences, pleas, processes, plaints, actions, matters, causes, 
and things whatsoever, arising or happening within the said province 
of Georgia or between persons of Georgia ; whether the same be 
criminal or civil, and whether the said crimes be capital or not capi- 
tal, and whether the said pleas be real, personal or mixed ; and for 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 11 

awarding and making out executions thereupon ; to which courts and 
judicatories, we do hereby, for us, our heirs and successors, give 
and grant full power and authority, from time to time, to administer 
oaths for the discovery of truth, in any matter in controversy or 
depending before them, or the solemn affirmation to any of the persons 
commonly called Quakers, in such manner as by the laws of our 
realm of Great Britain the same may be administered. And our fur- 
ther will and pleasure is, that the said corporation and their succes- 
sors, do from time to time and at all times hereafter, register or cause 
to be registered all such leases, grants, plantings, conveyances, set- 
tlements and improvements whatsoever, as shall at any time hereafter 
be made by or in the name of the said corporation, of any lands, 
tenements or hereditaments within the said province, and shall yearly 
send and transmit, or cause to be sent or transmitted, authentic 
accounts of such leases, grants, conveyances, settlements and im- 
provements respectively, unto the auditor of the plantations for the 
time being, or his deputy, and also to our surveyor for the time 
being of our said province of South Carolina, to whom we do hereby 
grant full power and authority from time to time, as often as need 
shall require, to inspect and survey such of the said lands and pre- 
mises as shall be demised, granted and settled as aforesaid, which 
said survey and inspection we do hereby declare to be intended to 
ascertain the quit-rents, which shall from time to time become due to 
us, our heirs and successors, according to the reservations herein 
before mentioned, and for no other purposes whatsoever; hereby, for 
us, our heirs and successors; strictly enjoining and commanding, that 
neither our or their surveyor, or any person whatsoever, under the 
pretext and colour of making the said survey or inspection, shall take, 
demand or receive any gratuity, fee or reward, of or from any person 
or persons inhabiting in the said colony, or from the said corporation 
or common council of the same, on the pain of forfeiture of the said 
office or offices, and incurring our highest displeasure. Provided 
always, and our further will and pleasure is, that all leases, grants 
and conveyances to be made by or in the name of the said corporation, 
of any lands within the said province, or a memorial containing the 
substance and effect thereof, shall be registered with the auditor of 
the said plantations, of us, our heirs and successors, within the space 
of one year, to be computed from the date thereof, otherwise the 
same shall be void. And our further will and pleasure is, that the 
rents, issues, and all other profits which shall at any time hereafter 
come to the said corporation, or the major part of them which shall 
be present at any meeting for that purpose assembled, shall think will 
most improve and enlarge the said colony, and best answer the good 
purposes herein before mentioned, and for defraying all other charges 
about the same. And our will and pleasure is, that the said corporation 
and their successors, shall from time to time give in to one of the principal 
secretaries of state and to the commissioners of trade and plantations, ac- 
counts of the progresses of the said colony. And our will and pleasure- 
is, that no act done at any meeting of the said common council of the 



12 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

said corporation, shall be effectual and valid, unless eight members 
at least of the said common council, including- the member who shall 
serve as chairman at the said meeting, be present, and the major part 
of them consenting thereunto. And our will and pleasure is, that the 
common council of the said corporation for the time being, or the 
major part of them who shall be present, being assembled for that 
purpose, shall from time to time, for and during and unto the full end 
and expiration of twenty-one years, to commence from the date of 
these our letters patent, have full power and authority to nominate, 
make, constitute, commission, ordain and appoint, by such name or 
names, style or styles, as to them shall seem meet and fitting, all and 
singular such governors, judges, magistrates, ministers and officers, 
civil and military, both by sea and land, within the said districts, as 
shall by them be thought fit and needful to be made or used for the 
said government of the said colony ; save always and except such 
officers only as shall by us, our heirs and successors, be from time to 
time constituted and appointed, for the managing, collecting and 
receiving such revenues as shall from time to time arise within the said 
province of Georgia, and become due to us, our heirs and successors. 
Provided always, and it is our will and pleasure, that every governor 
of the said province of Georgia, to be appointed by the common 
council of the said corporation, before he shall enter upon or execute 
the said office of Governor, shall be approved by us, our heirs or 
successors, and shall take such oaths and shall qualify himself in such 
manner in all respects, as any governor or commander in chief of any 
of our colonies or plantations in America are by law required to do ; 
and shall give good and sufficient security for observing the several 
acts of Parliament relating to trade and navigation, and to observe 
and obey all instructions that shall be sent to him by us, our heirs 
and successors, or any acting under our or their authority, pursuant 
to the said acts, or any of them. And we do, by these presents, for 
us, our heirs and successors, will, grant and ordain, that the said cor- 
poration and their successors, shall have full power for and during 
and until the full end and term of twenty-one years, to commence 
from the date of these our letters patent, by any commander or other 
officer or officers by them for that purpose from time to time appointed, 
to train, instruct, exercise and govern a militia for the special defence 
and safety of our said colony, to assemble in martial array the inhab- 
itants of the said colony, and to lead and conduct them, and with them 
to encounter, expulse, repel, resist and pursue, by force of arms, as 
well by sea as by land, within or without the limits of our said colony ; 
and also to kill, slay and destroy, and conquer by all fitting ways, 
enterprises and means whatsoever, all and every such person or per- 
sons as shall at any time hereafter, in any hostile manner, attempt or 
enterprise the destruction, invasion, detriment or annoyance of our 
said colony ; and to use and exercise the martial law in time of actual 
war and invasion or rebellion, in such cases where by law the same 
may be used or exercised ; and also from time to time to erect forts 
and fortify any place or places within our said colony, and the same 



CHARTER OF THE COLONY. 13 

to furnish with all necessary ammunition, provisions and stores of 
war, for offence and defence, and to commit from time to time the 
custody or government of the same to such person or persons as to 
them shall seem meet ; and the said forts and fortifications to demo- 
lish at their pleasure ; and to take and surprise, by all ways and 
means, all and every such person or persons, with their ships, arms, 
ammunition and other goods, as shall in an hostile manner invade or 
attempt the invading, conquering or annoying of our said colony. 
And our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby, for us, our heirs and 
successors, declare and grant, that the governor and commander in 
chief of the province of South Carolina, of us, our heirs and succes- 
sors for the time being, shall at all times hereafter have the chief 
command of the militia of our said province, hereby erected and 
established ; and that such militia shall observe and obey all orders 
and directions that shall from time to time be given or sent them by 
the said governor or commander in chief, anything in these presents 
before contained to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding. 
And, of our more special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, 
we have given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs 
and successors, do give and grant unto the said corporation and their 
successors, full power and authority to import and export their goods 
at and from any port or ports that shall be appointed by us, our heirs 
and successors, within the said province of Georgia for that purpose, 
without being obliged to touch at any other port in South Carolina. 
And we do, by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, will and 
declare, that from and after the determination of the said term of one 
andtwenty years, such form of government and method of makinglaws, 
statutes and ordinances, for the better governing and ordering the said 
province of Georgia, and the inhabitants thereof, shall be established 
and observed within the same, as we, our heirs and successors, shall 
hereafter ordain and appoint, and shall be agreeable to law ; and that 
from and after the determination of the said term of one and twenty 
years, the governor of our said province of Georgia, and all officers, civil 
and military, within the same, shall from time to time be nominated 
and constituted and appointed by us, our heirs and successors. And 
lastly, we do hereby, for us, our heirs and successors, grant unto the 
said corporation and their successors, that these our letters patent, 
or the enrollments or exemplification thereof, shall be in and by all 
things, good, firm, valid, sufficient and effectual in the Law, according 
to the true intent and meaning thereof, and shall be taken, construed 
and adjudged in all courts and elsewhere, in the most favourable and 
beneficial sense, and for the best advantage of the said corporation and 
their successors, any omission, imperfection, defect, matter or cause 
or thing whatsoever to the contrar) in any wise notwithstanding. In 
witness we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Witness 
ourself at Westminster, the ninth day of June, in the fifth year of our 
reign. 

By writ of privy seal. 

COOKS. 



14 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTERS. 

The compiler has examined the Minutes of the Trustees for the 
Establishment of the Colony of Georgia, and made the following 
extracts : 

Palace Court. Old Palace Yard, 
Westminster, July 20, 1732. 

The Lord Viscount Percival, being met by Thomas Tower, James Vernon 
George Heathcote, James Oglethorpe, Robert Hucks, Wm. Belitha. Robert 
More, Esqrs., Arthur Beaford, Samuel Smith, Clerks; Capt. Thomas Coram, 
and Adam Anderson, Gent., in pursuance to the following- summons, issued by 
his lordship to them, and all other the trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia 
in America, viz : 

Sir, — His Majesty having been graciously pleased by his charter bearing date 9th 
June, 1732, to appoint you to be one of the Common Council, and one of the 
trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia, in America ; and by same charter 
I am enjoined to cause summons to be issued to the several trustees therein par- 
ticularly named, to meet at such time and place as I shall appoint, to consult 
about and transact the business of the said corporation. In obedience to the 
injunction of the charter, I therefore summon you to meet the rest of the trustees, 
at their office in Palace Court, old palace yard, at four of the Clock, in the after- 
noon on the 20 July, 1732. to transact the business of the said corporation. 

His Lordship produced the following certificate : 

July 7, 1732. — These are to certify, that the right Hon. the Lord Viscount 
Percival, of the kingdom of Ireland, came this day before me, and took the follow- 
ing oath, as President of the trustees, for establishing the colony of Georgia, in 
America : — 

I do swear that I will, well and truly, execute the office of President of the 
trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia, in America, to the best of my skill 
and knowledge. So help me God. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand. 

His Lordship then proceeded to administer the said oath, the word President- 
being only changed for that of Common Councilman, to Thomas Tower. James 
Vernon, George Heathcote, James Oglethorpe, Robert Hucks, Wm. Belitha, and 
Robert More, Esqs., being common councilmen of the said corporation. 

Letters were produced to the trustees, from divers noblemen and gentlemen, 
and also from the corporation of Liverpool, testifying their desire to forward this 
design, and to accept of commissions for collecting benefactions for that 
purpose. 

Ordered : That the thanks of the trustees be returned, and that Commissions for 
the said persons be prepared, in pursuance to their desire. 

Wm. Furry, the Leader, and Wm. Binmong, the Minister, and others, the elders 
of the Swiss Congregation, intending to build a town to be called by the name 
of Purrisburg, on the northern side of the Savannah river, in South Carolina, came and 
thanked the trustees for the protection they had already afforded them, and to 
desire that a good correspondence and friendship might be maintained between 
them, and such colonies as the said trustees should settle, in the Province of 
Georgia. 

The trustees gave them thirteen guineas, for the relief of the sick, and child- 
bearing women in their passage, beinsr the private benefaction of Mr. George 
Heathcote, and Mr. Belitha, for that purpose. 

His Lordship being President, this first meeting adjourned to Thurgday, July 
27, 1732. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES. 15 

July 27. — At this meeting a book of by-laws was ordered, and the Charter to 
be wrote in the beginning of it. Mr. Vernon reported that the petition of the 
trustees had been received by his Majesty, and a proposal was drawn up to trans- 
port a number of the Saltzburghers exiles. 

August 3, 1732. — Gen. Oglethorpe reported the names of many persons desi- 
rous of encouraging the colony. 

Aug. 10, 1732. — Committee, viz: Oglethorpe, Heathcote, Tower, More, Hucks, 
Laroche and Vernon, to propose laws for the regulation of the Colony. 

August 31, 1732. — Jacob Winckler, Theobald Keiffer, Ludwig Roel, and other 
German Swiss, being laborers and vine dressers, attended and received from 
Lord Carpenter and Mr. Oglethorpe three guineas towards furnishing them with 
tools ; they, with their families, being the first Germans that are to establish the 
town of Purrisburgh. 

September 21, 1732. — Received a receipt from the bank for £252, benefaction 
from the Bank of England. 

November, 2, 1732. — Seal fixed to a grant for erecting a Court of Judicature 
in Savannah. 

November 8, 1732. — Benefactions acknowledged. Dr. Henry Herbert offered 
to go to Georgia, without any assistance, to perform all religious services. — 
Accepted. 

Nov. 16, 1732. — On board the frigate Ann. Capt. Thomas, mustered the passen- 
gers on board; and computed the height of them to 91 heads. 

Nov. 23, 1732. — Read copies of letters from Horatio Walpole, Esq., to his depu- 
ties ; from the Duke of Newcastle, to the Governors of South Carolina, Virginia, 
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New-York, New-England, Barbadoes, &c, for their 
assistance to Mr. Oglethorpe, on his voyage. A common seal to be affixed to 
a power of attorney, to James Oglethorpe, to appoint such commander or other 
officer or officers, as he may think proper, to train and exercise the militia in 
Georgia. 

Dec. 14, 1732. — Names of persons to be sent to Georgia, to be printed in one of 
the public papers, once a fortnight, before their embarkation. 

Dec. 21, 1732. — Mr. Quincy attended, with a recommendation to go over as 
a missionary to Georgia. 

Jan. 10, 1732-3. — Mr. Abercrombie, Attorney-General of South Carolina, deliv- 
ered in claims of people in South Carolina, to lands said to be run out by them on 
the south side of the Savannah River. He is informed that trustees were disposed 
to act justly to all persons, but that this affair could not receive immediate 
attention. 

Jan. 17, 1732-3. — A letter to be wrote to Sir Thomas Lambe, desiring his opinion 
of raising silk in Georgia. 

February 21, 1732-3. — Received from Lady Osborn, £50 towards building a 
church in Georgia. 

February 28, 1732-3. — A letter read from Mr. Oglethorpe, giving an account 
of his safe arrival at Charlestown, and the health of the colony, having lost in 
the passage but one person, a child aged eight months. 

April 11, 1733. — Names of all those who go to Georgia paying their own ex- 
penses, shall be published in one of the newspapers. 

_ April 18, 1733. — Received by the hands of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Wesley, a 
silver chalice and patine for the use of the first church in Savannah, the gift of 
an unknown benefactor. 



16 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

April 30, 1733. — A petition to the House of Commons for a supply was read, 
and approved of. 

August 11, 1733. — Read a letter of attorney for receiving of the treasury 
£1 0,000 granted by Parliament. 

Read a letter from Mr. Oglethorpe, with an account of the death of several 
persons in Georgia, which he imputed to the drinking of rum. Resolved, that 
the drinking of rum in Georgia be absolutely prohibited, and that all which 
shall be brought there be staved. 

July 17, 1734. — Wrote a letter to Sir Robert Walpole to know when the In- 
dians may be introduced to his Majesty, and to desire him to obtain an order for 
the King's coaches for them, and a sentry to preserve them from the insults of 
the mob. 

August 14, 1734. — Mr. John Tuck well promised to give a clock to the first 
church in Savannah. A scheme for raising a large sum of money for settling 
Georgia was received from Mr. Thomas Lowndes, and referred. 

Oct. 16, 1734. — Read an indenture for binding William Ewen* as servant to 
the trustees for two years. That 50 acres of land be given to the said William 
Ewen when his time is out. 

Jan. 15. 1735. — Read a letter from Mr. Joseph Richardson, with an offer of a 
couple of Swans for the Indians, and a couple of drums for the use of the Regi- 
ment. 

March 26, 1735. — Received a large Church Clock and Dyal plate for Savan- 
nah, the gift of Mr. Tuckwell. 

May 5, 1735. — One thousand cwt. of copper farthings to be sent to Georgia. 

July 2, 1735. — Received from the Bank a receipt for £20,000, granted by Par- 
liament. 

Sept. 24, 1735. — Read an appointment of Charles Wesley, A. M., to be Secre- 
tary for the Indian affairs in Georgia. 

Sept. 26, 1735. — A new town in Georgia to be laid out. to be called Frederica. 

Octo. 10, 1735. — John Wesley appointed Missionary at Savannah. 

Dec. 10, 1735. — Plato's works, Greek and Latin, and his Republique, (French,) 
to be bought for the use of the mission in Georgia. 

April 4, 1737. — A law was read against the use of gold and silver, in apparel 
and furniture, in Georgia, and for preventing extravagance and luxury. 

July 6th, 1737. — Received a Receipt from the Bank of England, for twenty 
thousand pounds, received by the Accountant at the Exchequer, (being so much 
granted the last session of Parliament, for the further securing and settling the 
colony of Georgia,) and paid in by him this day to the Bank. 

July 27, 1737. — Received a benefaction of a person who desired to be unknown. 
of a Seal for the Town Court of Savannah, with an Engine or press. &c, value 
£2 5s. Town Courts of Savannah and Frederica to be courts of law for trying 
offences against the act for preventing the importation and use of rum. 

Nov. 9, 1737. — Received from Major William Cook 16 different sorts of vine 
cuttings from France, for the use of the Colony. 

Dec. 7, 1737. — Several letters were read from Mr. Williamson at Savannah, 
complaining of the Rev. John Wesley having refused the Sacrament to his wife, 
Mrs. Sophia Williamson, with affidavit of latter thereupon, and two presentments 
of the Grand Jury of the Rev. John Wesley for said refusal, and for several other 
facts laid to his charge. 

* This gentleman afterwards became Governor of Georgia. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES. 17 

Ordered: That copies of said letters and affidavit be sent over to the Rev. Mr. 
John Wesley, desiring him to return his answers to the same as soon as possible ; 
and that a letter be sent to Mr. Williamson to acquaint him of said copies being 
sent to Mr. Wesley, and that, if he has anything new to lay before the Trus- 
tees, he should show it first to Mr. Wesley, and then send it over to them ; and that 
the Trustees think he should not have made his application to the world, by ad- 
vertising his complaints, before he had acquainted the Trustees with them. 

Dec. 21, 1737. — Read an instruction from the King, appointing that in the 
morning and evening prayers in the Litany, as well as in the occasional offices, 
in the Book of Common Prayer, where the Royal Family is appointed to be par- 
ticularly prayed for, the following Form and Order : " Their Royal Highnesses 
Frederic Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Duke, the Princess, and 
all the Royal Family," be forthwith published in all the parish churches and 
other places of Divine worship in the Colony of Georgia, and that obedience be 
paid thereto accordingly. 

Ordered: That a License be made out for the Rev. Mr. George White field to 
perform Ecclesiastical offices in Georgia, as a deacon in the Church of England. 

Feb. 22, 1737-8. — Rev. John Wesley delivered a narrative relating to the com- 
plaints of Mrs. Williamson and three certificates signed by three persons. 

April 26, 1738. — Rev. John Wesley left the appointment of him by Trustees to 
perform religious services in Georgia. The authority granted him ordered to be 
revoked. 

May 3, 1738. — Committee of Correspondence ordered to prepare an act to 
enable the Trustees to appoint Commissioners for the more effectual execution 
in a summary way, of the act to prevent the importation and use of rum and 
brandies in Georgia. 

May 19, 1738. — The seal of the Corporation, in pursuance of the orders of the 
Common Council, was affixed to the following deeds and papers, viz. : 

A Lease and Release, dated May 16 and 17, 1738, for three thousand acres of 
land, to the Bailiffs in Frederica, in trust for granting five acres to each soldier 
and non-commissioned officer of Col. Oglethorpe's Regiment. 

Another, for three thousand acres to the Bailiffs in Savannah, in trust for 
granting fifty acre lots to men being Protestants of twenty-one years of age and 
upwards, who shall arrive in Georgia within three years from the date. 

Jany. 24, 1738-9. — Several letters read from Gen. Oglethorpe and Thomas 
Jones relating to matters in Georgia. A petition read from the old freeholders 
in Frederica, asking for a supply, by way of loan, of bread kind, provisions and seeds. 

March 15, 1738-9. — A committee appointed to prepare a law of entail for Georgia. 

May 16, 1739. — Received a bottle of Salitrum seeds, being a remedy for the 
bloody flux, for the use ofthe Colony. R.ead a commission to the Rev. George White- 
field to perform all religious and ecclesiastical offices at Savannah, in Georgia. 

June 2, 1739. — Sealed a grant of five hundred acres of land to the Rev. George 
Whitefield, in trust for the use of the house to be erected and maintained for 
the receiving such children as now are, and shall hereafter be, left orphans in 
the colony of Georgia, in pursuance of the direction of the Common Council held 
the 30th ot last month. 

June 27, 1739. — That the seal of the corporation be affixed to the trustees-' 
answer to the Representation from Savannah, of the 9th of December. 1738^ for 
altering the Tenure of Lands, and introducing Negroes in Georgia. 

July 11, 1739. — Received a receipt from the Bank, for £20,000, paid in by the 
accomptant, being so much received by him at the Exchequer the 9th insfc, out 
of the supplies for the year 1739. 

Jany. 16, 1739-40. — Lieut. Delegal, Capt. Dymond, and Mr. Aspourger. asked 

2 



IS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

by the trustees their opinion about the climate of Georgia, — declared they 
thought it very healthy, and that in the hottest weather there are fine breezes in 
the middle of the day. As to the goodness of the soil, i: there was a great quantity 
of good land, called mixt land." Lieut. Delegal said, that the white Mulberry 
tree grows wild, as well as the black. Capt. Dymond said, that no vegetable 
thrives faster in any part of the world, than the Mulberry tree in Georgia. Mr. 
Aspourger said, that he had seen the family of Camuse winding silk. Captain 
Dempsey said, that the wild vines grow abundantly in Georgia; that the grapes 
are very sweet ; and that these vines are capable of great improvement by engraft- 
ment. Mr. Robert Millar, botanist, said that he believed Indigo would grow very 
well in Georgia, and that it may be sown and raised in four months in Georgia, 
whereas in most other places the climates are not proper for it above three months. 

Capt. Dymond being questioned about Cotton, declared that it thrives very well 
in Georgia ; that he has brought home with him very good pods of it ; and that 
it was planted on the Island of St. Simon, by Mr. Horton. 

Capt. Dymond, Lieut. Delegal, and Mr. Aspourger, declared that they had all 
seen the prickly pear shrub in Georgia, and the Cochineal Fly upon it, — That 
there are great numbers of those trees, which grow wild in the southern part of 
the Province ; and that the islands are full of them. — That they have taken the 
fly between their fingers, and though green upon the tree, it dyes the fingers, (if 
squeezed,) with a deep red colour. Lieut. Delegal said, the dye of it could not 
easily be washed off with soap. 

Capt. Dymond being asked by the trustees about the timber in the Province, 
said that he had seen very good and fit for masts, and that Captain Gascoigne's 
carpenter told him there was timber fit for masts for the largest men-of-war. — 
That the timber grows very high at some distance up in the country. — That the 
trees grow very near rivers, which are navigable, and down which they may be 
floated. Lieut. Delegal said, that the trees for masts are very tall, twenty miles up in 
the country from St. Simons. Capt. Shubrick said, that he had seen very fine 
knee timber growing near the sea. Capts. Dymond and Shubrick declared that 
the sea coast of Georgia is capable and secure for navigation, as any coast in the 
world. 

Capt. Mapey told the trustees, that since the establishment of Georgia, the price 
of lands has been greatly raised in Carolina, and the plantations there increased. 
That Georgia is a fine barrier for the Northern Provinces, and especially for 
Carolina ; and is also a great security against the running away of Negroes from 
Carolina to Augustine ; because every negro, at his first appearance in Georgia, 
must be immediately known to be a runaway, since there are no Negroes in 
Georgia. 

April 15, 1741. — Each County in Georgia to be under one President and four 
assistants. Thomas Stephens appointed President over the County of Savannah. 

March 3, 1741-2. — Received from the Custom House, a, chest of silk, imported 
from Georgia, with the following attestation : We whose names are underwritten, 
do hereby attest and certify, that the raw silk, contained in the chest herewith 
sent^ was in our presence put into the same chest, by Mary, wife of Lewis Cam- 
use, after having been first weighed, which amounted to 45 pounds, two ounces, 
avoirdupois weight ; that is to say, eight pounds, part thereof, had been mauufac- 
tered and wound off by her in the town of Savannah, in the year 1740; and 37 
pounds, two ounces, the remaining part thereof, had been in like manner wound 
off by her the present year, 1741. And we do further attest and certify, that 220 
pounds, 14 ounces weight of Cocoons or silk balls were raised in Savannah, in 
Georgia, (the silk worms being fed with the Mulberry leaves growing in said 
county,) and had been delivered to Mrs. Camuse, since April last, in order to 
enable her to carry on the said manufacture, as she has done, this present year. 
Dated at Savannah, in Georgia, this the 10th day of Sept. 1741. 

William Stephens, Seer. 
William Russel, ) . , , Thomas Jones, 

Fran. Harris, \ ^ceomptants. Bailiff of Savannah. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES. 19 

July 14th, 1742. — Read an ant to repeal so much of an act made in the eighth 
year of the reign of his present Majesty, entitled an Act to prevent the impor- 
tation and use of Rum and Brandies, in the Province of Georgia; as prohibits the 
importation of Rum into the said Province from the other British Colonies. 

Ordered : That an Instruction be sent to William Stephens, Esq., that he do 
make an inquiry among the people of the Province, whether it is their opinion 
in general that it is proper to admit the use and introduction of Negroes in the 
said Province ? and that he do, as soon as he can, certify their opinion, and his 
own, how far it may be proper under any, and under what limitations and 
restrictions. 

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider how far it may be con- 
venient or proper to admit the introduction and use of Negroes in the Province 
of Georgia, and under what limitations and restrictions. 

July 15, 1742. — Read a paper from Mr. Joseph Avery, stating that he had dis- 
covered a large river called the Great Ogeechee, and that it would be of great 
service to the British nation to have a dock-yard and settlements upon the said 
river, &c. 

July 26, 1742. — Read a petition of Christian Steinharell, Theobald Keifer, and 
others, in behalf of the German servants in Savannah, setting forth that by 
indenture, they bound themselves to serve the Trustees in Georgia for five years 
after their arrival there, and that their children who were males, and under the 
age of 20, were to serve until they arrived at the age of 25, and their female 
children, who were above the age of 6, were to serve until they arrived at the 
age of 18 j and as the time of the petitioners' Indentures with the Trustees, as to 
themselves, is growing near to a conclusion, and they are desirous and willing 
to settle in Georgia, having procured already a small stock of cattle for that pur- 
pose, they must unavoidably labor under great difficulties by being deprived of 
the freedom of their children, without whose assistance it will be impossible for 
them to make any progress in cultivating of land, being most of them advanced 
in years; and therefore praying the Trustees to grant them the freedom of their 
children, at the expiration of the five years for which the petitioners are bound. 

That we recommend to the Common Council to grant the Petitioners the 
freedom of their children at the expiration of the five years, as they desire. 

August 7, 1742. — Resolved, That it is recommended to the Common Council to 
give Mrs. Camuse a gratuity for every person who shall be certified to be pro- 
perly instructed by her in the art of winding of siik. 

Dec. 21, 1742. — An act was read to repeal so much of an act to prevent the 
importation and use of rum and brandies in Georgia, and also for suppressing 
the odious and loathsome sin of drunkenness. 

Jany. 16, 1743-4. — A letter was read giving an account of a Silver mine dis- 
covered in the nation of Cherokee Indians, and of the proceedings of the Governor 
and Assembly of South Carolina relating thereto, and of persons applying by peti- 
tion to the King for a grant of the lands where the mine is, and their having pur- 
chased the said lands of the Indians, and that the said mine is southward of 
several branches of the river Savannah ; also, an abstract of a letter from Mr. 
Robert Williams relating to the said mine. Gen. Oglethorpe laid before trustees 
the copy of a petition from the Assembly of South Carolina to the King, trans- 
mitted to Mr. Oglethorpe from the committee of said Assembly, relating to the 
said mine, and setting forth that the Agriculture of the said Province, and 
the Plantations, must suffer greatly by the inhabitants resorting to the said 
mine. 

The clause in the charter wherein the King grants to the Trustees all mines 
in the Colony of Georgia, as well Royal as others, was then read. 

Ordered: That the Secretary do enter at the proper offices, in the name of the 
Trustees, a caveat against any grant being made of the said mine to any par- 
ticular persons, before the Trustees are heard thereupon. 



20 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

June 15, 1744. — Read a petition to the Kins, that whereas James Maxwell and 
Cornelius Docherty have petitioned his majesty that they had purchased of the 
Cherokees a tract of land 8 miles long and 6 miles wide, and that they had dis- 
covered appearances of iron, tin, lead and copper, with a mixture of silver in the 
said tract, and therefore praying to grant the said lands to them — 

The Trustees do therefore humbly represent to his Majesty, that the said mines 
are described to be in the midst of the Cherokee nation, and being to the South- 
ward of one or more branches of the River Savannah, and within the limits of 
the Territories granted by his Majesty's Royal Charter to the Trustees, by which 
all mines, as well Royal Mines of Gold and Silver, or others, are granted to the 
Trustees. 

But, if the said mines should not be found to be within the Province of 
Georgia, the Trustees beg leave to represent to His Majesty how dangerous it 
may be to grant Royal Mines to private persons, who, by being so far distant 
from the seat of Government, in either of the Provinces of South Carolina, may, 
by their disorderly behaviour, occasion great quarrels and disturbances between 
his Majesty's subjects and the Indians, and thereby give an inlet to the French, 
which may be attended with consequences very fatal to both Provinces, 
especially at a time when his Majesty is engaged in a war with France. 

And, therefore, the Trustees do humbly pray that no such Grant may be 
made, or that they may be heard before the granting of the same. 

Dec. 17, 1744. — Resolved, That the civil government for the Province of Georgia 
is vested in the Trustees by his Majesty's Royal Charter, in consequence of which 
they appointed Courts of Judicature at Savannah and Frederica, and appointed 
three Bailiffs and a Recorder for each Court, before whom all manner of crimes, 
offences, pleas, processes, plaints, actions, matter, causes and things whatsoever, 
***** are to be tried according to the Laws and customs of the Realm of 
England, and of the Laws enacted for said Province. 

Resolved, Nemiac contradicenie, That no Military Officer, as such, ought, 
or hath any right, to interfere in any civil matters whatsoever, recognisable 
within the Courts of Judicature already established, or that shall hereafter be 
established, by the Trustees in the Province of Georgia. 

March 19, 1749-50. — Henry Parker appointed Vice President of the Colony 
of Georgia. 

Jan. 8, 1752. — Trustees resolve, that on account of their total inability to 
defray the civil government thereof, from Lady Day, 1751, to furnish the troops 
stationed in Georgia with provisions, or to give any encouragement for the pro- 
duce of raw silk without a further supply, resolved to make an absolute surrender 
of all the rights, powers, and trusts vested in them by the Royal Charter, dated 
9th June, 1732.. 



MARY MUSGROVE AND THOMAS BOSOMWORTH. 21 



MARY MUSGROVE AND THOMAS BOSOMWORTH. 

At Yamacraw, the Indian name of the bluff which Oglethorpe in 
1733 had selected as the site of his town, he found among the Indians 
a woman named Mary, who could speak both the English and Creek 
languages. The history of this woman is highly interesting, and for 
the information of our readers we have spared no pains in collecting 
facts connected with her history, from different sources, but princi- 
pally from the Colonial documents copied in Europe by the Rev. C. 
Wallace Howard, now of Cass County. 

Mary was born at the Coweta town, on the Ocmulgee, the chief 
town of the Creek Indians. By the maternal line, she was descended 
from the sister of the old emperor of the Creek nations. Her Indian 
name was Consaponakeeso. When seven years of age she was brought 
by her father from the Indian nation to Pomponne, now Ponpon, in 
South Carolina, and there baptised, educated, and instructed in the 
principles of Christianity. In 1716, Col. John Musgrove was sent 
by the government of South Carolina to form, if possible, a treaty of 
alliance with the Creeks. John Musgrove, Jr., the son of the Colonel, 
accompanied his father on this mission, became acquainted with Mary, 
and married her. 

In 1723, she with her husband returned to Souih Carolina, and 
about 1732, Mr. Musgrove established a trading house on Yamacraw 
bluff, the present site of the city of Savannah. When Oglethorpe 
arrived, one of his first efforts was to conciliate the Indians, and dis- 
covering the influence which Mary had over them, he purchased her 
friendship with presents. About three years afterwards, her husband 
died, and, at the request of General Oglethorpe, she established a 
trading-house on the south side of the Alatamaha. Here she mar- 
ried Capt. Jacob Matthews. In 1742, Capt. Matthews died. She 
afterwards married Rev. Thomas Bosomworth, a clergyman of the 
Church of England, who at that time was in the employ of the Society 
for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. It is not our business to 
say what were the motives which induced the Rev. Gentleman to 
form this alliance, but it is fair to presume, from the great change 
which took place in his wife's feelings towards the colony, and indeed 
in her whole general character from the time of her marriage, that he 
must have been the chief instrument in producing this change. The 
year after his marriage he went to England, and wrote to the Trus- 
tees that he did not intend to return to Georgia ; but after an absence 
of two years he did return, and commenced a line of conduct which 
for years kept the colony in a state of commotion. His object was 
twofold : first, to obtain compensation for his wife's services ; and 
secondly, to obtain the possession of the islands of Ossaba, Sapelo, and 
St. Catherines, and a tract above Pipemaker's Creek, which had been 
reserved to the Indians in their former treaties. He engaged in his 
interests Major William Horton, the commander of Oglethorpe's 
regiment at Frederica, and other officers. Col. Heron, who arrived 



22 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

in 1747 to take command of the regiment, was also gained over to 
the interests of the Bosomworths, and by his arrangements a body of 
Indians, with Malatchee at their head, came to Frederica to have a 
conference with the commander. This chief delivered a speech, in 
which he reviewed the services of Mary, desired that Abraham 
Bosomvvorth should be sent to England to tell the King that he was 
Emperor of the Creeks, and declared that Mary, his sister, was con- 
fided in by the whole nation, who had resolved to abide by her deter- 
minations. To Malatchee, Bosomworth suggested the importance 
of having himself crowned by those who were with him ; and accord- 
ingly a paper was drawn up, vesting Malatchee with the authority 
suggested by Bosomworth. After this, Bosomworth obtained from 
Malatchee a deed of conveyance to Thomas and Mary Bosomworth 
of the islands of Ossaba, Sapelo, and St. Catherines, for and in con- 
sideration of 10 pieces of stroud, 12 pieces of duffles, 200 cwt. of 
powder, 200 pounds of lead, 20 guns, 12 pair of pistols, 100 pounds of 
vermilion. 

To stock these islands, Mr. Bosomworth had purchased, on credit, 
from planters in Carolina, a large quantity of cattle ; but his stock not 
proving so productive as he anticipated, he found himself entangled in 
debt. To extricate himself, he encouraged his wife to assume the 
title of an independent Empress. A meeting of the Creeks was 
summoned, to wnom she made a speech, in which she insisted upon 
the justice of her pretensions. The Indians became excited, and 
pledged themselves to stand by her to the last drop of their blood. 
What follows, the compiler is indebted to a work published in Lon- 
don, 1779, by the Rev. Dr. Hewitt.* 

In consequence of which, Mary, with a large body of savages at her back, set 
out for Savannah to demand a formal surrender of them from the President of the 
Province. A messenger was despatched beforehand to acquaint him that Mary 
had assumed her right of sovereignty over the whole territories of the upper and 
lower Creeks, and to demand that all land belonging to them be instantly re- 
linquished, for as she was the hereditary and rightful Queen of both nations, and 
could command every man of them to follow her, in case of refusal she had deter- 
mined to extirpate the settlement.! 

The president and council, alarmed at her high pretensions and bold threats, 
and sensible of her great power and influence with the savages, were not a little 
embarrassed what steps to take for the public safety. They determined to use soft 
and healing measures until an opportunity might offer of privately laying hold of 
her. and shipping her off to England. But in the mean time orders were sent to all 
the captains of the militia to hold themselves in readiness to march to Savannah at 
an hour's warning. 

The town was put in the best posture of defence, but the whole militia in it 
amounted to no more than one hundred and seventy men able to bear arms. A 
messenger was sent to Mary at the head of the Creeks, while several miles distant 
from town, to know whether she was serious in such wild pretensions, and to try 
to persuade her to dismiss her followers and drop her audacious design. But find- 
ing her indexible and resolute, the president resolved to put on a bold countenance, 
and receive the savages with firmness and resolution. The militia was ordered 

* The whole of this work has been published in the Historical Collections of South 
Carolina, by Mr. Carroll. 
t William Stephens. 



MARY MUSGROVE AND THOMAS BOSOMWORTH. 23 

under arms, to overawe them, as much as possible ; and as the Indians entered the 
town, Gapt. Jones, at the head of his company of horse, stopped them, and deman- 
ded whether they came with hostile or friendly intentions ? But receiving no sa- 
tisfactory answer, he told them they must there ground their arms, for he had or- 
ders not to suffer a man of them armed to set his foot within the town. The sava- 
ges with great reluctance submitted, and accordingly Thomas Bosomworth, in his 
canonical robes, with his queen by his side, followed by the various chiefs accord- 
ing to their rank, marched into town, making a formidable appearance — all the in- 
habitants being struck with terror at the sight of the fierce and mighty host. 
When they advanced to the parade, they found the militia drawn up under arms to 
receive them, who saluted them with fifteen cannon and conducted them to the 
president's house. There Thomas and Adam Bosomworth being ordered to with- 
draw, the Indian chiefs, in a friendly manner, were called upon to declare their in- 
tention of visiting the town in so large a body without being sent for by any per- 
son in lawful authority. 

The warriors, as they had been previously instructed, answered, that Mary was to 
speak for them, and they would abide by her words. 

They had heard they said that she was to be sent like a captive over the great 
waters, and they were come to know on what account they were to lose their queen. 
They assured the president they intended no harm, and begged their arms might 
be restored; and after consulting with Bosomworth and his wife, they would re- 
turn and settle all public affairs. To please them their muskets were accordingly 
given back, but strict orders were issued to allow them no ammunition until the 
council should see more clearly into their dark designs. 

On the day following the Indians having had some private conferences with their 
queen, began to be very surly, and to run in a mad and tumultuous manner up and 
down the streets, seemingly bent on mischief. All the men being obliged to mount 
guard, the women were terrified to remain by themselves in their houses, expect- 
ing every moment to be murdered or scalped. During this confusion a false ru- 
mour was spread, that they had cut off the president's head with a tomahawk, 
which so exasperated the inhabitants, that it was with difficulty the officers could 
prevent them from firing on the savages. To save a town from destruction never 
was greater prudence requisite. Orders were given to the militia to lay hold of 
Bosomworth and carry him out of the way into close confinement. Upon which 
Mary became outrageous and frantic, and insolently threatened vengeance against 
the magistrates and the whole colony. She ordered every man of them to depart 
from her territories, and at their peril to refuse. She cursed General Oglethorpe 
and his fraudulent treaties, and furiously stamping with her feet upon the ground, 
swore by her Maker, that the whole earth on which she trode was her own. To 
prevent bribery, which she knew to have great weight with her warriors, she kept 
the leading men constantly in her eye, and would not suffer them to speak a word 
respecting public affairs, but in her presence. 

The president finding that no peaceable agreement could be made with the In- 
dians while under the baleful eye and influence of their pretended queen, private- 
ly laid hold of her, and put her under confinement with her husband. This step 
was necessary before any terms of negotiation could be proposed. Having secu- 
red the chief promoters of the conspiracy, he then employed men acquainted with 
the Indian tongue to entertain the warriors in the most friendly and hospitable 
manner, and explained to them the wicked designs of Bosomworth and his wife. 
Accordingly a feast was prepared for all the chief leaders, at which they were in- 
formed that Mr. Bosomworth had involved himself in a debt, and wanted not only 
their lands, but also a large share of their royal bounty, to satisfy his creditors in 
Carolina : that the king's presents were intended only for the Indians on account 
of their useful services, and firm attachment to him during the former wars; that 
the lands adjoining the town were reserved for them to encamp upon when they 
should come to visit their beloved friends at Savannah, and the three maritime is- 
lands to hunt upon, when they should come to bathe in the salt waters; that nei- 
ther Mary nor her husband had any right to those lands, which were the common 
property of the Creek nations ; that the great king had ordered the president to 
defend their right to them, and expected that all his subjects, both white and red, 



24 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

would live together like brethren ; in short, that he would suffer no man or woman 
to molest or injure them; and had ordered these words to be left on record, that their 
children might know them when they were dead and gone. 

Such policy produced the desired effect, and many of the chieftains, being 
convinced that Bosomworth had deceived them, declared they would trust him 
no more. Even Malatchee, — the leader of the lower Creeks, and a relation to 
their pretended Empress, — seemed satisfied, and was not a little pleased to hear 
that the great king had sent them some valuable presents. Being asked why 
he acknowledged Mary as the Empress of the great nation of Creeks, and re- 
signed his power and possessions to a despicable old woman, while all Georgia 
owned him as chief of the nation, and the president and council were now to 
give him many rich clothes and medals for his services, he replied, that the 
whole nation acknowledged her as their queen, and none could distribute the 
royal presents but one of her family. The president, by this answer, perceiving 
more clearly the design of the family of Bosomworth to lessen their influence 
and show the Indians that he had power to divide the royal bounty among the 
chiefs, determined to do it immediately, and dismiss them, on account of the 
growing expenses to the colony, and the hardships the inhabitants underwent in 
keeping guard night and day tor the defence of the town. 

In the mean time Malatchee, whom the Indians compared to the wind, be- 
cause of his fickle and variable temper, having at his own request obtained 
access to Bosomworth and his wife, was again seduced and drawn over to sup- 
port their chimerical claim. 

While the Indians were gathered together to receive their respective shares 
of the royal bounty, he stood up in the midst of them, and with a frowning coun- 
tenance and in violent agitation of spirit, delivered a speech fraught with the 
most dangerous insinuations. He protested that Mary possessed that country 
before General Oglethorpe, and that all of the lands belonged to her, as queen 
and head of the Creeks ; that it was by her permission Englishmen were at first 
allowed to set their foot on them ; that they still held them of her, as the original 
proprietor ; that her words were the voice of the whole nation, consisting of above 
three thousand warriors, and at her command every one of them would take up 
the hatchet in defence of her right; and then, pulling a paper out of his pocket, 
he delivered it to the president, in confirmation of what he had said. 

This was evidently the production of Bosomworth, and served to discover in 
the plainest manner his ambitious views and wicked intrigues. The preamble 
was filled with the names of Indians called kings of all the towns of the upper 
and lower Creeks, none of whom, however, were present, excepting two. The 
• substance of it corresponded with Malatchee's speech, styling Mary the rightful 
princess and chief of their nation, descended in a maternal line from the empe- 
ror, and invested with full power and authority from them to settle, and finally 
determine all public affairs and causes, relating to lands and other things, with 
King George and his beloved men on both sides of the sea; and whatever should 
be said or done by her they would abide by, as if said or done by themselves. 

After reading this paper in council, the whole board was struck with astonish- 
ment, and Malatchee, perceiving their uneasiness, begged to have it again, de- 
claring he did not know it to be a bad talk, and promising he would return it 
immediately to the person from whom he had received it. To remove all im- 
pression made upon the minds of the Indians by Malatchee's speech, and con- 
vince them of the deceitful and dangerous tendency of this confederacy, into 
which Bosomworth and his wife had betrayed them, had now become a matter 
of the highest consequence. Happy was it for the province that this was a thing 
neither difficult nor impracticable; for, as ignorant savages are easily misled, on 
the one hand, so, on the other, it was equally easy to convince them of their 
error. 

Accordingly, having gathered the Indians together for this purpose, the presi- 
dent addressed them to the following effect: — "Friends and Brothers! When 
Mr. Oglethorpe and his people first arrived in Georgia, they found Mary, then 
the wife of John Musgrove, living in a small hut atYamacraw, having a license 
from the governor of South Carolina to trade with the Indians. She then appeared 



MARY MITSGROVE AND THOMAS BOSOMWORTH. 25 

to be in a poor, ragged condition, and was neglected and despised by the Creeks. 
But Mr. Oglethorpe, finding that she could speak both the English and Creek 
languages, employed her as an interpreter, richly clothed her, and made her the 
woman of consequence she now appears. The people of Georgia always re- 
spected her until she married Thomas Bosomworth, but from that time she has 
proved a liar and a deceiver. In fact, she was no relation of Malatchee, but the 
daughter of an Indian woman of no note, by a white man. General Oglethorpe 
did not treat with her for the lands of Georgia — she having none of her own — 
but with the old and wise leaders of the Creek nation, who voluntarily surren- 
dered their territories to the king. 

The Indians at that time having much waste land that was useless to them- 
selves, parted with a share of it to their friends, and were glad that white people 
had settled among them to supply their wants. He told them that the present 
bad humour of the Creeks had been artfully infused into them by Mary, at the 
instigation of her husband, who owed £400 in Carolina, for cattle; that he de- 
manded a third part of the royal bounty, in order to rob the naked Indians of their 
riofit ; that he had quarrelled with the president and council of Georgia, for 
refusing to answer his exorbitant demands, and therefore had filled the heads of 
the Indians with wild fancies and groundless jealousies, in order to breed mis- 
chief, and to induce them to break their alliance with their best friends, who alone 
were able to supply their wants, and defend them against all their enemies. 

Here the Indians desired him to stop, and put an end to the contest, declaring 
that their eyes were now opened, and they saw through his insidious designs ; 
but though he intended to break the chain of friendship, they were determined to 
hold it fast, and therefore begged that all might immediately smoke the pipe of 
peace. Accordingly pipes and rum were brought, and the whole congress join- 
ing hand in hand, drank and smoked together^in friendship, every one wishing 
that their hearts might be united in like manner as their hands. Then all the 
royal presents, except ammunition, with which it was judged imprudent to trust 
them, until they were at some distance from town, were brought and distributed 
among them. The most disaffected were purchased with the largest presents. 
Even Malatchee himself seemed fully contented with his share ; and the savages 
in general, perceiving the poverty and insignificancy of the family of Bosom- 
worth, and their total inability to supply their wants, determined to break ofl all 
connection with them for ever. 

While the president and council flattered themselves that all differences were 
amicably compromised, and were rejoicing in the re-establishment of their former 
friendly intercourse with the Creeks, Mary, drunk with liquor and disappointed 
in her views, came rushing in among them like a fury, and told the president 
that these were her people, that he had no business with them, and he should 
soon be convinced of it to his cost. The president calmly advised her to keep to 
her lodgings, and forbear to poison the minds of the Indians, otherwise he would 
order her a^ain into close confinement; upon which, turning to Malatchee in great 
rage, she told him what the president had said, who instantly starting from his 
seat, laid hold of his arms, and then calling upon the rest to follow his example, dared 
any man to touch the queen. The whole house was filled in a moment with 
tumult and uproar. Every Indian having his tomahawk in his hand, the presi- 
dent and council expected nothing but instant death. 

During this confusion, Capt Jones, who commanded the guard, very seasonably 
interposed, and ordered the Indians immediately to deliver up their arms. Such 
courage was not only necessary to overawe them, but, at the same time, great 
prudence was necessary to avoid coming to extremities with them. With reluc 
tance the Indians submitted, and Mary was conveyed to a private room, 
where a guard was set over her, and all further intercourse with the 
savages denied her, during their stay in Savannah. Then her husband was 
sent for, in order to reason with him, and convince him of the folly of his chime- 
rical pretensions, and of the dangerous consequences that might result from per- 
sisting in them. But no sooner did he appear before the president and council, 
than he began to abuse them to their face. In spite of every argument used to 
persuade him to submission, he remained obstinate and contumacious, and pro- 



26 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tested he would stand forth in vindication of his wife's right to the last extremity, 
and that the province of Georgia should soon feel the weight of her vengeance. 

Finding that fair means were fruitless and ineffectual, the council then determined 
to remove him also out of the way of the savages, and to humble him by force. 

After having secured the two leaders, it only then remained to persuade the 
Indians peaceably to leave the town, and return to their settlements. 

C;i]it. Ellick, a young warrior, who had distinguished himself in discovering to 
his tribe the base intrigues of Bosomworth, being afraid to accompany Malatchee 
ami his followers, thought fit to set out among the first ; the rest followed him in 
different parties ; and the inhabitants, wearied out with constant watching, and 
harassed with frequent alarms, were at length happily relieved. 

By this time Adam Bosomworth, another brother of the family, who was agent 
for Indian Affairs in Carolina, had arrived from that province, and being made 
acquainted with what had happened in Georgia, was filled with shame and in- 
dignation. He found his ambitious brother, not contented with the common al- 
lowance of land granted by the crown, aspiring after sovereignty, and attempting 
to obtain by force one of the largest landed estates in the world. His plot was 
artfully contrived, and had it been executed with equal courage, fatal must the 
consequences have been. Had he taken possession of the provincial magazine, 
on his arrival at Savannah, and supplied the Creeks with ammunition, the militia 
must soon have been overpowered, and every family must of course have fallen 
a sacrifice to the indiscriminate vengeance of the savages. 

Happily by the interposition of his brother, all differences were peacefully 
compromised. 

Thomas Bosomworth at length having returned to sober reflection, began to 
repent of his folly, and to ask pardon of the magistrates and people. He wrote 
to the president, acquainting him that he was now deeply sensible of his duty as 
a subject, and of the respect he owed to civil authority, and could no longer 
justify the conduct of his wife ; but hoped that her present remorse, and past ser- 
vices to the province, would entirely blot out the remembrance of her unguarded 
expressions and rash design. He appealed to the letters of General Oglethorpe 
for her former irreproachable conduct and steady friendship to the settlement, and 
hoped her good behaviour for the future would atone for her past offences, and 
reinstate her in the public favour. For his own part, he acknowledged her title 
to be groundless, and for ever relinquished all claims to the lands of the prov- 
ince. The colonists generously forgave and forgot all that had passed; and 
public tranquillity being re-established, new settlers applied for lands as usual, 
without meeting any more obstacles from the idle claims of Indian queens and 
chieftains. 



A STATEMENT OF MRS. BOSOMWORTH'S CASE, 

Humbly addressed to His Excellency, Henry Ellis, Esq., Captain-General and Gover- 
nor in Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, and Vice- Admiral of the same : 
setting forth her services performed, losses sustained, and moneys advanced for his 
Majesty's service, with her claims and demands upon the Government* 

That before the charter for establishing the colony of Georgia, Mrs. Bosom- 
worth, with her family, was settled on the river Savannah, a small space where 
the town of Savannah now stands ; had large credits from merchants in Charles 
Town, South Carolina, and carried on a considerable trade with the Indians, 
whereby she had already made very large remittances in skins, and was, more- 
over, possessed of a very good cow-pen and plantation upon the same river. 

That Mr. Oglethorpe's arrival with the first adventurers to settle a colony 
under the aforesaid charter, gave great uneasiness to the Indians then upon the 
spot, who threatened to take up arms against them ; nor would they have per- 
mitted Mr. Oglethorpe and his people a quiet possession, (as they looked upon 

* Colonial Documents. 



MRS. BOSOMWORTH'S CASE. 27 

the white people's settling to the southward of Savannah river contrary to the 
treaty of peace entered into between the Indians and the government of South 
Carolina, after the Indian war in the year 1715,) had not the governor and 
council wrote to Mrs. Bosomworth, by Mr. Oglethorpe, to use the utmost of 
her interest with the Indians for that purpose, and to give the new settlers all 
the aid and assistance their necessities might require. In compliance with the 
request contained in that letter, and from motives of regard to the British 
interest, Mrs. Bosomworth, by her influence, quieted the Indians, allayed all 
animosity, obtained a present asylum for the adventurers, and in about the space 
of twelve months, by her steady adherence and good offices, settled and pro- 
cured to be ratified a treaty between the Indians and Mr. Oglethorpe, in behalf 
of the trustees, for establishing that colony. 

That, by the trade she then carried on with the Indians, there was no impedi- 
ment to her soon raising considerable interest ; yet Mrs. Bosomworth could not, 
unmoved, see a colony, scarce began, left to the miserections of the Spaniards and 
their Indians, (the frequent and then late ravages of the frontiers of Carolina,) 
and whose protection she well knew, in their defenceless situation, could only be 
secured by the friendship and alliance with the Creek Indians ; she, therefore, 
upon promises of adequate rewards from the Government, induced the Indians, 
who were her hunters, and supplied her with skins most generally, to employ 
tnemselves in expeditions for the public service. 

That, in the years 1737 and 1738, when Mr. Oglethorpe thought it expedient 
to improve the southern part of the province, first, by a settlement on the Island 
of St. Simons, and by another settlement of Scotch people at Darien, on the 
Alatamaha river, the assistance of the Creek Indians then became of so much 
greater importance, as there were advices at that time that the Spaniards were 
making preparations to dislodge the inhabitants of this new colony ; and the 
more still effectually to further the preservation and growth of the frontier settle- 
ments, Mrs. Bosomworth, at the earnest request of Gen. Oglethorpe, (buoyed up 
by extensive promises and the large rewards so signal a service for the public 
welfare would merit.) settled a trading-house on the south side of the said river 
Alatamaha, about 150 miles up the same river, by water, at a place called 
Mount Venture, the intention of which settlement was, that the Creek Indians 
who would be constantly with her there, might be an advanced guard' to pre- 
vent any incursions of the Spaniards or Indians in friendship with them, and be 
always more ready at hand when his Majesty's service required their assistance, 
and which thoroughly answered the intentions of the public. 

That, after the declaration of war against Spain, the service of the Indians 
was so frequently required, that no benefit could possibly arise from any trade 
with them that might induce Mrs. Bosomworth to stay there ; nevertheless, so 
great was her zeal, that without the least prospect of interest to herself, she was 
daily exposed at that settlement for the public service, in keeping the Indians 
upon excursions, and sending for her friends and relations from the nation to go 
to war whenever his Majesty's service required. 

That, at the time of Mr. Oglethorpe's first arrival, there being no house or 
settlement on the place except Mrs. Bosomworth's, at the request of Mr. 
Oglethorpe, she supplied the new settlers, and other persons employed on public 
services, in their greatest wants, not only with every thing her plantation and 
store afforded, but also with liquor and other necessaries purchased on her own 
credit from merchants in Charles Town, whereby she lost, in bad debts so con- 
tracted and accumulated, the sum of £826 sterling, as can be evidently proved 
from the state of her books, and has been before, amongst other complaints, set 
forth and humbly represented to the Government. 

That, by Mrs. Bosomworth's employing in his Majesty's service those Indians 
who used, by hunting, to supply her with skins, (the chief support of herself and 
family,) her trade naturally decreased and went nearly to rum; a large party of 
them whom she prevailed on assisted his Majesty's arms, and went to the siege of 
St. Augustine, where many of them were killed, particularly her own brother 
and other near relations. By this incident, she greatly suffered in the loss of 



28 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Indian debts, amounting to several thousand weight of leather, for which she 
never yet received any satisfaction, although promised it from time to time by 
Mr. Oglethorpe. 

That, from the time of settling the southern frontier aforementioned, Mr. 
Oglethorpe was continually sending for Mrs. Bosomworth on all affairs of any con- 
sequence with the Indians, which exposed her to many dangers and hardships, 
the distance being great, and the convenience of passage being only in an open 
boat, her own affairs and improvements and her lands neglected, and running 
to ruin, being left entirely to the management of servants for months at a time. 

That, in the spring of 1739 and 1740, Mrs. Bosomworth had a large stock of 
cattle at her cowpen on Savannah River ; but General Oglethorpe, hearing that 
the cowpen keeper was a very good woodsman, in the absence of Mrs. Bosom- 
worth at the Alatamaha settlement, without her consent or knowledge, sent 
orders to the said cowpen keeper to go directly as a guide to a troop of Rangers 
who were sent by land to the siege of St. A ugustine, which orders he durst not 
disobey, though sensible of the loss it would be to Mrs. Bosomworth's interest, 
and, as it happened, the loss of his own life, he being killed at that expedition, 
by which means all Mrs. Bosomworth's affairs at Savannah, stock of cattle, im- 
provements, &c, which were very considerable, went entirely to ruin ; for which 
losses no satisfaction was ever made, although constantly and solemnly promised 
to her. 

That, in the year 1742, Mrs. Bosomworth's then husband, Captain Matthews, 
being taken sick at her settlement on the Alatamaha, she was obliged to bring 
him from thence, on occasion of proper sustenance and advice, to Savannah, 
where he soon after died; her affairs on account of his death demanding her stay 
in Savannah for some time. The Indians at the Alatamaha were very uneasy 
and disgusted that she did not return, and. on that account, left the place. The 
small garrison that were there being in great want of provisions and ammu- 
nition, a party of Yamasee or Spanish Indians came upon them, and after com- 
mitting several barbarous murders, totally burnt and destroyed the settlement, 
and all Mrs. Bosomworth's effects became a pre)' to the enemy ; which great 
loss Gen. Oglethorpe promised her should be made up to her by the Govern- 
ment, he well'knowing, in truth, that that settlement was calculated and made 
for the sole benefit of his Majesty's service, and the protection of the southern 
boundary. 

That, in the year 1745, Mr. Bosomworth was at the expense of a voyage to Eng- 
land, in order to claim the performance of the various promises from time to 
time for a series of years made, or otherwise to apply to the Government in 
behalf of his wife; and the public confusion at that time in England rendering 
any private application to the Government unseasonable, he was obliged to 
return to America only with an assurance from Gen. Oglethorpe, that as soon as 
the then disturbances were settled, Mrs. Bosomworth might depend upon his 
honour for full satisfaction for all her services, and that in the interim Mr. Bosom- 
worth might draw upon him for any sum not exceeding £1000, as the exigency 
of affairs might require. 

This is all the satisfaction Mr. Bosomworth obtained in consequence of that 
voyage, excepting a letter to the commanding officer then in Georgia, a copy 
whereof is annexed. 

In the year 1746, upon the faith of General Oglethorpe's promise, Mr. Bosom- 
worth was induced to draw several bills of exchange upon him ; but the cloud he 
was at that time under, in respect to his conduct in the north, rendered him in- 
capable of paying any of them, as it appears by his letter dated Whitehall. July 
16, 1746, so that the bills were all returned upon Mr. Bosomworth with the heavy 
charges of protest, amounting to £600 or £700 sterling, most of which remains 
at this day unpaid. 

That Mr. Bosomworth, at his own great expense, in the year 1 746, made an- 
other settlement on the Alatamaha, at the place called the Forks, about 300 
miles by water up the same river, built a very good dwelling-house, outhouses, 
a large store, and fortified the whole round against any attempts of enemy-In- 



MRS. BOSOMWORTH S CASE. 29 

dians, with an intent to carry on a considerable Indian trade, without knowing 
of what consequence a former settlement on that river had been to the public 
welfare of Georgia, and upon the credit of his bills drawn on General Ogle- 
thorpe, had received for that purpose a large cargo of Indian goods. 

That, upon the arrival of Col. Alexander Heron, in the year 1747, to take com- 
mand of his Majesty's forces in Georgia, a general rupture with the Indians was 
thought unavoidable. He, in his letter of the 8th of July of that year, applied to 
Mrs. Bosomworth, then settled at the Forks, to use her endeavours and influence 
to reconcile matters among the Indians ; and in another letter, so soon after as 
the 20th of the same month, he informs her to supply that agent with such re- 
quisites as the service demanded, and also to give the Indians with her then at 
the Forks (when lately arrived there from the nation) such presents as might 
possibly appease them and secure their friendship. 

Accordingly, at this critical juncture, at the earnest solicitation of the said 
Col. Heron, Mrs. Bosomworth advanced for his Majesty's service sundry goods 
out of her own private store to the amount of £650 15s. 7^4d., as appears by a 
particular account thereof laid before the proper boards in England; when, for 
reasons the commanding officer himself, in the aforementioned letter ol 
the 20th of July, and in others to Andrew Stone, Esq , Deputy Secretary of State, 
it would not have been in his power otherwise to prevent the dangerous conse- 
quences of a rupture with the Indians. 

That no consideration whatever would have induced Mrs. Bosomworth at that 
time to strip her store of her Indian goods (upon which the fate of her trade ab- 
solutely depended), but a firm attachment to the welfare of the colony, and the 
strongest assurances from Col. Heron that those goods should be immediately 
replaced in her store at the Forks as soon as her conveniences could be got ready 
for sending them up the river, and that she also might depend on an adequate 
reward for all the services done his Majesty. That Coi. Heron failing to perform 
his promise when the service was performed, on pretence there were no Indian 
goods in the public store, nor had he the credit to purchase any, obliged Mrs. 
Bosomworth entirely to abandon that valuable settlement and forego a most be- 
neficial traffic with the Indians. Thus her store being exhausted of goods, and 
no skins taken to make remittances for a fresh supply, the loss she thereby sus- 
tained was not only in the goods advanced for his Majesty's service, but for the 
buildings, improvements, &c. made at that settlement, and in the great advan- 
tages that must have arisen from the trade there. 

That, upon the reduction of Gen. Oglethorpe's regiment, in the year 1749, the 
most pressing application was repeatedly made to Col. Heron to discharge Mrs. 
Bosomworth's account of disbursements (by his order) for his Majesty's service, 
by the declension of which she had most grievously suffered; but all the satis- 
faction that could be obtained was, that he had advanced considerable sums on 
his own credit for the public service, had no funds to pay Mrs. Bosomworth, and 
that he knew of no redress for her sufferings but by going to England and ap- 
plying to the Government for the payment of all damages and services. 

That Mrs. Bosomworth and her husband, having no hopes of obtaining satis- 
faction otherwise than by going to England and there soliciting redress, had 
determined to embrace the opportunity of a voyage in the transport vessel sent 
to carry home the disbanded officers and soldiers of the regiment ; but their af- 
fairs being unhappily involved by having thus sacrificed their private interests 
to the public welfare, the malice and instigation of some particular persons who 
looked upon themselves concerned to prevent Mr. and Mrs. Bosomworth's voy- 
age to England, occasioned actions to be so fast brought against them by their 
creditors, that they continued prisoners, as it were, in the province, laboring un- 
der every circumstance of distress, till May, 1752, at which time they arrived in 
Charles Town, South Carolina, with intent immediately to proceed for England. 
On their arrival in Charles Town Mr. Bosomworth and his wife were prevailed 
upon by the government of South Carolina to undertake an agency to the Creek 
nation of Indians, which agency was not completed till the year 1754, at which 
time they went for England. 



30 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

That, upon application in England for the reward of Mrs. Bosom worth's services 
and demands on the Government, these services and demands were found to be 
misrepresented by the then late presidents and assistants of Georgia, so that all 
the satisfaction by this expensive voyage (in cost near £1,000 sterling) was a 
commission from the right Honorable the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plan- 
tations, directed to the Governor of Georgia, commanding him strictly to ex- 
amine into the truth of the charges and obligations of each party, and to report 
to their Lordships' Board his opinion upon the whole, which commission has long 
since been executed. That when Gen. Oglethorpe was called home in the year 
1743, he sent for Mrs. Bosomworth, and then paid her £180 in sola bills, which, 
with a £20 bill before received, made £200 ; on delivering her those bills he gave 
her a diamond ring from his finger, with acknowledgments that he would never 
forget the service she had done him and the public, and that the sum he then 
paid her was not intended for more than a year's service, and he hoped she would 
be pleased kindly to accept of it, as all then in his power to pay her (the credit 
of his bills being stopped in England) ; repeatedly assuring her at parting, that as 
soon as his accounts were audited, and paid by the Government, she might draw 
upon him for £2,000 sterling above mentioned. 



For demonstration of the faith of the facts herein set forth, the merit of Mrs. 
Bosomworth's past services rendered the crown, the losses thereby sustained, and 
the consequence of the present interest, she humbly refers to the annexed let- 
ters, and testimonials under the hand of every gentleman who has had the com- 
mand of his Majesty's forces in Georgia since the first settlement of the colony; 
and if higher proof is demanded, Mr. Bosomworth (and time being given him) has 
it in his power to support some of the material parts of the case by living evi- 
dence. 

That it was ever his Majesty's most gracious intention freely to reward his 
most faithful servants, a contrary supposition must be highly criminal. What a re- 
ward such a number of years of Mrs. Bosomworth's past life and advance of her 
fortune in his Majesty's service, at the frequent hazard of her life, and manifest 
neglect of her own affairs, even to ruin, may justly entitle her, will appear to 
your candid disquisition, and the whole humbly submitted to your most serious 
consideration. 

By your Excellencys, 

Very obedient and most humble servant, 

Thos. Bosomworth. 

Savannah, 23rd July, 1759. 

Gov. Ellis was authorized to dispose of the islands Ossaba and 
Sapelo, and other Indian lands near Savannah, at public auction, 
the same having been ceded to his Majesty by a deed from the head 
men of the Creek nation, the 22nd of April, 1758; and out of the 
money arising therefrom, to discharge the demands of the Bosom- 
worths, and to grant to them the Island of St. Catherines, in conside- 
ration of their having settled and improved it. The Indian lands 
near Savannah consisted of about 4,000 acres, and were, by President 
Stephens and assistants, allotted to several persons, who settled them, 
and had continued to cultivate and improve them. These settlers 
applied for his Majesty's grants, when the royal government was 
established, but were prevented from obtaining them, partly by Mrs 
Bosomworth entering caveats against grants. After a hearing, it 



MRS. BOSOMWORTH S CASE. 31 

was determined that Mrs. Bosomworth ought to be disbursed the sum 
of £450, for and on account of that value, in goods she had expended 
for his Majesty's service, in the years 1747 and 1748, and also that 
she should be allowed at the rate of £100 per annum for 16^ years 
for her services as agent. These terms met the approbation of the 
Bosomworths. The islands were afterwards sold at auction. Ossaba 
sold for £1350; Sapelo, £700; which moneys were paid to the 
Bosomworths, and a grant of St. Catherines Island was made to 
Mrs. Bosomworth. Mr. Bosomworth took possession of the island, 
upon Which he resided for several years. Upon the death of his wife, 
McCall says, "he married her chambermaid." Twenty-five years 
ago, the mansion in which the Bosomworths resided was standing. It 
was singular in its construction and appearance, being wattled with 
hickory twigs, and plastered within and without with mortar, made 
of lime and sand, and surrounded by spacious piazzas. Tradition 
designates the spot where the Bosomworths were buried. 



32 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



NAMES OF ALL PERSONS 

To whom any Allotments of Land were, made by the Court of President and Assistants 
inGcorgia, between the 21st of October, 1741, and the 4th of October, 1754.* 

1741, Oct. 22. — Henry Green, lot ; John Robe, lot; Samuel Lyon, 50 acres; 
John Erinxman. 50 acres; James Anderson, 500 acres; Thomas Morris, lot. 
Dec.. 17. — Samuel Clee, lot; Thos. Saltar, 500 acres; Jacob Harbach and wife, 
100: Gaspar Harbach, 50 acres; Christian Burgemeister, 50 acres. Dec. 28. — 
Hans Schad, 50 acres; Rudolph Burghee, 50 acres; Hans Slutz, 50 acres; Nicho- 
las Haner. 50 acres. Dec. 31. — Hans Beltz, -50 acres; Ezekiel Stoll, 50 acres. 

Jan. 21. — Leonard Reighter, 50 acres; Jacob Tanner, 50 acres; Joanes Turtle, 
50 acres. 

1742. — Henrick Curnards, 50 acres. April 2. — William Barbo, 50 acres. June 
2. — Thomas Dawson, town lot; William Clements, town lot. June 24. — Thomas 
Palmer, town lot. Oct. 21. — Jeremiah Vallaton, town lot. Nov. 1. — John Foun- 
ders, town lot. Jan. 29. — George Uland, 50 acres ; Widow Croft, 50 acres. 

1743, May 3. — Daniel Deigler. 50 acres. May 31. — Thos. Lee, town lot. 
July 27. — Lt. Col. Heron, town lot. Sept. 13. — Joseph Faulker, town lot; Ed- 
ward Davidson, town lot. Oct. 7. — Henry Anderly, town lot. Oct. 7. — Joseph 
Waclker, lot at Acton. Oct. 12. — Simon Minis, town lot. Nov. 2. — Christian 
Levenburger, 50 acres; Conrad Hariver, 50 acres; Geo. Derrich, 50 acres. Nov. 
19. — R. Prickett, 500 acres. 

1744, Feb. 24. — John Barnard, town lot; Wm. Parker, 500 acres. April 10. 
— Gilbert Tyffe, lot in Augusta. Jan. 9. — James Grant, 50 acres. Oct. 1. — 
John Barnard, 500 acres. Nov. 23. — Frederick Keiser, lot at Vernon; Mat. 
Rheinsteller, lot at Vernon; Jacob Berrier, lot at Vernon. 

1745, April 18. — Richard Kent, 500 acres; Richard Rattoon. 50 acres; John 
Pye, town lot. May 2. — Robert Fox, 50 acres. May 18. — Wm. Spencer, town 
lot; Henry Hamilton, town lot. June 7. — James Grant, lot at Abercorn. July 
26. — Thos. Sparnel, 50 acres; Christian Camphire, town lot. Oct. 4. — Josias 
Waters, 300 acres; Richard Burtley, 500 acres. Oct. 11. — Thos. Burgess, tract. 
Nov. 22. — Christian Dasher. 50 acres. Jan. 31. — John Ross, 300 acres; Frede- 
rick Helveinstine. lot. Feb. 12. — James Billinghust, 50 acres. Feb. 20. — Daniel 
Dourozeaux, 500, acres. 

1746, March 25. — John Dobell, town lot. April 15. — George Fraser, 50 acres. 
May 20. — Juigo Jones, 500 acres. July 21. — Thos. Saltar, 10 acres. Aug. 28. — 
John Lawrence, town lot. Oct. 23. — Anthony Camuse, 500 acres; John Mcin- 
tosh, tract. Nov. 8. — John McBean, 100 acres. Jan. 26.— Peter Baillon, 300 
:icres; Isaac Barksdale, 500 acres; Wm. Bearfull, 100 acres; Anthony Groobs, 
100 acres. Jan. 27. — Lachlin McBean, 100 acres; David C. Bradock, 500 acres. 
March 3. — John Rogerson, 500 acres; Thos. Fraser, lot; Wm. Wilson, 300 acres. 

1747, March 25. — John Penrose, 300 acres. April 21. — George Cubbedge, 
three tracts. April 22. — Peter Shepherd, 500 acres: Charles Ratolifij tract. 
June 30. — Thos. Goodall, 100 acres; Wm. Spoode, 500 acres; Joseph Summers, 
300 acres. July 28. — John Martin Bolzius, Parkers' lands. Aug. 11. — John Mar- 
lin Bolzius, 500 acres. Sept. 3. — John Baxter, lot. Sept. 4. — Ambrose Bann, 50 
acres ; Richard Lee, 50 acres. Sept. 25.— Thos. Ross, 200 acres. Oct. 22.— 
John Atherton. 200 acres ; Joseph Oaks, 500 acres. Nov. 23. — Benj. Goldwire, 
lot; Richard Johnston, 400 acres. Dec. 10. — Stephen Williams, 500 acres ; Joseph 
Wood, 200 acres; Thos. Hill. 100 acres: Charles Marian, 100 acres; John Mat- 
thews, 100 acres; Joseph Barker, 50 acres; John Hencork, 200 acres; Peter Mc 
Hugh, 300 acres ; Abraham Frisbe, 250 acres. Dec. 12. — John Mulriene, 500 acres; 
Jas. Maxwell, 500 acres; Morgan Sab, 500 acres; John Hutchinson, 500 acres. 

* Colonial Documents. 



NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM LANDS WERE ALLOTTED. '-V6 

D ec . 21. — Philip Delegal, jr., 500 acres; Henry Yonge, 500 acres; Wm. Bu- 
chanon. Dec. 22. — John VVilson, 300 acres. Jan. 5. — Wm. Clarke, 50 acres. 
Jan. 6. — John Shepherd, 500 acres. Jan. 30. — John Kenedy, 200 acres. March 
1. — John Mcintosh, 500 acres ; Andrew Collins, 200 acres. 

1748, April 21. — John Alther and Gaspar Holsleter, 234 acres. May 4. — "Wm. 
Cook. 250 acres; Geo. Cubbedge, 500 acres. Aug. 12. — Major Wm. Horton, 500 
acres : Wm. Hester, 300 acres. Aug. 20. — Capt, Mark Carr, and his son. Tho. Carr, 
500 acres; Abra. Frisbee,.250 acres. Sept. 2. — Newdigate Stevens, 500 aqres; 
Wm. Beckett. 50 acres ; B. Wilson, 300 acres ; Richard Hazzard, 500 acres ; Wm. 
E wen. 500 acres. Sept. 22. — Lt. Col. Alexander Heron, 500 acres ; Alex. Gordon, 
town lot ; Lieut. Robert Howarthe, 500 acres. Sept. 22, Kenneth Baillie, 500 
acres ; Middleton Evans, 500 acres. Oct. 12 — Lieut. Archibald Dow, 500 acres ; 
Lieut, James Wall, 500 acres. Oct. 20.— John Harn, 500 acres ; Charles West, 500 
acres ; Wm. Carr, 300 acres ; David Black, 300 acres : P. Brown. 500 acres ; George 
Langley, lot; John Ballowe, 400 acres; Patrick Clarke, 300 acres ; Capt. P. 
Sutherland, 500 acres ; Lieut. Tho. Harriot, 500 acres ; Capt. James Mc Kay, 500 
acres; John Gordon, 5 00 acres; Griffeth Williams, 500 acres. Nov. 3. — Capt. 
Raymond Demere, 500 acres ; Peter Mercier, 500 acres ; Lieut. Paul Demere, 500 
acres ; James Nevie, 100 acres ; Michael Boremau, 50 acres. Nov. 7. — John Farmur, 
500 acres ; Wm. Clement, 300 acres ; John Ross, 300 acres. Nov. 29. — Peter Slyler- 
man, 100 acres ; W T m. Ballowe, 200 acres ; James Eads, 100 acres ; Richard Jones, 
200 acres. Nov. 30. — Hugh Mackay, Turkey Buzzard Island. Dec. 8 — Roderick 
Mcintosh, 500 acres; Jonathan Caulkins, 300 acres; John Mcintosh, 500 acres 
Wm. River, 500 acres. Dec. 27. — -Lieut. Tho. Goldsmith, 500 acres ; Lieut. Sam. 
Mackay, 500 acres ; Lachlin Mcintosh, 500 acres. Dec. 28. — Thomas Dawson, 
town lot. Jan. 4. — Capt. George Cadogan, 500 acres. Jan. 4. — Ensign Wm. 
Shrubsole, 500 acres ; Dr. John Miligen, 500 acres ; Capt. James Mackay, for 
John Stephens, 500 acres. Feb. 13. — John Edwards, 300 acres; John Keilson, 
500 acres; Tho. Collins, 100 acres. 

1748, March 16. — Mark Callerton. 250 acres. March 17. — Richard Cooper, 
500 acres ; Robert Bolton, town lot. 

1749, March 29. — Solomon Ogden, 100 acres. April 19. — Ann Clarke, town 
lot; Alexander Rose. 100 acres. May 5. — Henry Bourguine, 500 acres ; Benedict 
Bourguine, 350 acres. June 10. — John Shepherd. 500 acres. June 15. — Capt. 
George Dunbar. 500 acres. June 12. — John L. Myer, 100 acres. July 26. — The 
inhabitants of Augusta, 2. Sept. 4. — Richard Palmer, 500 acres. Sept. 8. — Some 
soldiers disbanded out of General Oglethorpe's Regiment, 50 to each. Sept. S. — 
Lachlin McGilvray, 100 acres. Dec. 16. — John Davis, 500 acres; James Finlay. 50 
acres: Daniel Martin. 50 acres; Audley Maxwell, 500 acres, Dec. 20. — Rev. 
Geo. Whitefield, 500 acres. March 2. — James Ellison, 200 acres ; Tho. Bossett, 
Sen.. 500 acres; Isaac Lines, 500 acres ; Donald Clarke, 500 acres ; Griffeth 
Williams, 500 acres : Roderick Mcintosh, 500 acres. Jan. 6. — James McLaran, 
500 acres. 

1750. — James Habersham, 500 acres ; John Martin Bolzius, 500 acres; Hugh 
Clarke, 500 acres ; Angus Clarke, 500 acres ; William Russell, 90 acres. Jan. 5. 
— James Stewart, 50 acres. May 4. — Daniel Demetree, 500 acres. June 9. — 
Henry Parker, 500 acres ; Henry W. Parker, 500 acres. June 22. — Rev. Bait. Zou- 
ber 500 acres. Aug. 29. — Francis Harris, 500 acres ; Christopher Hopkins, 
500 acres, Srp. 15 — George Galphin, 500 acres. Sep. 26. — Jonathan Bryan, 
500 acres. Sep. 27. — Jacob Casp. Waelhou, 140 acres. Oct. 2.— William 
Davis, 50 acres; John Gabell, 50 acres. Oct. 3. — Noble Jones, 500 acres. Oct. 
\'~. — John Milledge, 400 acres. Nov. 7. — Isaac Labow, a choice ; Leonard Bowdle, 
Anthony Pages, Anthony Le Sage, piece of land, fitting their purposes. Nov. 
15.— Christian Leimbeger. 100 acres ; B. Bacher, 100 acres ; Peter Kohleison, 
500 acres; Martin Lockner. Sen.. 100 acres; George Hocher, 100 acres; Vit 
Leihner. 50 acres ; John Sheraus, 50 acres ; John Mohr, 50 acres ; Martin Lochner, 
Jr 50 acres : Geo. Bruchner, 100 acres ; Geo. Glaner, 50 acres. The old inh abitants 



34 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

i t'Ht>ctiezer,on Mill Creek, 100 acres each : Martin Letter, 50 acres ; Geo. Meyer, 50 
acres : Rupreeli Sehrimpt. 50 acres : Christian Rottenberger, 50 acres; Valentine 
Deppe, 50 acres; John Rhylander, 60 acres; Philip Metzcher, 50 acres; L. Erst 
50 acres; Jacob Meyer, 50 acres; John Paul Frank, 50 acres; Seven heads 
of families, who came in the Martha, 50 acres to each. Nov. 16.— Nicholas Cro- 
nenberger, 200 acres ; John David Fisher, lot. Dec. 4. — Thomas Still, 50 acres. 
Jan. 8. — Michael Switzer, lot; Thomas Ellis, 300 acres; Ann S. SmithJ lot, 




Bourqui__ 

acres. March 6. — John George Beirpholt, 50 acres. March 7. — James Papot, 

400 acres. March 20. — J. L. Meyer, 100 acres; Chris. Reidlesperger, 120 acres. 

1751, May 9. — Harman Lemphe, 500 acres; John T. Keefer, 400 acres. 
July 4. — Wm. Spejisft ^JiOQ ar.resj Mathias Zetler, 50 acres ; James Woolford. 
50 acres ; Jeremiah Slyterman. lot. Sep. 6. — Noble Wymberley Jones, 450 acres. 
Dec. 4. — William Jones, 50 acres; John Gray, 350 acres. Dec. 18. — Owen Da}', 
250 acres; Mayo Gray, 50 acres ; Richard Meadows, 100 acres; Nathaniel Bos- 
sel, 500 acres; Tho. Williams, 200 acres; A. Lindsey, 300 acres ; John Younge- 
100, acres; Geo. Farr, 200 acres; William Payne, 200 acres. Jan. 8. — Jacob 
Mohr, lot; Geo. Mackay, 50 acres. Jan. 10. — Joseph Phillips, 500 acres ; James 
McDaniel, 300 acres; Peter McHugh, 200 acres; Andrew Collins, 200 acres. 
Jan. 17. — James Detaux. 500 acres; James Edmonds, 400 acres; Rev. Geo. 
Whitefield, 410 acres. Feb. 5. — William Johnson, 50 acres; John Berham, 
50 acres. 

1752, April 8. — Nathaniel Watson, 100 acres; Joseph Barker, 50 acres. April 
21. — Andrew Seckinger, 50 acres ;.^Matthew Seckinger, 50 acres; Geo. Lam- 
brecht, 50 acres; Martha Buckhartf50 acres; John Blessing, 50 acres. April 28. 
— Pickering Robinson, 800; Joseph O. Holenghe, lot ; Patrick Graham, 450 acres. 
May 11. — Jonathan Bryan, Jr., a minor, 500 acres; David Graham. 500 acres. 
May 12. — Wm. Carr, 500 acres; Mark Carr, 500 acres; James Habersham, Jr., a 
minor, 500 acres; Thomas Harris, 500 acres; James Finley, 50 acres; Daniel 
Martyn. 50 acres. June 2. — John De Naux, 500 acres; Benedict Bourquine, 300 
acres; Philip Delegal, Sen., James Thebault, 300 acres; John C. Walthour, 200. 
June 3. — John Summers, 270 acres; David Kraft, 500 acres; Alexander Rose, 
100 acres; Peter Morel'l, 500 acres; Nathaniel Hunling, 300 acres; Thomas 
Wilson, 240 acres. June 4. Thomas Forman, 50 acres; Wm. Hargrove, 50 
acres; Nathan Taylor, 500 acres; Henry Sargent, 100 acres; Martin Fenton, 
150 acres; John Wilson, 200 acres. June 4. — Hugh McKay, 500 acres. June 5. 
— Richard Hazzard, 500 acres; Joseph Parker, 500 acres. June 25. — William 
De Brahm, 500 acres. June 24. — Joseph Bryan, a minor. 500 acres; Joseph Gib- 
bons, 500 acres; Joseph Gibbons, Jr., 500 acres. July 8 — Isaac Young, 450 
acres; John Davis, 500; John Maxwell, 500 acres: James Maxwell, 500 acres; 
Wm. Maxwell, 500 acres. July 11. — John Stevens, Sen., 500 acres; Benj. 
Baker, 500 acres ; Parmenus Way, 500 acres : John Lupton, 500 acres ; Rev. Mr. 
Osgood, 500 acres; Samuel Stevens, 500 acres; Barah Norman, 500 acres: Dan- 
lel'Slaae, 500 acres; John Winn, 500 acres; Samuel Bacon, 500 acres; Edward 
Sumner, 500 acres; Andrew Way, 500 acres Richard Spencer, 500 acres: Wm. 
Baker, 500 acres; Sarah Osgood, 500 acres; Richard Girandeau, 500 acres: 
Samuel Burnley, 500 acres; James Way, 500 acres; Edward Way, 500 acres; 
Joseph Bacon, 500 acres; Jonathan Bacon, 500 acres; John Norman, 500 acres; 
Nathaniel Way, 500 acres; Richard Woodcraft, 500 acres; John Mitchell, 500 
acres; Sarah Mitchell, 500 acres; John Edwards, 500 acres;; John Elliott, 500 
acres; Joseph Way, 500 acres; Wm. Graves, 500 acres; Joseph Norman, 500 
acres; John Steward. 500 acres; Samuel James, 500 acres; Robert (Mass, 500 
acres ; Robert Eccles. 500 acres; John Quarterman, 500 acres; David Russ, 500 



NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM LANDS WERE ALLOTTED. 35 

acres; Wm Lupton, 500 acres; Richard Baker, 500 acres; John Stevens, Jr., 500 
acres; Joseph Oswald, 500 acres; Jacob Weston, 500 acres; Joshua Clarke, 300 
acres; For a Glebe, 400 acres. July 14.— William Russell, 400 acres. Aug. 5.— 
William Mackay, lot ; David Fox, Jr., 400 acres; Willoughby West, 500 acres. Aug. 
6. — Daniel Donnom, 500 acres; Isaac Donnom, 500 acres; John Graves, 500 acres; 
Palmer Goulding, 500 acres; Joseph Massey, 500 acres; Tho. Stevens, Jr., 500 
acres; Isaac Bradwell, 500 acres; N. Bradwell, 500 acres; James Christie, 500 
acres; Hugh Dowse, 500 acres; Elisabeth Simmons, 500 acres; Peter Goulding. 
400 acres; Elizabeth Baker, 400 acres; Wm. Chapman, 300 acres ; James Baker. 
300 acres; Rebecca Quarterman, 300 acres; Joseph Stevens, 250 acres; Thomas 
Stevens, 250 acres ; Joseph Bacon, Jr., 250 acres ; John Wheeler, 200 acres ; Joseph i 
Baker, 200 acres ; Tho. Way, Jr , 200 acres ; John Shave, 200 acres; John Church- 
well, 200 acres ; Moses Way, 200 acres ; Daniel Cannon, 200 acres ; Joseph Winn, 
200 acres ; John Gorton, 100 acres. Aug. 22. — Geo. Cuthbert, 500 acres. Sept. 1 . — 
David Graham, 500 acres ; James Campbell, 500 acres ; John Williams, 500 acres ; 
Rodoriah Groynor, 500 acres ; Wm. Aid ridge, 500 acres ; Geo. Applebee, 500 acres ; 
James Parker, 90 acres. Sept. 2. — James Dourouzeaux, 150 acres. Sept. 14. — 
Godlive Starley, 100 acres ; James Dixsee, 200 acres; Patrick Brown, 500 acres ; 
Wm. Harn, 500 acres; Tho. Barley, 90 acres ; Wm. Butler, Sen., 500 acres; 
Elisha Butler, 500 acres ; Wm. Butler, Jr., 500 acres ; James Butler, 500 acres ; 
Wm. Elliott, 500 acres; William Butler, of Indian Land, 500 acres; Henry 
Hyrne, Sen., 500 acres; Henry Hyrne, Jr., 500 acres; Tho. Butler, 500 acres; 
John Toomer, 500 acres ; John Parker, 500 acres ; Samuel West, 500 acres. 
Sept. 21. — John Perkins, 500 acres. Sept 29.— Patrick Clarke, 200 acres. Nov. 
8. — James Maxwell, 500 acres; John Davis, 50 acres. Nov. 9. — Henry Myers, 
50 acres ; David Delegal, 100 acres ; Jeremiah Helvensteine, 100 acres ; Richard 
Cooper, 50 acres; Audley Maxwell, Jr., 200 acres. Nov. 10.— Edward Carlton, 
300 acres; Lewis Muttair, 200 acres; John Keeler. 50 acres; Jacob Wald- 
burger, 100 acres; Ann Stuart, lot; Lucy Mouse, lot; Wm. Mathers, lot; 
Richard Millidge, 90 acres ; James Jeansac, 100 acres ; Thos. Rasberry, 90 acres ; 
Nov. 29. — John" G. Knap, 100 acres; Paul' Meyer, 100 acres; Jacob Herle, 100 
acres ; Jno. Jacob Henselier, Sen., 100 acres ; Jno. Jacob Henselier, Jr., 50 acres ; 
John Unold, 100 acres ; Matthew Salffer, 50 acres ; John Adam Salffer, 50 acres ; 
John C. Hirsham, Sen.,' 100 acres ; Gasper Hirsham, 100 acres ; John C. Hirsham, 
Jr. 50 acres; M'. Herst, 100 acres; M. Salffer, 50 acres; L. Salffer, 50 acres; 
Geo. Bolzenhard, 100 acres; Melchur Oachsle, 100 acres ; John Lange, Sen., 150 
acres; John Lange, Jr., 50 acres; G. Lange, 50 acres; John Elgin, 150 acres, 
M. Gros, 100 acres; Paul Gerber, 150 acres; Gabriel Eichard, 100 acres; M. 
Zeigler, 100 acres; Lucy Zeigler, 50 acres; Jacob Zeigler, 50 acres; Bart. Bol- 
zenhard, 100 acres; Geo. Eichard, 100 acres; Lucas Moser, 100 acres; A. Frey, 
50 acres; Thos. Heckell, 50 acres; M. Dauner, 100 acres; John Martin Nies, 
100 acres; John L. Nies, 50 acres; John Paulas, Sen., 100 acres; John Paulas, 
Jr., 50 acres; M. Knap, 100 acres; Anna Rauve, 100 acres; John Meyer, 100 
acres; Juliana Hagemyer, 100 acres; Christian Preysing, Jr., 50 acres ; Michael 
Fisher, 100 acres; Nicholas Fisher, 100 acres; John Millar, 100 acres; Solomon 
Holl, 100 acres; John George Mauls, 100 acres; Jacob Gremer, 100 acres. 
1752, November 29. — John G. Gremer, 100 acres; John G. Gremer, Jr., 100 
acres; John G. Gremer, Sen., 100 acres; John Milton Gremer, 50 acres; 
George Fisher, 100 acres; John G. Kalbell, 100 acres; Jacob Guan, 100 
acres; Martin Belzenhagen, 100 acres; Geo. Seybold, 100 acres; Geo. 
Streigell, 100 acres; M. Bader, 100 acres; John Meyer, 100 acres; Jno. P. 
Flieger, 100 acres; Jno. Speirla, 100 acres; M. Echart, 100 acres; Geo. Bol- 
linger, 100 acres; Magdalena Sherhansen, 50 acres; John Eberhard, 100 acres: 
the Minister for the time being, 300 acres ; Christian Van Munch, Sen., 500 
acres; Christian Van Munch, Jr., 500 acres; Thomas Van Munch, 500 acres; 
Remigius Van Munch, 500 acres ; Charles Van Munch 500 acres ; Thomas 
Krause, 500 acres. Dec. 6. — Adam Rheinstetler, 50 acres; Jacob Dice, 50 
acres; Caspar Rahn, 100 acres; John Matthews, 100 acres ; James De Naux, Jr., 
500 acres ; Isaac Gibbes, Jr , 50 acres ; Theobald Keiffer, 400 acres ; Jacob Hel- 
venstine, 100 acres ; Martin Dasher, 100 acres ; Seth Place, 100 acres: Wm. Dews, 
500 acres. Dec. 7.— Peter Tondee. 120 acres: Oliver Shaw, 50 acres ; Wm. Mc 



36 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Donald, 400 acres; J no. Henry Grave, 500 acres; Jno. C. Bornemann, 500 acres. 
Dec. 8. — Samuel Marcer, 150 acres; Geo. Dresler, 50 acres; Alexander Bailliej 
100 acres; Wm. Norton, 50 acres; Andrew Snyder, 100 acres; Wm. Harris 
350 acres; Bar. Webling, 100 acres ; Robt. Bolton, 90 acres; John Rae, 400 
acres; Henry Bishop, 100 acres. 

1753, Jan. 11. — Lewis Johnson, 500 acres; Stephen Adye, 500 acres; Antho- 
ny Tahie, 500 acres; Edmund Tann at t. 500 acres. Feb. 6. — Mark Benz, 100 
acres; Peter Guiard, 100 acres; Walter Femming, 500 acres. Feb. 7. — William 
Bechet, 50 acres ; David Fox, 500 acres ; Tho. Readye, 100 acres ; Valentine 
1 Bostick, 500 acres : John Davis, Jr., 500 acres ; James Paris, 350 acres; Richard 
Bennison, 400 acres. Feb. 8. — James Galache, 50 acres ; Robert Luden, 100 
acres ; William Barkshell, 500 acres. Nov. 23. — Edward Goodall, 300 acres. 
April 4. — Thomas Beckett, 50 acres ; John G. Nies, 50 acres ; James Millar, lot; 
Matthew Maurve. 300 acres ; Richard Jon, 500 acres ; John Cubbedge, 200 
acres; John Bennett, 100 acres; John Coffee, 100 acres; Abram Gabell, 50 
acres ; Cuthbert Gordon, 500 acres. April 5. — Thomas Trippe, 2 lots ; Thomas 
Lee, 2 lots; Henry Hamilton, 100 acres ; Edward Watson, 100 acres; N Mil- 
lar, 2 lots. June 5. — Joseph Phillips, 100 feet; John Pye, 2 lots ; David Unseld, 
50 acres; Thomas Parker, 300 acres; Adam Ordner, 50 acres; Jno. Mc Leod, 
100 acres; Elisha Butler, 500 acres. June 6. — Wm. Butler, Sen., 500 acres ; 
Wm. Butler, son of Elisha Butler, 500 acres; Henry Yonge, 37 acres; John 
Snook, 2 lots; Jery Sliterman. 2 lots; Edward Barnard, 300 acres. July 3. — 
John Berrier, 50 acres ; Caspar Herbach, 50 acres ; Jacob Danner, 50 acres ; 
James Edward Powell, 500 acres. Aug. 8. — David Flear, 50 acres; Wm. Ken- 
nedy, 50 acres; Hugh Kennedy, 100 acres; Joseph Stanley, 100 acres ; John P. 
Millar, 100 acres; Christ, Folbright, 400 acres; Francis Arthur, 500 acres. 
Aug. 9. — Joseph Ottolenghe, 350 acres ; Matthew Roche, 200 acres. Sept 5. — 
Donald Kennedy, 150 acres; Roderick Mcintosh, 500 acres; George Mcintosh, 
500 acres ; Samuel Leon, 50 acres ; William Thompson, 500 acres. Sept. 6. — 
David Truan, 2 lots; Peter Destemple, 50 acres; John Mackay, 100 acres. 
Sept 7. — John McBean, 100 acres; Alex. McDonald, 150 acres. Sept. 8. — Sam- 
uel Hudson, 400 acres ; John Fitch, 100 acres; John Hudson, 100 acres ; John 
Brady, 100 acres; Edward Germany, 200 acres. Sept 9. — James Baillon, 200 
acres. Dec. 4. — Oliver Shaw, 100 acres. Dec. 5. — Henry Calvell, 450 acres ; 
C. Rabenhorst, 500 acres; J. Mulryne, 500 acres; James Williams, 500 acres; 
John M. Hirsh. 100 acres. Dec. 6.— Tho. Carter, 300 acres; .James Millar, 100 
acres. 

1754. Feb. 5. — Daniel Mackay, Sen., 150 acres; Geo. McDonald, 150 acres; 
Murdock McLeod, 100 acres; Angus Mcintosh, 100 acres; Peter Grant, 50 acres; 
John Germany, 200 acres; Hugh Morrison, 250 acres. Feb. 6. — John R. Puny, 
500 acres; Wm. Mcintosh, 500 acres; Donald McKay, 500 acres; Elizde St. Ju- 
lian, 500 acres; Richard Coxe, Sen., 500 acres; Richard Coxe, Jr., 500 acres; 
Samuel New, 340 acres ; James New, 500 acres ; Joseph Butler, 500 acres ; Shem 
Butler, 5U0 acres. Feb. 8. — John Thompson, 500 acres; Geo. Uland, 100 acres; 
John Todd, Sen., 100 acres; John Todd, Jr., 100 acres. April 3. — David Mon- 
taigut, 500 acres; Valentine Bostick, 400 acres; Christian Dasher, 50 acres; 
John Sherif, 50 acres; F. L. Parry, 100 acres; Jno. Fox, 400 acres. April 4. — 
Joseph Butler, Jr., 50 acres; Alexander Low, 500 acres. April 5. — Robert 
Baillie, 500 acres; Joseph Goodby, 400 acres; James Matthews, 200 acres; 
Alexander Germany. 200 acres; Josiah Bryan, a minor, 500 acres; John Greene, 
500 acres; Tho. Rasberry, 300 acres; Sigismund Beltz, 60 acres. June 5. — Geo. 
Fowle, 50 acres; Urban Buntz. 50 acres; Jno. Neidlinger, 50 acres; L. McGilv- 
ray, 500 acres; Jno. Reuter, 50 acres; David Haisler, 50 acres; Wm. Gibbons, 
365 acres; N. J. Walliser, 50 acres; P. Graham, town lot; James Habersham, 
town lot; Noble Jones, town lot ; Pickering Robinson, town lot; Francis Harris, 
town lot; Wrj^SpeJicej^Jown lot ; Joseph Habersham Minor, town lot; Geo. 
Cuthbert, town lot : Wm. Butler, town lot; Elisha Butler, town lot; Wm. Elliott, 
town lot ; Joseph Butler, Sen., town lot ; Charles West, town lot ; James Mc- 
Kay, town lot; Joseph Barker, town lot; John Penrose, town lot; Samuel New 



NAMES OF PERSONS TO WHOM LANDS WERE ALLOTTED. 37 

town lot: Richard Cox, Sen., town lot; Richard Cox, Jr., town lot. Aug. 6. — Adrian 
Van Beverhought, 500 acres : John Van Beverhought, 500 acres; Wm. Martin John- 
son. 500 acres ; John Hamm, 500 acres ; Clement Martin, 500 acres ; Wm. Martin 
500 acres; James Sumer, 100 acres; Peter Grant, 50 acres; Jacob Illy, 50 acres 
John Pye, 200 acres; David Humbert, 300 acres; Robert Houstoun, 100 acres 
Joseph Raymond, 300 acres ; Lewis Mitchell, 50 acres. Aug. 7. — Henry 
Denzler, 50 acres; M. Kadich, 50 acres; D. Johnson, 50 acres; Christian 
Reidlesperger, 80 acres; Jacob Bantli, 50 acres; B. Farley, 500 acres ; Jeremiah 
Swan, 100 acres; Wm, Gibbons, Jr., 500 acres. Aug. 9. — Ulrich Neidlinger, 
50 acres ; Peter Sliterman, 100 acre3, Octo. 2. — George Winchler, 50 acres; 
Hugh Ross, 100 acres; John Rayland, 100 acres; William Small, 250 acres; 
John Young, 250 acres; A. Wylly, 500 acres; R. Johnson, 250 acres; J. Haner, 
100 acres. Octo. 3. — Frances Yonge, a minor, 500 acres; D. Douglass, 500 
acres; Robert Noble, 500 acres; Geo. Noble, 100 acres. 

(Signed,) J. REYNOLDS. 

Octo. 8, 1775. 



39 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



GEORGIA ROLL* 

America — made in (he sixth year of the reig?i of his Most Excellent Majesty 
King George the Third. 

The oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy appointed to be taken by act 
of Parliament, made in the first year of the Reign of his late Majesty 
King George the First, entitled, " an Act for the further security of his 
Majesty's person and government, and the succession of the Crown 
in the Heirs of the late Princess Sophia, being Protestants, and for 
extinguishing the hopes of the Pretended Prince of Wales, and his 
open and secret abettors ; and also the oath of abjuration as appointed 
to be taken in and by an act made in the Sixth year of his Majesty 
King George the Third, entitled, "An act for altering the oath of ab- 
juration," &c, &c. 

I, A. B., do swear that I do from my heart detest, abhor, and abjure, as impious 
and heretical, that damnable doctrine and position, that Princes excommunicated 
or deprived by the Pope, or any authority of the See of Rome, may be deposed or 
murthered by their subjects or any other whatsoever. And I do declare that no 
foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate, hath or ought to have any 
jurisdiction, power or superiority, pre-eminence or authority, ecclesiastical oi 
spiritual, within this Realm. So help me God. 

I, A. B., do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare in my 
conscience, before God and the world, that our Sovereign Lord King George is 
lawful and rightful King of this Realm, and all others, his Majesty's dominions 
and countries thereunto belonging. And I do solemnly and sincerely declare, 
that I do believe in my conscience, that not any of the Descendants of the Per- 
son who pretended to be Prince of Wales, during the life of the late King James 
the Second, and since his decease pretended to be and took upon himself the 
Stile and Title of King of England, by the name of James the Third, or of Scot- 
land, by the name of James the Eighth, or the Stile and Title of Great Britain, 
hath any right or title whatsoever to the Crown of this Realm, or any other the 
Dominions thereunto belonging ; and I do swear that I will bare Faith and true 
allegiance to his Majesty King George, and him will defend to the utmost of my 
power against all traitorous conspiracies and attempts whatsoever, which shall 
be made against his Person, Crown or Dignity. And I will do my utmost endea- 
vour to disclose and make known to his Majesty and his Successors, all treasons 
and traitorous conspiracies which I shall know to be against him or any of them. 
And I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my power to support, maintain, and 
defend the Succession of the Crown against the Descendants of the said James, 
and all other persons whatsoever, which succession, by an act entitled an act 
for the further Limitation of the Crown, and better securing the Rights and Liber- 
ties of the Subject, is and stands limited to the Princess Sophia, Electress and Dutch- 
ess Dowager of Hanover, and the Heirs of her body, being Protestants. And all 
these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, according to 
(hose express words by me spoken, and according to the plain Common Sense 
and Understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, mental eva- 
sion, or secret reservation whatsoever. And I do make this Recognition, 
Acknowledgment, Abjuration, Renunciation and Promise, heartily, willingly, and 
truly, upon the faith of a Christian. So help me God. 

* The original, written on parchment, is in possession of a gentleman residing in 
Savannah, 



GEORGIA ROLL. 



39 



I, A. B., do declare that I do believe that there is not any Transubstantiation 
in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or in the elements of Bread and Wine, 
or after the Consecration thereof by any person whatsoever. 

Ja. Wright, Governor; James Habersham, Lewis Johnson, John Graham, 
James Read, Clemt. Martin, Gray Elliott, James Mackay, Jonathan Bryan, J. C 
Powell, Council. 

N. Jones, Alex. Wylley, John Adam Treutlen, John Mullryne, Patrick Hous- 
toun, John Smith, David C. Braddock, Assembly. 



William Simpson, C. J., 15th Dec. 
1766. 

Jno. Simpson, George Mcintosh, Tho- 
mas Vincent, Assembly, 15th Dec. 

Tho. Moodie, Deputy Sec'y., 15th 
Dec. 

William Ewen, Edw. Barnard, N. 
Jones, Jonathan Cochran, Andrew Johns- 
ton, Josiah Tatnell, John Millidger, As- 
sembly. 

Henry Preston, Prothon. 

Charles Pryce, Attorney Gen. 

Charles Watson, C. C. 

Matthew Roche, Prov. Mar. 

Charles Pryce, Jun., Prothon, 17th 
Dec. 

David Emanuel, David Lewis, (Jus- 
tices St. Geo. Parish, 17th Dec. 1766.) 

Button Gwinnet, Justice for St. John's 
Parish. 

James Bulloch, Justice for Christ 
Church, Octo., 1767. 

James Brown, Deputy Sur., 23d Feb., 
1768. 

William Graeme, 3 March, 1768. 

Samuel Farley. 3 March, 1768. 

John Glen, 3 March, 1768. 

Henry Yonge, Jr., 3 March, 1768. 

Thomas Shrude'r, 3d of Feb., as De- 
puty Surveyor General. 

John Smith, 16th of Jan., 1769. 

Thomas Shruder. 8th of Aug., 1769, 
J. P. 

Anthony Stokes, Chief Justice. 1st 
Sept., 1769. 

James Hume, Attorney and Advo. 
Gen., 1770. 

James Hume, a Justice for the Pro- 
vince. 

Win. Belcher, a Justice for the Parish 
of St. Phillip. 

Arthur Carney, Justis of the Peace 
for the four Southern parishes, and Cap- 
tin o/Melisia, Sept. 9, 1774. 

Raym. Demere, Jr., Justis of the 
Peace for the four Southern Parrishes. 
and Ensign of Miliska, Sept. 9, 1774. 

Jno. Holmes, J. P. for the Parish of 
St. George, 17th of Octo., 1774. 



Thomas Stone, March 7, 1774, J. P. 
for the Parish of St. Phillip. 

Stephen Smith, J. P., 21st of March, 
for the Parish of St. George. 

Thomas Ross, Solicitor in Chancery, 
7th of April, 1775. 

William Stephens, Clerk Com. House 
of Assembly, 10 May, 1775. 

John Hume, Secretary of the Prov- 
ince and Register of the Records, 2d 
Nov. 1775. 

Lewis Johnston, Public Treasurer, 
20th of Nov., 1775. > 

William Stewart, Notary Public, 8th 
of Jan., 1776. 

Isaac Perry, Dep.Sur.,6thofNov.,1766. 

Frans. Bigbey, 20th of Nov., 1766, 
Surgeon to the first troop of rangers. 

John Stevens, 26th of Nov., 1766, 
Third Lieutenant of the second troop of 
rangers. 

James Whitefield. 5th of December, 
1766. Quarter Master of the first troop 
of rangers. 

L. Claiborne, Attorney at Law, 18th 
Dec, 1766. 

Benjamin Lewis, Deputy Surveyor, 
18th Dec, 1766. 

'-"Richard Scruggs, Justice, St. Mat- 
thews, 18th Dec. 1766. 

J. T. Rossell, Justice for St. Andrew's 
Parish, 31st Dec, 1766. 

John Mac Lean, Justice for Christ 
Church, Captain of Militia, 12 Jan., 
1767. 

John Dunbar, Justice for St. John's 
Parish, 19th Jan., 1767. 

Thomas Pittman, J. P. Romans, De- 
puty Surveyors, 3 Feb., 1767. 

Thomas Carr, Collector for Sunbury 
Port, 4th of May, 1767. 

Francis Lee, Naval Officer, &c, for 
Sunbury, 5 May, 1767. 

Charles Pryce. Jr., 28th of May, 1767, 
Deputy Reg. & Examiner in Chancery. 

Jno. Simpson, Clerk of the House of 
Representatives, 29th of May, 1767. 

Wm. Brown. Searcher for the Port of 
Savannah, 6 July, 1767. 



40 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



John Thomas, ) Militia officers, 
The X mark of > St. George's Parish, 
^-Ioh.aMa«H, ) 14th of July, 1767. 

William Graeme, Attorney General, 
Advo. Gen., 22ud April, 1768. 

Matt. Roche, Prov. Marshal, June 7. 
1 768. 

Isaac Ford, 8th of June, 1768, Justice 
for St. George's and St. Matthew's Pa- 
rishes. 

Moses Nunes, Searcher Port of Sa- 
vannah, 9th June, 1768. 

Alexander Findley. Jas. Seymour, 
Schoolmasters, July 11, 1768. 
Jared Nelson, Benjamin Stirk. 
Daniel M. Neal, Deputy Sur. 
William Barnard, ll u 
Jno. Oliver, Justice for St. Paul's, 7th 
June, 1769. 

James McFarlane, Deputy Surveyor, 
5th of July, 1769. 

Richard Wylley, 31st of Augt., 1769. 
Nota. Public. 

William Harding, Justice of St. Geo. 
and St. Paul's, 19th of Octo., 1769. 

William McKenzie. Comp. and 
Searcher of Sunbury, Solicitor in Chan- 
cery, 21 Dec, 1769. 

James Kitching, Coll. and Com. of 
the Customs Dutys, Naval Officer for the 
Port of Sunbury, 8th of March, 1770. 

James Maxwell, Justice for St. Phil- 
lip's Par., 8 March, 1770. 

James Cantey, Deput. Surveyor, 27th 
Aug., 1770. 

Thomas Chisolm, " " 27th 

Aug, 1770. 

Isaac Antrobus, Compt. and Searcher 
of Sunbury, 11 May, 1770. 
J. Lewis. 4 July, 1770, D. S. 
Joseph Marshall, Justice for St. Paul's, 
and St. George's, 6 Nov., 1770. 
John Douglass, Dept, 1770. 
Josiah Cantey, D. S., 7th of Augt., 
1771. 

Isaac Antrobus, Collector of the Port 
of Sunbury, 6th of Dec, 1770. 

John Graves, Com. and Searcher for 
the Port of Sunbury, 6th of Dec, 1770. 
Alex. Wylley, Clerk of the Council, 
1st Jany., 1771. 

Elijah Brazeal, J. P. 
Richard Cunningham Crooke. 
Patrick Houstoun, J. P. for the Parish 
of St. Andrew and the four Southern Pa- 
rishes, 22nd of Augt,, 1771. 

Wm. Evans, 2nd Lieut, of the guard 
Company, 23d of Augt., 1771. 

Wm. McKenzie, Collector of the Cus- 



toms, Duties at Sunbury, 4th of Sept. 
1771. 
Joseph Johnston, J. P.. 4th of Sept. 
William Candler, D. S., 7th of Oct., 
1771. 

Alexander Thompson, Justice of the 
Peace for the Parish of Christ Church, 
17th of Nov., 1771. 

James McFarlane, J. P., for the Parish 
of St. Paul's, 9 Jan., 1772. 

Robert Badiie, D. S., 28th March, 1772. 
Andrew Way, D. S., 4th of May, 1772. 
James Kitching, Collector of his Ma- 
jesty's Customs for the Port of Sunbury, 
9th of June, 1772. 

Francis Paris, J. P., for the Parish of 
St. George, 13 June, 1772. 

William Harding, D. S., 23d of June. 
Councillor Anthony Stokes, 7th of 
July, 1772. 

James Hume, Councillor, 4th of Aug., 
1772. 
Philip Yonge, Deputy Surveyor. 
William Haven, Naval Officer. 
John Houstoun, a Solicitor in the 
Court of Chancery, 2 July, 1771. 

Henry Younge, T. of Council, 2nd of 
July, 1771. 

William Sims, Deputy Surveyor, July 
6, 1773. 

Jedediah Smith, Deputy Surveyor, 
Jan. 6, 1773. 

Alexander Thompson, Collector of the 
Customs, Savannah, 25 Jan., 1773. 

Sanders Walker, Deputy Surveyor, 
29th of Jan., 1773. 

Samuel Creswell, D. S., Feb. 4, 1773. 
James Cosby, D. S., March 8, 1773. 
Joseph Parrnill. D. S. 
John Houlton, 22d March, 1773. 
Basil Lamar, Deputy Surveyor, 24 
March, 1773. 

John Dooly, D. S., March 7th, 1773. 
George Walton. Solicitor, 12th day of 
May, 1773. 
David Taitt, Justice of Peace, 1773. 
Jonathan Sells, J. of P., July, 1773. 
Thomas Ross, Notary Public, 2 July, 
1773. 

Andrew Elton Wells, Marshal of the 
Admiralty. 

Andrew Elton Wells, Clerk of the 
Market, July 13, 1773. 

George Barry, Justice of the Parish of 
Christ Church, July 22, 1773. 

Francis Arthur. Deputy Surveyor, 9th 
of Aug. 1773. 

James Robertson, Solicitor in Chan- 
cery, ^th of Oct, 1773. 



GEORGIA ROLL. 



41 



J. Pjfkens, D. S., Nov. 10th, 1773. 

1 homas Waters, Justice of the Peace 
for the ceded lands, the 16th of Nov., 
1773. 

Edward Keating, Justine of the Peace 
for the ceded lands, 16 Nov., 1773. 

John Hume, J. P., for Parish of Christ 
Church. 

James Lucena, J. P., for the Parish of 
Christ, Church, the 27th of Dec. 1773. 

J. Wood, jr., J. P., for the Parish of 
St. John's, the 14th of Jan., 1774. 

D. Fraser, Collec. & C, and duties at 
the Port of Sunbury, 25th Jan., 1774. 

James Seymour. Justice for the parishes 
of St. Paul's, St. George and St. Matthew, 
March 21, 1774. 

Stephen Matthews, March 20, 1774. 

Thorn. Burton, J. P., for the Parish of 
St. George. 27th of April, 1774. 

Jacob Walthaur, J. P., for the Parish 
of St. Matthew, 10th of May, 1774. 

John Stirk, Captain of the Fourth Com- 
pany of Foot Militia, 4th of June, 1774. 

Quinton Pooler, Captain of the First 
Company of Foot Militia, 4th June, 1774. 

Phillip Howell, J. P., for Saint Mat- 
thew's Parish, 16th June, 1774. 

Samuel Strong, D. S., Aug. 8, 1774. 

James Kitching, Collector of the Cus- 
toms at the Port of Sunbury, Aug. 10, 
1772. 

John Stirk, Justice of St. Matthew's 
Parish, 2nd of Sept.. 1772. 

Robert Hamilton, a Solicitor in the 
Court of Chancery, 15th of Sept., 1772. 

James Peart, D. S.. Oct. 7, 1772. 

Elijah Lewis, D. S'., Oct. 7, 1772. 

Wm. Downs, D. S., Oct. 14, 1772. 

John Stuart. Councillor, 23d of Oct., 
1772. 



Leon. Marbury, D. S., 26th of Oct. 
1772. 

Ben. Lanier. Justice of the Peace for 
the parishes of St. George and St. Mat- 
thew, qualified, 2d of Nov.. 1772. 

John Chisolm, D. S. 

Wm. Ewen, Justice of the Peace for 
the Parish of Christ Church, 22d of 
Dec, 1772. 

Samuel Elbert, Captain of the Grena- 
dier Company, 4th of June, 1774. 

Thomas Skinner, Captain of the 
Third Company, 4th of June, 1774. 

T. Netherclift, Captain of the Light 
Infantry Company. 

Alexander Hogg, Captain of the Sixth 
Company, 4 June, 1774. 

Joseph Habersham, 1st Lieut, of the 
Grenadier Company, 4 June, 1774. 

Henry Yonge, 1st Lieut, of the Light 
Infantry Company, 4 June, 1774. 

Thomas Ross, Lieut, of the fourth 
Company, 4 June, 1774. 

George Houstoun, second Lieut, of the 
Light Infantry Company, 4 June, 1774. 

John C. Lucena, Lieut, of the first 
Company, June 4, 1774. 

Philip Moore, Lieut, of the second 
Company, June 4, 1774. 

William Stephens, second Lieut, of 
the 8lh Company, June 4, 1774. 

Alexander Martin, Lieut. 4th Com- 
pany, June 4, 1774. 

James Roberson, Ensign of the Comp. 
June 4, 1774: 

Alex. McGorm, Ensign of the second 
Company, June 4, 1774. 

Jno. B. Randell, Ensign of the first 
Company, June 4, 1774. 

Peter Bard, Adjutant, 4 June, 1774. 

Phillip Yonge, D. S., 4 June, 1774. 



42 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

DOCUMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE REVOLUTION. 



MEETING OF MERCHANTS. 

At a meeting of the merchants, 16th Sept., 1769, at the house of one > 
Alexander Creighton, in Savannah, it was agreed that the late acts 
of Parliament so fully and unanimously remonstrated against by the 
Northern Colonies, were in themselves unconstitutional, and the 
mode of taxation inconsistent with the liberties of the people. 

At a time when we have great reason to believe that healing mea- 
sures and a redress of grievances will be effectually pursued at the 
next meeting of Parliament, we think it unnecessary to enumerate 
the whole further, that, in general, and as far as yet we know, we 
approve of and agree in sentiment with the other Provinces. It 
was agreed respecting this Province in particular, that the mode of 
payment of such duties is a great and additional grievance. The 
sterling money of this Province which was, by act of Assembly, 
assented to by his Majesty, and declared equal in value to the sterling 
money of Great Britain, and a lawful tender in all the payments, 
being refused in payments of such duties, tends greatly to depreciate 
its value, a circumstance affecting every person interested in the 
Province. After having wisely excluded us the benefit of the Spanish 
trade, the only channel through which specie could be procured, and 
then, by subsequent acts, imposing duties upon us payable in gold 
and silver, shows that they are entirely ignorant of our internal police, 
and know little of what is beneficial to the colonies, and thereby pre- 
vent our giving a regular and constitutional aid to the mother 
country, if such was demanded. We, therefore, resolve that any 
person or persons whatsoever importing any of the articles subject to 
such duties, after having it in their power to prevent it, ought not 
only to be treated with contempt, but deemed an enemy to their 
country, it being a circumstance that needs only be mentioned to any 
person inspired with the least sense of liberty, that it may be detested 
and abhorred. Without Signature. 

MEETING OF THE INHABITANTS. 

At a meeting of a number of inhabitants of this Province on the 
19th inst., 1769, the Hon. Jonathan Bryan in the chair. 

The Committee appointed to prepare resolutions at this alarming 
crisis, by the imposition of several acts of the British Parliament, 
presented the following, which were agreed to, and ordered to be 
published in the next Gazette : 

We, inhabitants of Georgia, finding ourselves reduced to the greatest distress 
and most abject condition by the operation of several acts of the British Legis- 
lature, by means whereof our prosperity is arbitrarily wrested from us, contrary 
to the true spirit of our Constitution and the repeatedly confirmed birthright of 
every Briton ; under all these oppressions, finding that the most dutiful and 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 43 

loyal petitions from the colonies for redress of grievances have not answered the 
salutary purpose we intended, and being destitute of all hope of relief from our 
multiplied and increasing distresses but by our industry, frugality, and economy, 
firmly resolved never to be in the least accessory to the loss of any privilege we 
are entitled to. 

Therefore, we whose names are hereunto subscribed, do solemnly agree and 
promise to and each other, that until the said acts are repealed, we will most 
faithfully abide by, and adhere to and fulfil the following resolutions : 

1st. — That we will encourage and promote American manufactures, and of this 
Province in particular. 

2nd. — That as the raising of sheep for the benefit of wool will be of the utmost 
utility, we do therefore engage not to kill or sell any lambs that shall be yeaned 
before the first of May in every year to any butcher or other person whom we 
may have reason to think intends to kill the same. 

3rd. — That we will promote the raising of cotton and flax, and encourage spin- 
ning and weaving. 

4th. — That we will, upon no pretence, either upon our own account or commis- 
sion, import into this province any of the manufactures of Great Britain, or 
European, or East India goods, other than may be shipped in consequence of 
former orders, except only negro cloth not exceeding Is. and 4 pence per yard 
psnaburgs, canvass, cordage, drugs, and hardware of all sorts, paper not exceed- 
ing 10 shillings per ream, fire-arms, gunpowder, shot, lead, flints, saltpetre, 
coals, printed books and pamphlets; white and striped flannels, not above 9 
shillings per yard, white linen not above 15 shillings and 8 pence per yard, 
woollen and thread hose not exceeding 24 shillings 5 pence per dozen, striped 
cottons not exceeding 13 shillings and 4 pence per yard, checks not above 
13 shillings and 3 pence per yard, felt hats not above 48 shillings per 
dozen, bolting cloths, mill and grind stones, cotton and wool cards, and 
wire thread not above 8 shillings and 5 pence per pound, shoes not above 
48 shillings per dozen; as also the following goods necessary for the Indian 
Irade, strouds, vermilion, beads, looking-glasses, and paint; and exclusive of 
these articles, we do solemnly promise and declare that we will immediately 
countermand all orders to our correspondents in Great Britain for shipping any 
goods, wares or merchandise other than herein before excepted, and will sell and 
dispose of the goods we now or hereafter may have, at the same rate and prices 
as before. 

5th. — That we will neither purchase or give mourning at funerals. 

6th. — That from and after the 1st of June, 1770, we will not import, buy or sell 
any negroes that shall be brought into this Province from Africa ; nor after the 
1st of January next, any negroes from the West Indies, or any other place, ex- 
cepting from Africa aforesaid; and if any goods or negroes be sent to us con- 
trary to our agreement in this subscription, such goods shall be reshipped or 
stowed, and such negroes re-shipped from this Province, and not by any means 
offered for sale therein. 

7th. — That we will not import, on our own account, or on commission purchase, 
from any masters of vessels, transient persons, or non-subscribers, any wines 
after the 15th day of March next. 

8th. — That we will not purchase any negroes imported, or any goods, wares, or 



44 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

merchandise, from any resident of this Province or transient person that shall 
aeglect to sign this agreement within five weeks from the date thereof, except 
it appear he shall be unavoidably prevented from so doing; and every person 
signing and not strictly adhering to the same, according to the true intent and 
meaning thereof, and also every non-subscriber, shall be looked upon as no 
friend to his country. Without Signature. 

On the 20th of July, 1774, the following notice appeared in the 
Georgia Gazette : 

The critical situation to which the British Colonies in America are likely to be 
reduced, from the arbitrary and alarming imposition of the late acts of the Bri- 
tish Parliament respecting the town of Boston, as well as the acts that at present 
exist, tending to the raising of a perpetual revenue without the consent of the 
people or their representatives, is considered an object extremely important at 
this juncture, and particularly calculated to deprive the American subjects of 
their constitutional rights and liberties, as a part of the British Empire. It is 
therefore requested that all persons within the limits of this Province do attend 
at Savannah, on Wednesday, the 27th of July, in order that the said matters may 
be taken into consideration, and such other constitutional measures pursued as 
may appear most eligible. Signed, 

Noble W. Jones, 
Archibald Bulloch, 
John Houstoun, 

14th July, 1774. John Walton. 

27th July, 1774. 

The following w r as addressed to the different parishes : — 

Gentlemen, — At a very respectable meeting of the inhabitants of this Pro 
vince, held this day at Savannah, for the purpose of concerting such measures as 
may be proper to be pursued respecting certain late acts of the British Parliament, 
it was, after some business being entered upon, objected that many of the out 
parishes might not have a sufficient notification of the intended meeting; and 
therefore 

Resolved, That all further business be postponed till the 10th of August next, 
and that in the mean time notice be given to the inhabitants of the several 
parishes, in order to afford them an opportunity of sending down deputies to 
deliver their sense upon this very important occasion. 

In pursuance of this resolve, I take the liberty, as Chairman of the Committee; 
to request you will send gentlemen duly authorized to attend on behalf of your 
parish at the next meeting. The number expected to join the Committee is agree- 
able to the number of representatives each parish sends to the General Assembly. 
The Committee to meet you at Savannah are: John Glen, John Smith, Joseph 
Clay, John Houstoun, N. W. Jones. Lyman Hall, Wm. Young, E. Telfair, Samuel 
Farley, Geo. Walton, Joseph Habersham, Jonathan Bryan, Jonathan Cochran, 

Geo. W. Mcintosh, Sutton, William Gibbons, Benj. Andrew, John Winn 

John Stirk, A. Powell, James Beaven, D. Zubly, H. L. Bourquine, Elisha Butler, 
Wm. Baker, Parmenus Way, John Baker. John Mann. John Bennefield, John Stacy, 
John Morell. I am, dear Sir, John Glen. 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 45 

Resolutions entered into at Savannah, in Georgia, on Wednesday, the 10th of 

August, 1774, at a General Meeting of the inhabitants of the Province, assembled to 

consider the State of the Colonies hi America. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That his Majesty's subjects in America owe 
the same allegiance, and are entitled to the same rights, privileges, and immu- 
nities with their fellow subjects in Great Britain. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That as protection and allegiance are reciprocal, 
and under the British Constitution correlative terms, his Majesty's subjects in 
America have a clear and indisputable right, as well from the general laws of 
mankind, as from the ancient and established customs of the land so often recog- 
nized, to petition the Throne upon every emergency. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That an Act of Parliament lately passed, for 
blockading the port and harbour of Boston, is contrary to our idea of the British 
Constitution: First, for that it in effect deprives good and lawful men of the use 
of their property without judgment of their peers ; and secondly, for that it is in 
nature of an ex pest facto law. and indiscriminately blends as objects of punish- 
ment the innocent with the guilty ; neither do we conceive the same justified 
upon a principle of necessity, for that numerous instances evince that the laws 
and executive power of Boston have made sufficient provision for the punishment 
of all offenders against persons and property. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the Act for abolishing the Charter of Mas- 
sachusetts Bay tends to the subversion of American rights ; for besides those gene- 
ral liberties, the original settlers brought over with them as their birthright, parti- 
cular immunities granted by such charter, as an inducement and means of set- 
tling the Province: and we apprehend the said Charter cannot be dissolved 
but by a voluntary surrender of the people, representatively declared. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That we apprehend the Parliament of Great Bri- 
tain hath not, nor ever had, any right to tax his Majesty's American subjects: 
for it is evident beyond contradiction, the constitution admits of no taxation 
without representation ; that they are coeval and inseparable; and every demand 
for the support of government should be by requisition made to the several houses 
of representatives. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente. That it is contrary to natural justice and the 
established law of the land, to transport any person to Great Britain or elsewhere, 
to be tried under indictment for a crime committed in any of the colonies, as the 
party prosecuted would thereby be deprived of the privilege of trial by his peers 
from the vicinage, the injured perhaps prevented from legal reparation, and both 
lose the full benefit of their witnesses. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That we concur with our sister colonies in 
every constitutional measure to obtain redress of American grievances, and will 
by every lawful means in our power, maintain those inestimable blessings for 
which we are indebted to God and the Constitution of our country — a Constitution 
founded upon reason and justice, and the indelible rights of mankind. 

Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the Committee appointed by the meeting 
of the inhabitants of this Province, on "Wednesday, the 27th of July last, together 
with the deputies who have appeared here on this day from the different parishes, 



46 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

be a General Committee to act; and that any eleven or more of them shall have 
full power to correspond with the Committees of the several Provinces upon the 
continent; and that copies of these resolutions, as well as all other proceedings, 
be transmitted without delay to the Committees of Correspondence in the respec- 
tive Provinces. 

At this meeting a Committee was appointed to receive subscriptions 
for the suffering poor in Boston, consisting of William Ewen, Wil- 
liam Young, Joseph Clay, John Houstoun, Noble Wymberley Jones, 
Edward Telfair, John Smith, Samuel Farley, and Andrew Elton 
Wells, Esquires. 

These meetings were warmly opposed by Sir James Wright, then 
Governor of Georgia. In one of his letters to the Earl of Dartmouth 
he says : 

There are. my lord, here, as well as everywhere else, malcontents and liberty 
people, and I will not answer for their conduct, whether it may not be ungrateful 
and improper : but as soon as they have come to any resolutions or determina- 
tions. I shall not fail to acquaint your lordship therewith. 



The following is Sir James Wright's proclamation in reference to 
the meeting of the 27th of July. 

Whereas I have received information that, on Wednesday, the 27th 
of July last past, a number of persons, in consequence of a printed 
bill or summons issued or dispersed throughout the Province, by certain 
persons unknown, did unlawfully assemble together at the Watch 
House, in the town of Savannah, under colour or pretence of consult- 
ing together for the redress of public grievances or imaginary griev- 
ances ; and that the persons so assembled for the purposes aforesaid, 
or some of them, are from and by their own authority, by a certain 
handbill issued and dispersed throughout the Province, and other 
methods, endeavouring to prevail on his Majesty's liege subjects to 
have another meeting on Wednesday, the 10th inst., similar to the 
former, and for the purposes aforesaid ; which summonses and meet- 
ings must tend to raise fears and jealousies in the minds of his Majesty's 
good subjects. 

And whereas an opinion prevails, and has been industriously propa- 
gated, that summonses and meetings of this nature are constitutional 
and legal ; in order, therefore, that his Majesty's liege subjects may 
not be misled and imposed upon by artful and designing men, I do, 
by and with the advice of his Majesty's honourable Council, issue 
this my proclamation, notifying that all such summonses and calls by 
private persons, and all assembling and meetings of the people which 
mav tend to raise fears and jealousies in the minds of his Majesty's 
subjects, under pretence of consulting together for redress of public 
grievances, are unconstitutional, illegal, and punishable by law. And 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 47 

I do hereby require all his Majesty's liege subjects within this province 
to pay due regard to this my proclamation, as they will answer the 
contrary at their peril. 

Given under my hand, this 5th day of August, and by his Excel- 
lency's command. 

God save the King. 

James Wright. 

Thomas Moodie, Dept. Sec. 

A few days after the meeting referred to in this proclamation, 
through the influence of Governor Wright, another was held, at 
which a hundred persons signed a public dissent to the proceedings 
of the first meeting. McCall says, " that similar dissents were placed 
in the hands of the governor's influential friends, and sent in different 
directions over the country, to obtain subscribers ; allowing a sum of 
money to each of those persons proportioned to the number of sub- 
scribers they obtained, and as a compensation for their services. Under 
these advantageous circumstances, the royal servants were successful 
in obtaining signatures from many timid men, who were favourably 
disposed to the American cause. The number of subscribers was 
magnified to a considerable majority of the provincial population. In 
some instances, the number of subscribers exceeded the population 
of the parishes from whence they came ; and from' others the signa- 
tures of men were affixed who had been dead many years. Theonlv 
press in the province was under the control of Governor Wright, 
and the printer was charged with partiality to the royal government, 
in withholding facts from the public which would have given the 
true impression; which had a tendency to strengthen the British and 
weaken the American cause." 



48 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DISSENT TO THE RESOLUTIONS OF AUGUST 10, 1774. 

On the tenth instant, a meeting was held at Savannah, to which 
several districts and parishes, particularly St. Paul's, one of the most 
populous in the Province, sent no deputies ; and although one Lord, 
and another person attended as deputies from the parish of St. George, 
yet upwards of 80 respectable inhabitants of that parish sent down 
their dissent. Nor was the parish of Christ Church represented at 
this meeting, unless the self-appointed committee be considered as 
their representatives. The measure left an opening for any to appear at 
the meeting in the character of deputies, who brought down an appoint- 
ment as such, without any inquiry whether they were constituted by 
the majority of the parish or not. Several artful falsehoods were 
thrown out to induce the parishes and districts to send deputies. In 
the Parish of St. George, it was said that the Stamp Act was to be 
enforced ; and in the parish of St. Matthew, the people were told thav 
nothing was intended but a dutiful petition to the king, as the father 
of his people ; and to such lengths were matters carried, that when 
some of the inhabitants of St. Matthew's parish discovered the deception, 
and desired that they might scratch out their names from the instru- 
ment appointing deputies — it was refused them. Their adjournment 
from the 27th of July to the tenth of August was general, and there- 
fore it was natural to suppose that the last meeting would be held at 
the Vendue house, the same place as the first ; for whenever it is in- 
tended that a future meeting of any kind shall be held at a different 
place than that which is usual, notice is always given of the altera- 
tion of the place of meeting, otherwise most of those who may be de- 
sirous of attending, would not know where to go. In the present 
case none knew that the second meeting would be held at a different 
place than the first, except those few who were in the secret. But 
the important meeting of the 10th of August, in defence of the con- 
stitutional rights and liberties of American subjects, was held at a 
tavern, and it was said, twenty-six persons, with the doors shut for a 
considerable time, undertook to bind them by resolution ; and when 
several gentlemen attempted to join, the tavern-keeper, who stood at the 
door with a list in his hand, refused them admittance, because their 
names were not mentioned in that list. Such was the conduct of 
these pretended advocates for the liberties of America. Several of 
the inhabitants of St. Paul's and St. George's, two of the most populous, 
have transmitted their written dissent to any resolutions, and there 
were gentlemen ready to present their dissent, had not the doors been 
shut for a considerable time, and admittance refused. And it is con- 
ceived that shutting the door and refusing admittance to any but reso- 
lutioners, was calculated to prevent the rest of the inhabitants from 
giving their dissent to measures that were intended to operate as the 
unanimous sense of the Province. Upon the whole, the world will 
judge whether the meeting of the 10th inst., held by a few persons in 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 



49 



a tavern, with doors shut, can, with any appearance of truth or de- 
cency, be called a general meeting of the inhabitants of Georgia. 
Having now given our reasons at large, we enter this our public dis- 
sent to the said resolutions of. the 10th, and all the proceedings had 
or to be had thereon, and do earnestly desire that such resolutions 
may not be taken as the sense of the inhabitants of Georgia. 
(Signed.) 

Wm. Ross, 
John Parkinson, 
E. Jones. 
John Graham, 
Thomas Ried, 
John Storr, 
Wm. Brown, Jr., 
James Herriott, 
John Lowery, 
N. Wade, 

Matthew Stewart, 
Charles Gounge, 
Robt. Gray, 
James Dixee, 
Samuel Shepherd, 
Wm. Strothers, 
Wm. Thompson, 
Stephen Britton, 
Geo. Henley, 
John Spencer, 
James Low, 
Daniel McInnes, 
Jonathan Holden, 
Henry Forest, 
John Mills. 



James Habersham, 
Lachlan McGilliyray, 
Josiah Tattnall, 
James Hume, 
John Jamierson. 
Tho. Johnston, 
John Simpson, 
James Robertson, 

A£TXr~TH0MPSON, 

Lewis Johnson, 
John Irvine, 
Anthony Stokes, 
Edward Langworthy, 
Joseph Butler, 
Wm. Skinner, 
James Mossman, 
Henry Younge, 
Philip Younge, 
Tho. Moodie, 
Philip Moore, 
Jos. Ottolenghe, 
Geo. Frazer, 
John Inglish, 
David Montaigut, 
James Read, 
Wm. Moss, 
Henry Younge, Jr.. 



James Farley, 
James Nicol, 
Tho. Ross, 
James Thompson. 
Richard Wright, 
John Patton, 
John Hume, 
James E. Powell, 
Leonard Cecil, 
Moses Nunes, 
Andrew^Robertson, 
Henry Preston, 
Robert Bolton, 
Noble Jones, 
James Habersham, 
James A. Stewart, 
Peter La Vein,* 
John Mullryne, 
John B. Garardiau, 
Abraham Gray, 
Robert Watt, 
Alex. Wylly, 
David Gray, 
Wm. Moore, 
Quinton Pooler, 
Francis Knowles, 
Geo. Finch, 



The following persons in other districts of this parish have subscri- 
bed hereunto : 

Upon the Island of Skidaway, Geo. Barry, Charles W. McKinon, 
Robert Reid. 

In Vernonburgh, David Johnson, Geo. Dron, Nathaniel Adams, 
Walter Denny, Peter Theis, Joseph Sp ense r, Henry Nungazer, 
John Campbell, George Nungazer, James Noble, John Ranstal- 
ler. 

* Peter La Vein dissents, because he conceives that, as an inhabitant of Christ Church 
Parish, he was not represented. 



50 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



GOVERNOR WRIGHT S SPEECH TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 
AND THEIR ANSWER. 

Savannah, Geo., January 18, 1775. 

This day the General Assembly of this Province met here, when 
his Excellency, Sir James Wright, Baronet, Governor in Chief, &c, 
was pleased to deliver the following speech to both Houses, viz : 

Savannah, Geo., January IS, 1775. 

Honourable Gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, 

and Gentlemen of the Commons House of Assembly : 

This being the first opportunity that has offered in General Assem- 
bly, I must not omit acquainting you that in consequence of the 
Petition of both Houses, his Majesty was spaciously pleased to 
direct, that if this Province should be engaged in any actual Indian 
war, we should have every proper succour and protection : and I was 
ordered to apply to the Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's forces 
in America, for that purpose, who had received directions thereupon. 

The alarming situation of American affairs at this juncture makes 
it highly necessary for me to sav something to you on the subject : 
and it is with the utmost concern that I see by every account all 
the colonies to the northward of us. as far as Nova-Scotia, in a gen- 
eral ferment ; and some of them in such a state as makes me shudder 
when I think of the consequences which it is most probable will soon 
befall them. The unhappv disputes with the mother countrv are 
now become of the most serious nature, and I am much afraid the 
very extraordinarv and violent measures adopted and pursued, will 
not only prevent a reconciliation, but may involve all America in the 
most dreadful calamities. 

Gentlemen. — I think myself very happy in having it in my power to 
sav. that this Province is hitherto clear ; and I much hope, by your 
prudent conduct, will remain so. Be not led away by the voices and 
opinions of men of overheated ideas ; consider coolly and sensibly of the 
terrible consequences which may attend adopting resolutions and mea- 
sures expressly contrary to law, and hostile to the mother country ; espe- 
cially at so late a season, when we may almost daily expect to hear the 
determination of Great Britain on the matters in dispute, and there- 
fore, I conceive, can answer no purpose but that of throwing the 
Province into confusion : and I tremble at the apprehension of what 
maybe the resolution and declarations of the new Parliament relative 
to the conduct of the people in some parts of America. \ou may be 
advocates for liberty, so aro I ; but in a constitutional and le^al way. 
You, gentlemen, are legislators, and let me entreat you to take care 
how you give a sanction to trample on law and government ; and be 
assured it is an indispensable truth, that where there is no law 
there can be no liberty. It is the due course of law. It is the 
due course of law and support of government which only can ensure 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 51 

to you the enjoyment of your lives, your liberty, and your estates ; 
and do not catch at the shadow and lose the substance. I exhort you 
not to suffer yourselves to be drawn in to involve this Province in the 
distresses of those who may have offended ; we are in a different sit- 
uation, and on a very different footing from the other colonies. Do 
not consider me as speaking to you as the Kind's governor of this 
Province. As such, gentlemen, it is certainly my duty to support 
his Majesty's just right and authority, and preserve peace and good 
order within my government, and to contribute as much as possible 
towards the prosperity and happiness of the Province and people. 
Believe me, when I tell you I am at this time actuated by further 
motives than a show only of discharging my duty as the King's gov- 
ernor. I have lived amongst and presided over you upwards of four- 
teen years, and have other feelings. I have a real and affectionate 
regard for the people, and it grieves me that a Province that I have, 
been so long in, and which I have seen nurtured by the Crown, at the 
least expense to the mother country, and grew up from mere infancy, 
from next to nothing, to a considerable degree of maturity and opu- 
lence, should, by the imprudence and rashness of some inconsider- 
ate people, be plunged into a state of distress and ruin. We have 
been most happy in, I hope, avoiding Scylla, and let me, in the 
strongest terms, conjure you to steer clear of Charybdis. 

It is a most melancholy and disagreeable subject, and therefore I shall 
avoid making any observations on the resolutions adopted by the other 
colonies : but hope, through your prudence and regard for the welfare 
and happiness of this Province, of yourselves and your posterity, none will 
be entered into here. The strongest reasons operate against it, and as 
they must occur to every considerate person, I shall not mention any. 

Gentlemen of Assembly, — The very dangerous and critical situa- 
tion of our affairs with tbe Creek Indians last spring, preventing your 
going on with the necessary business of the Province at that time, I 
therefore hope and depend, that, agreeable to your address to me, of the 
12th of March, 1? '74, you shall now take the several matters formerly re- 
commended to you into consideration, and proceed thereupon with that 
serious attention they require, and to which I shall only add, that, in 
order to preserve and continue to us peace and quietness with the 
Indian trade, and transactions in the Indian country, to prevent en- 
croachments and trespasses on the lands and hunting grounds of the 
Indians, and other irregularities and abuses being committed by hun- 
ters and other disorderly people, both without and within the settle- 
ments ; and therefore most earnestly recommend a revisal of a Bill 
relative to Indian affairs, which was before the House of Assembly 
in the year 1769, in which I am persuaded you will find some clauses 
that may be most useful and salutary to the Province. 

I have ordered the treasurer to lay all the public accounts before 
you, and will very soon send you an estimate of the usual and neces- 
sary supplies since the last tax. James Wright. 

To the Upper House of Assembly. 



52 historical collections of georgia. 

In the Upper House of Assembly, 
January \8th, 1775. 
A Message to the Commons House of Assembly : — 
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen : 

This House having- taken seriously into consideration those mat- 
ters mentioned by his Excellency, in his speech to both Houses, 
respecting the present alarming state of the unhappy dispute between 
Great Britain and the colonies, and conceiving the subject to be of 
the highest importance to the welfare and safety of both, is therefore 
desirous of having a free conference with your House thereon, in hopes 
of being able to fix on such a plan of conduct as may reasonably be 
expected will prove conducive to the obtaining the great point, which 
every true friend to America hath or ought to have only in view, to wit: 
that of securing to its inhabitants, on a clear, solid, and permanent 
footing, all the rights and privileges to which, as British subjects, 
they are entitled on the principles of the constitution. 

For, however warmly this House may and doth condemn the vio- 
lent and ill-judged measures pursued by some of the other Provinces, 
which they conceive to have an evident tendency to widen the breach 
between Great Britain and the colonies, it may involve all America 
in a scene of the utmost distress and misery ; yet it is the sincere 
wish of this House, as far as in their power, to see every obstacle 
removed which may interrupt a cordial and lasting union with the 
mother country, or obstruct or prevent his Majesty's American sub- 
jects from enjoying all the constitutional rights of British subjects, 
and will at once testify loyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, a firm 
attachment to the British Constitution, and a warm and proper regard 
to the rights and liberties of America. 



On Friday, the 20th of January, the following Addresses were pre- 
sented to his Excellency, viz. : — 

To his Excellency, Sir James Wright, Baronet, Captain- General, 
Governor and Commander -in- Chief in and over his Majesty 's Pro- 
vince cf Georgia, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same. 

The humble Address of the Upper House of Assembly : — 

May it please your Excellency, — We, his Majesty's most dutiful 
and loyal subjects, the Council of Georgia, in General Assembly met, 
beg leave to return your Excellency our most cordial thanks for your 
truly affectionate speech to both Houses of Assembly, at the opening 
of this session. We receive with pleasure and gratitude the inform- 
ation you have been pleased to give us of the favourable reception 
the petition from both Houses met with from our most gracious 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 53 

Sovereign, and that his Majesty had been pleased to order troops for 
our protection, in case we had been unhappily engaged in an Indian War. 

After having had the experience of your Excellency's prudent and 
equitable administration for upwards of fourteen years, we can have 
no doubt of your real and friendly concern for the true interest of this 
Province. The language of your Excellency's speech upon the sub- 
ject, of the highest importance to the people of Georgia, is so truly 
paternal, that every unprejudiced person must be convinced of its being 
dictated by a heart warm with love and affection for the people over 
whom you preside : and we hope it will meet with that return of 
gratitude and attention which the affectionate spirit it breathes, and 
the great importance of the subject merits. 

It is with the deepest concern we see the alarming lengths to 
which the present unhappy dispute between the mother country and 
the colonies is carried ; lengths that threaten a dissolution of 
all good order and government, and of that union on which the hap- 
piness and prosperity of both countries depend. 

But, whilst we lament these unhappy discussions, and disapprove 
of all violent and intemperate measures, and at the same time declare 
it to be our pride and glory to be constitutionally connected with 
Great Britain by the closest and most endearing ties, and that we 
dread nothing more than a dissolution of those ties ; yet, anxious for 
the present welfare of our country, and the interest of our posterity, 
our ardent wish is that his Majesty's American subjects may enjoy 
all the rights and privileges of British subjects, as fully and effectu- 
ally, in all respects, as the inhabitants of Great Britain do ; and to 
that end it now appears highly necessary that the constitutional 
rights of his American subjects may be clearly defined and firmly 
established, that so they may hold those inestimable blessings on such 
a footing as will unite the mother country and the colonies by a recip- 
rocation of benefits, and on terms consistent with the spirit of the 
constitution, and the honour, dignity and safety of the whole empire. 
And we wish and hope to see a matter of such importance taken up 
in a constitutional way by both Houses of Assembly, not in the least 
doubting, but that if such prudent and temperate measures are adopted 
by the legislatures of other Provinces, we shall see them crowned 
with that success which may remove the unhappy division now sub- 
sisting, and bind us to our mother country by the tie of interest, love 
and gratitude, and establish the prosperity, power and grandeur of the 
British Empire, on foundations which may last till time shall be no 
more. Nor can we doubt of success, when we reflect that we are 
blessed with a King who glories in being the equal father of all his 
people ; and therefore can and do submit our cause with full confi- 
dence to his royal wisdom and paternal goodness. Neither will we 
suppose that a British Parliament, that great and august body, who 
have so often generously asserted and defended the liberties of 
other nations, will disregard the equitable claims of their fellow- 
subjects. 

We entirely agree with your Excellency in the opinion that where 



54 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

there is no law there can be no true liberty, and that it is the due and 
regular course of law and support of government which can alone 
ensure to us and our posterity the enjoyment of our lives, liberty and 
property. 

We will cheerfully concur in the several matters recommended by 
your Excellency, and give them that serious attention which the util- 
ity of them requires. 

By order of the House. 

N. Jones. 

(His Excellency's Answer.) 

Honourable Gentlemen, — 

The loyalty and affection expressed towards his Majesty, in 
this address, give me the greatest satisfaction, as it likewise 
does to see that your sentiments on the very important matters men- 
tioned in many respects coincide with my own ; and happy would it 
have been for America had the several legislatures proceeded in 
the manner you propose. 

I return you my best thanks, gentlemen, for your kind opinion of 
my regard for, and wishes to serve this Province. 

James Wright. 



To his Excellency, Sir James Wright, Baronet, Captain- General, 
and Governor -in- Chief of his Majesty's Province of Georgia, 
Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same. 

The Address of the Commons House of Assembly : — 

May it please your Excellency, — We, his Majesty's dutiful and 
most loyal subjects, the Commons of Georgia in General Assem- 
bly, return your Excellency our thanks for your speech to both 
Houses on the opening of this session. 

We are greatly obliged to his Majesty for his gracious intentions : 
but allow us, sir, to observe, that we apprehended the Province was 
actually involved in a war, when we submitted our Petition for assist- 
ance ; and, whilst we confess our real obligations to your Excellency 
for your conduct, assiduity, and perseverance, and render you our 
warmest acknowledgments for putting a happy end to that war, we 
cannot, but with horror, reflect on the dreadful crisis to which this 
Province must have been reduced, had we experienced no other 
resource than those dilatory succours which the administration meant 
conditionally to afford us. 

We cannot be less affected by, and concerned for, the present 
alarming situation of our affairs between Great Britain and America, 
than your Excellency : we would be equally insensible not to feel our 
numerous grievances, and not to wish them redressed ; it is that alone 
which every good American contends for ; it is the enjoyment of our 
constitutional rights and liberties that softens every care of life, and 
renders existence itself supportable. At the same time, in all our 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 55 

proceedings, we shall studiously avoid every measure that shall not 
appear to us at once strictly consonant with our duty to his Majesty, 
and the interest, liberty, and welfare of our constituents. We shall, 
on all occasions, exert ourselves to accomplish every assurance we 
have already made, or may make to your Excellency, and will not 
fail to take into consideration the bill which you are pleased to point 
out and recommend. When the public accounts and estimates are 
laid before us, we will give them proper attention. 
By order of the House. 

William Young, Speaker. 

{His Excellency s Answer.) 

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the 

Commons House of Assembly : — 

I am sorry that I must beg leave to differ with you in opinion with 
respect to the state we were in, when your Petition to his Majesty 
was given to me, and which I immediately transmitted. It is true 
several people had been murdered by Indians, but I conceive that 
that could by no means be called actually involved in a war with the 
Nation. There were murders committed by a small party only of 
Creek Indians, without the concurrence, or even the privity of the 
Nation, and disavowed by them as soon as they knew of it ; and I 
apprehend something further was necessary, before we could be said 
to be involved in actual war with the Indians ; and every account I 
received from them after this time was favourable, and showed rather 
a pacific than a hostile disposition ; and which accounts I always 
transmitted to his Majesty's Secretary of State, as it was my duty to 
do. It gives me great pleasure to observe my conduct approved of 
by the Representatives of the people, and for which I thank you. 1 
have every inducement to serve. the Province, and to promote the 
welfare and happiness of the people, and which I shall continue to do 
to the utmost of my power ; and on the other hand, I cannot doubt 
but you will also approve all my endeavours to discharge my duty to 
the Crown, with honour and integrity. And let me assure you, gen- 
tlemen, that no man can more wish his Majesty's American subjects 
the full and present enjoyment of their constitutional rights and lib- 
erties than I do. 

James Wright. 



House of Assembly, Geo., January, 1775. 

The House, taking under consideration that the Parliament of 
Great Britain claim a power of right to bind the people of America 
by statute, in all cases whatsoever, and who have in some acts ex 
pressly imposed taxes on the Americans, under various pretences, 
but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue ; hath established a 



56 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Board of Commissioners with unconstitutional powers, and extended 
the jurisdiction of the Courts of Admiralty, not only for collecting the 
duties imposed by the said acts, but for the trial of causes merely 
rising within the body of a county. And whereas standing armies have 
been, and now are kept in America in time of profound peace ; and 
being resolved in Parliament, that, by force of a statute made in the 
thirty-fifth year of the reign of Henry the Eighth, colonists may be 
transported to England and tried there upon accusations for treason, 
misprisions, or concealments of treasons committed in the colonies ; 
and, by a late statute, such trials have been directed in cases therein 
mentioned. And whereas, also, assemblies have been frequently 
dissolved, contrary to the rights of the people, when they attempted 
to deliberate on the grievances : Therefore, this House doth, as Eng- 
lishmen, their ancestors, in like cases have usually done, for assisting 
and vindicating their Rights and Liberties, — Declare : — 

First. — That the inhabitants of the English Colonies of North America, by the 
immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English Constitution, and the 
several charters or compacts, have the following Rights: 

Secondly. — That they are entitled to life, liberty and property, and they have 
never ceded to any sovereign power whatever a right to dispose of either, without 
their consent. 

Thirdly. — That our ancestors, that first settled these colonies, were, at the 
time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liber- 
ties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects within the realm of Eng- 
land. 

Fourthly. — That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, 
or lost any of these rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, en- 
titled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them as their local and other 
circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. 

Fifthly. — That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, 
is a right in the people to participate' in the legislative council : and as the 
English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circum- 
stances cannot properly be represented in the British Parliament, they are en- 
titled to a free and exclusive power of legislation, in their several provincial 
legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved in all 
cases of taxation and internal policy, subject only to the negative of their so- 
vereigns, in such a manner as has been heretofore used and accustomed: but 
from the necessity of the case, and a regard to the mutual interest of both coun- 
tries, we cheerfully consent to the operation of such acts of the British Parlia- 
ment as are bona fide restrained to the regulation of our external commerce, for 
the purpose of securing the commercial advantages of the whole Empire to 
the mother country and the commercial benefits of its respective members, ex- 
cluding every idea of taxation, internal or external, for raising a revenue on 
the subjects in America without their consent. 

Sixthly.— That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of Eng- 
land, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being tried 
by their peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law. 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 



57 



Seventhly.— That they are entitled to the benefit of such of the English sta- 
tutes as existed at the time of their colonization, and which they have by expe- 
rience respectively found to be applicable to their several local and other cir- 
cumstances. . 

Eighthly.— That his Majesty's colonies are likewise entitled to all the immu- 
nities and privileges granted and confirmed to them by royal charters, or se- 
cured by their several codes of provincial laws. 

Ninthly.— That they have a right peaceably to assemble and consider of their 
grievances, and petition the King, and that all the prosecutions, prohibitory 
proclamations, and commitments for the same, are illegal. 

Tenthly.— That the keeping a standing army in these colonies in time of 
peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such 
army is kept, is against law. 

Eleventhly.— And as it is indispensably necessary to good government, and 
rendered essential by the English Constitution, that the constituent branches of 
the legislature be independent of each other — 

Resolved, That the exercise of legislative power in any colony, by a coun 
cil appointed during pleasure by the Crown, may prove dangerous and destruc- 
tive to the freedom of American legislation. 

All and each of which the Commons of Georgia, in General Assembly, met to 
claim, demand, and insist on as their indubitable rights and liberties, which 
cannot be legally taken from them, altered, or abridged, by any power whatso- 
ever, without their consent. 

And whereas, there are many infringements and violations of the foregoing 
rights, which, from an ardent desire that harmony and mutual intercourse ot 
affection and interest may be restored, we pass over for the present, and pro- 
ceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted since the close of 
the said war, which demonstrates a system formed to enslave America. 

Resolved, That the following acts of Parliament are infringements and viola- 
tions of the rights of the colonists, and that the repeal of them is essentially 
necessary, in order to restore harmony between Great Britain and the American 
Colonies— viz. : The several acts of 4 George the Third, chapter 15 and chapter 
34 ; 5 George the Third, chapter 25 ; 6 George the Third, chapter 52 ; 7 George 
the Third, chapter 41 and chapter 46 ; 8 George the Third, chapter 22, which 
imposes duties for the purpose of raising revenue in America— extend the powers 
of the admiralty courts beyond their ancient limits— deprive the American sub- 
jects of trial by jury— authorize the judge's certificate to indemnify the prose- 
cutor of damages that he may otherwise be liable to— requiring oppressive 
security from a claimant of ships and goods, seized before he shall be allowed 
to defend his property— and are subversive of American rights. 

Also, 12 George the Third, chapter 24, entitled "An Act for the better secur- 
ing his Majesty's Dock-yards, Magazines, Ships, Ammunition, and Stores," 
which declares a new offence in America, and deprives the American subjects 
of a constitutional trial by jury of the vicinage, by authorizing the trial of any 
person charged with committing any offence described in the said act out of the 
realm, to be" indicted and tried for the same in any shire or county within the 
realm. 

Also, the three acts passed in the last session of Parliament, for the stopping 



58 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston ; for altering the charter and 
government of Massachusetts Bay, and that which is entitled " An Act for the 
better administration of justice," &c. 

Also, the act passed in the same session, for establishing the Roman Catholic 
Religion in the Province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English 
laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger from so total a dissimi- 
larity of religion, law and government to the neighbouring British Colonies, by 
the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from 
France. 

Also, the act passed in the same session, for the better providing suitable 
quarters for officers and soldiers in his Majesty's service in North America. 

Also, that the keeping a standing army in several of these colonies, in time 
of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which said 
army is kept, is against law. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this House be given to the members of the late 
Continental Congress, for their wise and able exertions in the cause of American 
Liberty. 

Resolved, That ***** be Deputies to represent this Province in the 
intended American Continental Congress proposed to be held in the City of 
Philadelphia on the 10th of May next, or any other place or time as may here- 
after be agreed on by the said Congress.* 

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do transmit a copy of the above resolves to the 
Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq., President of the said Congress. 



Association entered into by forty -jive of the Deputies assembled in Provincial 
Congress, at Savannah, in Georgia, on the 18th of January, 1775, and 
by them subscribed on the 23rd, when they chose Noble Wymberley Jones, 
Archibald Bulloch, and John Houstoun, Esquires, Delegates to rep- 
resent that Colony in the Continental Congress, to be held in May next. 

Whereas, a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-expor- 
tation agreement, faithfully adhered to, will probably prove the most 
speedy, effectual, and peaceable measure to obtain redress of Ameri- 
can grievances, we do therefore, for ourselves and our constituents, 
firmly agree and associate under the sacred ties of virtue, honour, 
and love of our country, as follows : 

First. — That we will not receive into this Province any goods, wares, or mer- 
chandise that shall be shipped from Great Britain or Ireland after the 15th day 
of March next, or from any other place any such goods, wares or merchandise 
as shall be shipped from these kingdoms after that time, except such as come 
under the rules and directions of the Ninth Article herein mentioned ; and ex- 
cept such goods, wares or merchandise as are absolutely necessary for carrying 
on the Indian trade, subject, nevertheless, to the control of the Continental 

* See letter from Noble Wymberley Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and John Houstoun, to 
the President of the Continental Congress, dated Savannah, April 6, 1775. 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 59 

Congress intended to be held at Philadelphia on the 10th day of May next. Nor 
will we, from this day, import or purchase any tea from any port in the world, 
or import any molasses, syrup, coffee, or pimento, from the British Plantations, 
or from Dominica; nor wines from Madeira or the Western Islands, nor foreign 
indigo. 

Second. — That we will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported from 
Africa or elsewhere, after the 15th day of March next. 

Third. — That we will not export any merchandise or commodity whatsoever 
to Great Britain or Ireland, or to the West Indies, after the first day of December 
next, except rice to Europe. 

Fourth. — Such as are merchants, and use the British and Irish trade, will give 
orders, as soon as possible, to their factors, agents, and correspondents in Great 
Britain and Ireland, not to ship any goods to them on any pretence whatsoever, 
as they cannot be received in Georgia; and if any merchants residing in Great 
Britain or Ireland shall, directly or indirectly, ship any goods, wares, or merchan- 
dise for this Province, in order to break such non-importation agreement, or any 
manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well attested, it 
ought to be made public ; and on the same being so done, we will not from 
thenceforth have any commercial connection with such merchant. 

Fifth. — That such as are owners of vessels, will give positive orders to their 
captains or masters, not to receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited by 
the said non-importation agreement, on pain of immediate dismission from their 
service. 

Sixth. — We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of sheep, arid 
increase their number to the greatest extent, and, to that end, will kill them as 
sparingly as may be, especially those of a most profitable kind ; nor will we ex- 
port any to the West Indies, or elsewhere ; and those of us who are. or may 
become, overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of 
them to our neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms. 

Seventh. — That we will, in our several stations, encourage frugality, economy, 
and industry, and promote agriculture, arts, and the manufactures of America, 
especially those of wool ; and will discountenance and discourage every species 
of extravagance and dissipation, especially horse-racing, and all kinds of gam- 
ing, cock-fighting, exhibition of shows, plays, and other expensive diversions and 
entertainments ; and on the death of any relation or friend, none of us or our fa- 
milies will go into any further mourning dress than a black crape or ribbon on 
the arm or hat, for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace, for ladies ; and 
we will discontinue the giving of scarfs and gloves at funerals. 

Eighth. — That such as are venders of goods and merchandise, will not take 
advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this Association, 
but will sell the same at the rates they have been accustomed to do for twelve 
months last past ; and if any vender of goods or merchandise shall sell any goods 
on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or by any device whatsoever, violate 
or depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us, deal with any 
such person, or his or her factor or agent, at any time thereafter, for any com- 
modity whatsoever. 

Ninth. — In case any merchant, trader, or other person, shall receive any goods 
or merchandise which shall be shipped after the 15th day of March, and before 



60 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



the 15th day of May next, the same ought forthwith, at the election of the owner, 
to be either re-shipped or delivered to the Committee of the town, parish, or dis- 
trict wherein they shall be imported, to be stored, at the risk of the importer, 
until the non-importation agreement shall cease, or be sold, under the direction 
of the Committee aforesaid; and in the last-mentioned case, the owner or own- 
ers of such goods shall be reimbursed, out of the sales, the first costs and charges, 
the profit, if any, to be applied towards relieving such poor inhabitants of the 
town of Boston as are immediate sufferers by the Port Bill; and a particular ac- 
count of all goods so returned, stored, or sold, to be inserted in the public papers ; 
and if any goods or merchandise shall be shipped after the said 15th day of May 
next, the same ought forthwith to be sent back again, without breaking any of 
the packages thereof. 

Tenth. — That a Committee be chosen in every parish, town, and district, by 
those who contribute towards the general tax, whose business it shall be atten- 
tively to observe the conduct of all persons touching this Association; and when 
it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the majority of any such Com- 
mittee, that any person within the limits of their appointment has violated this 
Association, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be 
published in the Gazette ; to the end that all such foes to the rights of British 
America be publicly known and universally contemned, as the enemies of Ame- 
rican liberty; and thenceforth we will respectively break off all dealings with 
him or her. 

Eleventh. — That the Committee of Correspondence do frequently inspect the 
entries of the custom-house, and inform the Committees of the other Provinces, 
from time to time, of the true state thereof, and of every other material circum- 
stance that may occur relative to this Association. 

Twelfth. — That all manufactures of this Province be sold at reasonable prices, 
so that no undue advantages be taken of a future scarcity of goods.' . 

And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents, under the ties afore- 
said, to adhere to this Association until American grievances are redressed. 

The foregoing Association being determined upon by the Congress, was ordered 
to be subscribed by the several members thereof, and thereupon we have here- 
unto set our respective names accordingly. 



In Congress, Savannah, Georgia, 
January 23, 1775. 



John Glen, Chairman. 
Noble W. Jones, 
Samuel Farley, 
Ambrose Wright, 
Peter Tondee, 
Thomas Lee, 
William Young, 
John McClure; 
Archibald Bulloch, 
John Houstoun, 
Joseph Habersham. 



D. Zubly, Jr., 
James De Veaux, 
Joseph Clay, 
Philip Box, 
William Evans, 
George Walton, 
John Stirk, 
Isaac Young, 
Robert Rae, 
Piobeut Hamilton. 
Edmund Bugg, 



Samuel Germany, 
John Wereat, 
Jonathan Cochran, 
George McIntosh, 
Raymond Demere, 
William Jones, 
James Cochran, 
Joseph Gibbons, 
Francis H. Harris, 
Samuel Elbert, 
Henry Jones, 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS 61 

George Houstoun, William Glascock, William Lord, 

Edward Telfair, John Germany, John Mann, 

William Gibbon?, L. Marbury, David Lewis, 

Peter Bard, Hugh Middleton, George Wyche. 



Extract of a letter from Georgia to a gentleman in New-York, 
dated Feb. 18, 1775. 

Our Assembly met on the 18th January, to which time it had been prorogued. 
The first day of the session, a petition, signed by upwards of eighty principal 
people, was presented to the Commons House, condemning the measures pursued 
by the Northern Provinces, andprayingthey would take up the business in a tem- 
perate manner, and address the King, &c. Soon after another petition was pre- 
sented, to the same effect, signed by one hundred and eighty from St. George's 
Parish; both which were read and laid on the table, but no further notice taken of 
them. The day of the Assembly's meeting, the Council sent the lower house a 
message, desiring a conference with them, on the present state of American af- 
fairs, and expressing their readiness to join them in constitutional measures for 
effecting a reconciliation with the mother country, on terms consistent with the 
dignity and safety of the whole British Empire and the rights and liberties of Amer- 
ica, to which no answer was sent for many days. At last the Commons House 
met in conference. The result was, they declined joining in the measures pro- 
posed. Some time after, a motion was made in the Commons House to take into 
consideration some papers and letters received by the Speaker from some of the 
Northern Provinces, which was agreed to, and an early day appointed for it ; 
but an adjournment till May put a stop to their proceedings. 

Some months before the house met, a set of men who had assumed to them- 
selves the name of a Committee of the Parish of Christ Church, in which the 
town of Savannah is included, issued their mandate for a Provincial Meeting of 
Delegates, to meet also on the 18th January. Accordingly, a number of people 
met; but how little were they to be considered in such a light, even supposing 
their election to have been a regular and legal one, I leave you to judge, for five 
parishes out of twelve sent none at all, and in that of St. Andrew's, containing 
at least one hundred men fit to bear arms, the delegates were chosen by thirty-six 
only; also, in St. Paul's Parish, which contains at least an equal number, there 
were no more than eighty that voted for sending delegates, and I believe the same 
number voted only in Christ Church Parish. They continued to sit for eight or 
ten days, but as they have not printed or made public their resolutions, it is not 
certainly known what they were, and I hope, for the honour of the Province, ever 
will remain so. It is under consideration to augment the army at large, but an 
augmentation to the regiments in America is actually determined upon. 



Letter from the Georgia Delegates to the Continental Congress. 

Savannah, Georgia, April 6, 1775. 
Sir : The unworthy part which the Province of Georgia has acted in the great 
and general contest, leaves room to expect little less than the censure, or even 



62 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

indignation, of every virtuous man in America. Although, on the one hand, 
we feel the justice of such a consequence with respect to the Province in gene- 
ral, yet, on the other, we claim an exemption from it in favour of some individuals, 
who wished a better conduct. Permit us, therefore, in behalf of ourselves and 
many others, our fellow-citizens, warmly attached to the cause, to lay before the 
respectable body over which you preside a few facts, which, we trust, will not 
only acquit us of supineness, but also render our conduct to be approved by all 
candid and dispassionate men. 

At the time the late Congress did this Province the honour to transmit to it an 
extract from their proceedings, enclosed in a friendly letter from the Honourable 
Mr. Middleton, the sense and disposition of the people in general seemed to fluc- 
tuate between liberty and convenience. In order to bring on a determination 
respecting the measures recommended, a few well-affected persons in Savannah, 
by public advertisement in the Gazette, requested a meeting of all the parishes 
and districts, by delegates or representatives, in Provincial Congress. On the 
day appointed for this meeting, with concern they found that only five out of 
twelve parishes to which they had particularly wrote, had nominated and sent 
down delegates ; and even some of these five had laid their representatives under 
injunctions as to ttas form of an association. Under these circumstances, those 
who met saw themselves a good deal embarrassed. However, one expedient 
seemed still to present itself. The House of Assembly was then sitting, and it 
was hoped there would be no doubt of a majority in favour of American freedom. 
The plan, therefore, was to go through with what business they could in Provin- 
cial Congress, and then, with a short address, present the same to the House of 
Assembly, who, it was hoped, would by votes in a few minutes, and before pre- 
rogative should interfere, make it the act of the whole Province. Accordingly, 
the Congress framed and agreed to such an association, and did such other busi- 
ness as appeared practicable with the people, and had the whole just ready to be 
presented, when the Governor, either treacherously informed, or shrewdly sus- 
pecting the step, put an end to the session. What then could the Congress 
do ? On the one hand, truth forbid them to call their proceedings the voice of 
the Province, there being but five out of twelve parishes concerned; and, on the 
other, they wanted strength sufficient to enforce them, on the principle of neces- 
sity, to which all ought for a time to submit. They found the inhabitants of 
Savannah not likely soon to give matters a favourable turn. The importers were 
mostly against any interruption, and the consumers very much divided. There 
were some of the latter virtuously for the measures; others strenuously against 
them; but more who called themselves neutrals than either. Thus situated, there 
appeared nothing before us but the alternative of either immediately commen- 
cing a civil war among ourselves, or else of patiently waiting for the measures to 
be recommended by the General Congress. 

Among a powerful people, provided with men, money, and conveniences, and 
by whose conduct others were to be regulated, the former would certainly be the 
resolution that would suggest itself to every man removed from the condition of 
a coward ; but in a small community like that of Savannah, (whose members are 
mostly in their first advance towards wealth and independence, destitute of even 
the necessaries of life within themselves, and from whose junction or silence so 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 63 

little would be added or lost to the general cause,) the latter presented itself as 
the most eligible plan, and was adopted by the people. Party disputes and ani- 
mosities have occasionally prevailed, and show that the spirit of freedom is not 
extinguished, but only restrained for a time, till an opportunity shall offer for call- 
ing it forth. 

The Congress convened at Savannah did us the honour of choosing us delegates 
to meet your respectable body at Philadelphia, on the tenth of next month. We 
were sensible of the honour and weight of the appointment, and would gladly have 
rendered our country any services our poor abilities would have admitted of; but 
alas ! with what face could we have appeared for a Province whose inhabitants 
had refused to sacrifice the most trifling advantages to the public cause, and in 
whose behalf we did not think we could safely pledge ourselves for the execu- 
tion of any one measure whatsoever ? 

We do not mean to insinuate that those who appointed us would prove apostates 
or desert their opinions; but that the tide of opposition was great: that all the 
strength and virtue of these our friends might be sufficient for the purpose. We 
very early saw the difficulties that would here occur, and therefore repeated- 
ly and constantly requested the people to proceed to the choice of other delegates 
in our stead ; but this they refused to do. We beg, sir, you will view our reasons 
for not attending in a liberal point of light. Be pleased to make the most favour- 
able representation of them, to the Honourable the Members of the Congress. We 
believe we may take upon ourselves to say, notwithstanding all that has passed, 
there are still men in Georgia who, when an occasion shall require, will be 
ready to evince a steady, religious and manly attachment to the liberties of 
America. For the consolation of these, they find themselves in the neighbourhood 
of a Province whose virtue and magnanimity must and will do lasting honour to 
the cause, and in whose fate they seem disposed freely to involve their own. 

We have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servants, 

Noble Wymberley Jones, 

Archibald Bulloch, 

John Houstoun. 
To the President of the Continental Congress. 



To the Committee of Donations, Boston, Massachusetts. 

Savannah, June 1, 1775. 
Gentlemen :— Although the inhabitants of Georgia have unfortunately drawn 
on themselves the censure of her sister colonies, by not adopting those measures 
which the wisdom of the General Congress has pointed out for the preservation 
of the liberties of America, yet we flatter ourselves you will believe there are 
many among us who sincerely espouse the great cause contended for by you ; 
and who ardently wish that the noble stand you have made in defence of those 
rights to which, as men and British subjects, we are entitled, may be crowned 
with success. The distresses our brethren must unavoidably experience by en- 
forcement of the late acts of a cruel and vindictive ministry, deeply affect us. 
The unhappy divisions amongst us have hitherto prevented our contributing to their 
support; but we have now the pleasure to transmit you by the Juliana, Captain 



64 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Stringham, bound to New-York, a small contribution of sixty-three barrels of rice 
and one hundred and twenty-two pounds sterling, in specie, under the care of 
John Eaton Le Conte, Esq., which we desire you will please appropriate towards 
the relief of those who have lately left the town of Boston. We hope soon to be 
enabled by our friends, who reside at a distance from Savannah, to send you a 
further token of our regard for you and those whose misfortunes must increase 
with the oppressive measures now pursued by the administration against America. 
I have the honour to be, on behalf of the contributors, gentlemen, your most obe- 
dient servant, N. Jones. 

To the Gentlemen, Committee for receiving Donations 
for the Distressed Inhabitants of Boston. 



MEETING OF THE INHABITANTS OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. 

At the Meeting of sundry gentlemen at Savannah, on Monday, 
June 26, 1775, it was unanimously 

Resolved, That the present Acts of Parliament, tending to raise a revenue in 
America, are grievances. 

Resolved, therefore, That we will do all that we legally may. to obtain redress 
of these grievances. 

Resolved, That, Friday the 30th instant, June, at nine o'clock, A. M., at the 
house of Mrs. Cuyler, be a day appointed for a meeting, in order to consult the 
most expedient method to obtain redress. 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 05 

MEETING OF PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 

The proceedings of the first Provincial Congress of Georgia, though 
long, will be found highly interesting to Georgians. 

Provincial Congress, July 4, 1775. 
Georgia.— At a Provincial Congress, held agreeably to appoint- 
ment, at Tondee's Long Room, at Savannah, on the fourth day of 
July, 1775, and continued from day to day, the following persons 
were returned duly elected : 

Town and District of Savannah.— Archibald Bulloch, Noble Wymberley 
Jones. Joseph Habersham, Jonathan Bryan, Ambrose Wright William 
Young. John Glen. Samuel Elbert, Jmto Houstoun. Oliver Bowen, John 
McClure, Edward Telfair, Thomas Lee^C&orgk Houstoun, Joseph Reynolds, 
John Smith, William Ewen, John Martin, Dr. Zubly, William Bryan, Phi- 
lip Box, Philip Allman, William O'Bryan, Joskph Clay, Seth John Cuthbert. 
District of Vernonburgh.—*JosEPH Butler, Andrew Elton Wells, Matthew 
Roche, Jr. 

District of Acton.— David Zubly, Basil Cowper, William Gibbons. 
Sea Island District— Col. Deveaux, Col. De La Gall, James Bulloch, John 
Morel, John Bohun Geradieu, John Barnard, Robert Gibson. 

District of Little Ogeechee. — Francis Henry Harris, Joseph Gibbons, James 
Robertson.* 

Parish of St Matthew.— John Stirk, John Adam Truitlen, George Walton, 
Edward Jones, Jacob Walthouer, Philip Howell, Isaac Young, Jenkin Davis, 
John Morel, John Flerl, Charles McCay, Christopher Cramer. 

Parish of St. Philip.— Col. Butler, William Le Conte, Wm. Maxwell, 
Stephen Drayton, Adam Fowler Brisbane. Luke Mann, Hugh Bryan. 

Parish of St. George.— Henry Jones, John Green. Thomas Burton, William 
Lord, David Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, James Pugh, John Fulton. 

Parish of St. Andrew.— Jonathan Cochran, William Jones, Peter Tarlin, 
Lachlan McIntosh, William McIntosh, George Threadcraft, John Wereat. 
Roderick McIntosh, John Witherspoon, George McIntosh, Allen Stewart 
John McIntosh, Raymond Demere. 
Parish of St. David, — Seth John Cuthbert, William Williams, Sen. 
Parish of St. Mary. — Daniel Ryan. 
Parish of St. Thomas. — John Roberts. 

Parish of St. Paul. — John Walton, Joseph Maddock .* Andrew Burns 

Robert Rae, James Rae, Andrew Moore, Andrew Barney, Leonard Marbury. 

Parish of St. John, — James Screven, Nathan Brownson, Daniel Roberts, 

John Baker, Sen., John Bacon, Sen., James Maxwell, Edward Ball, William 

Baker, Sen., William Bacon. Jr.. John Stevens, John Winn, Sen. 

Archibald Bulloch, Esq., being proposed as President, was unani- 
mously elected ; and George Walton, Esq., being proposed as 
Secretary, was unanimously elected. 

* Those thus marked drrlined taking their seats 

5 



66 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The Congress then adjourned to the Meeting-House of the Rev. 
Dr. Zubly, where he preached a sermon upon the alarming state of 
American affairs. 

The Congress being returned, a motion was made and seconded 
that the thanks of this Congress be given to the Rev. Dr. Zubly for 
the excellent sermon he preached this day to the members, which 
being unanimously agreed to, it was ordered that a Committee be 
appointed for that purpose. 

Wednesday, 5th July, 1775. 
A motion was made and seconded, that this Committee apply by 
message to the Governor, requesting him to appoint a day of fasting 
and prayer to be observed throughout this Province, on account of 
the disputes subsisting between America and the Parent State ; which 
being unanimously passed in the affirmative, it was ordered that a 
Committee be appointed for this purpose. 



COPY OF THE MESSAGE. 

May it please your Excellency : The Provincial Congress, 
deeply concerned at the present alarming state of affairs, and the dis- 
tresses of America, humbly request that your Excellency would appoint 
a day of fasting and prayer to be observed throughout this Province, 
that a happy reconciliation may soon take place between America 
and the Parent State, and that under the auspicious reign of his 
Majesty and his descendants, both countries may remain united, 
virtuous, free and happy, till time shall be no more. 
By order of the Congress, 

Archibald Bulloch, President. 



The President being informed by the messenger that John Jamie- 
son and John Simpson, Esquires, were in waiting, and desired to be 
admitted, which being agreed to, they were desired to walk in. They 
then produced and delivered in to the President a paper containing 
several resolutions entered into by a number of persons, inhabitants of 
the town of Savannah, which was ordered to be read, and is as follows : 

At a meeting of several of the inhabitants of the town of Savannah, at Mrs. 
Cuyler's, on Friday, the 13th of June, 1775, John Mullryne, Esq., Joseph Clay, 
James Mossman, Rev. J. J. Zubly. John Simpson, Noble W. Jones, John Jamieson. 
Win. Moss, John Glen, Josiah Tattnall, John Graham. Lewis Johnston, Wm. 
Young, Richard Wyley. Andrew McLean, Basil Cowper. Philip Moore, George 
Houstoun, Joseph Butler, James Read, Thomas Reid, Wm. Panton, James E. 
Powell, Wm. Strutters, Alexander McGowen. John C. Lucena, Thomas Sherman, 
J. N. Faminjr, Levi Sheftall, Charles Hamilton, Georg e Spencer, Wm. Brown. 
Jr., Francis Courvoizie. James Anderson. 

Whereas, public confessions and grievances are much increased by private 
dissensions and animosities; 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 67 

Resolved therefore, nem. con., That we will use our utmost endea- 
vours to preserve the peace and good order of this Province, and that no person 
behaving himself peaceably and inoffensively, shall be molested in his personal 
property, or even in his private sentiments, while he expresses them with decency 
and without any illiberal reflections upon others. 

Whereas, the acts for raising a perpetual revenue in America, and all the 
measures used to enforce these acts, are not partial, but general grievances; and 
it is most likely that redress will be obtained by the joint endeavours of all who 
may think these acts unconstitutional or oppressive, than by any measure that 
might be taken singly by individuals : therefore, 

Resolved. That it is the opinion of this meeting (as a proper measure to be 
pursued, because the General Assembly is not now sitting, from whom an appli- 
cation to the Throne must be very proper, and as no time should be lost) that a 
humble, dutiful, and decent petition be addressed to his Majesty, expressive 
of the sense, apprehensions, and feelings of all such as may choose to subscribe 
such a petition, which, it is hoped, will be done by every man in the Province ; 
and it is therefore the wish of this meeting that such a measure be adopted by 
the Provincial Congress intended to be held on Tuesday next, the 4th of July. 

Resolved, That the interest of this Province is inseparable from the mother 
country, and all the sister colonies, and that to separate ourselves from the latter, 
would only be throwing difficulties in the way of its own relief and that of the 
other colonies, and justly increasing the resentment of all those to whose distress 
our disunion might be an addition. 

Resolved, That this Province ought, and it is hoped will, forthwith join the 
other Provinces, in every just and legal measure, to secure and restore the liberties 
of all America, and for healing the unhappy divisions now subsisting between 
Great Britain and her colonies. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be laid before the Provincial 
Congress on Tuesday, the 4th of July next, and that Mr. Jamieson and Simpson 
do wait upon them with the same, as recommended to them by this meeting 

By order of the meeting. 

John Mullryne. 

A motion was made and seconded, that the paper above mentioned 
do lie on the table for the perusal of the members ; which, being car- 
ried, the same was ordered to lie upon the table accordingly. 

A motion was made and seconded, that this Congress do put this 
Province upon the same footing with our sister colonies ; which, 
being put, it was ordered that it be taken into consideration to-morrow 
morning. 

Thursday, 6th of July, 1775. 
The order of the day being read, the same was taken into con- 
sideration, and, after some deliberation, it was unanimously 

1st. — Resolved, That this Province will adopt and carry into execution all and 
singular the measures and recommendations of the late Continental Congress. 

2nd. — Tn particular, that in behalf of ourselves and our constituents, we do adopt 
and approve of the American Declaration, or Bill of Rights, published by the 



(?S HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

late Continental Congress, and also of their several resolves made in consequence 
of some infractions thereof. 

3rd, — That from and after (his day, we will not receive into this Province any 
goods, wares, or merchandise shipped from Great Britain or Ireland, or from any 
other place, any such goods, wares or merchandise as shall have been exported 
from Great Britain or Ireland; nor will we import any East India tea from any 
part of the world : nor any molasses, syrups, coffee or pimento, from the British 
Plantations, or from Dominica : nor wines from Madeira or the Western Islands, 
nor foreign indigo. 

It h. — Thai we will neither import nor purchase any slave, imported from Africa 
or elsewhere, aftei tins day. 

5th. — As a non-consumption agreement strictly adhered to will be an effectual 
security for the observation of the non-importation, we. as above, solemnly agree 
and associate, thai from this day we will not purchase or use any tea imported 
on account of the East India Company, or any on which a duty hath or shall be 
paid; and we will not purchase or use any East India tea whatever ; nor will 
we. nor shall any person for or under us. purchase any of ihose goods, wares, or 
merchandise we have agreed not to import, which we shall know or have 
oause to suspect were imported after tins day. 

6th. — The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow-subjects in Great 
Britain and Ireland, and the West Indies, induces us to suspend a non-exportation 
until the tenth day of September, 1775, at which time, if the acts and parts of 
aels of the British Parliament hereinafter meutioned are not repealed, we will 
not directly cr indirectly export any merchandise or commodity whatsoever 
to Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies, except rice to Europe. 

7th. — Such as are merchants and use the British and Irish trade, will give orders 
as soon as possible to their factors, agents, and correspondents in Great Britain 
and Ireland, not to ship any goods to them on any pretence whatever, as they 
cannot be received into this Province j and if any merchant residing in Great- 
Britain or Ireland shall directly or indirectly ship any goods, wares, or merchan- 
dise for America, in order to break the said non-importation agreement, or in 
any manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well attested, 
it ought to be made public, and on the same being so done, we will not thence- 
forth have anj commercial connections with such merchants. 

8th. — That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders to their cap- 
tains or masters not to receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited by 
the said son-importation agreement, on pain of immediate dismission from their 
service. 

Pih. — We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of sheep, and 
increa.se their numbers to the greatest extent, and to that end we will kill them 
as sparingly as may be. especially those of the most profitable kind, nor will 
we export any to the West Indies or elsewhere; and those of us who are or may 
become overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of 
them to our neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms. 

10th, — That we will, in our several stations, encourage frugality, economy, and 
industry, and promote agriculture, arts, and the manufactures of British 



PROVIN'CIAL CONGRESS. 69 

America, especially that of wool; and will discountenance and discourage every 
species of extravagance and dissipation, especially horse-racing, ami every kind 
of gaming, cock-fighting, exhibitions of shows, plays, and other expensive diver- 
sions and entertainments ; and on the death of any relation or friend, none of us or 
any of our families will go into any farther mourning dress than a black crape 
or ribbon on the arm or hat for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace for 
ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at funerals. 

11th. — That such as are venders of goods or merchandise will not take advan 
tage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this Association, but will 
sell the same at the rates we have been respectively accustomed to do for 
twelve months last past; and if any vender of goods or merchandise shall 
sell any such goods or merchandise on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or 
by any device, violate or depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor will 
any of us deal with any such person, or his or her factor or agent, at any time 
thereafter, for any commodity whatever. 

1 2th. — In case of any merchant, trader, or other persons, shall attempt to import 
any goods or merchandise into this Province, after this day, the same shall be 
forthwith sent back again, without breaking any of the packages thereof. 

13th. — That a Committee be chosen in every town, district and parish within this 
Province, by those who pay towards the General Tax, whose business it shall be 
attentively to observe the conduct of all persons touching this Association; and 
when it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of a majority of any such Com- 
mittee, that any person within the limits of Iheir appointment has violated this 
Association, that such a majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to be 
published in the Gazette, to the end that all such foes to the rights of British 
America may be publicly known and universally contemned, as the enemies of 
American liberty, and thenceforth we will break off all connections with him or 
her. 

1 4th. — That a Committee of Correspondence to this Province do frequently inspect 
the entries of the Custom House, and inform the Committees of the other Colonies 
which have acceded to the Continental Association, from time to time, of the 
true state thereof, and of every other material circumstance that, may occur 
relative to this Association. 

1 5th. — That all manufactures of this Province be sold at reasonable prices, so that 
no undue advantage be taken of a future scarcity of goods. 

16th. — And we do further agree and resolve, that we will have no trade, com- 
merce, dealings or intercourse whatsoever with any Colony or Province in North 
America which shall not accede to, or which shall hereafter violate this Associa- 
tion, but will hold them as unworthy of the rights of freemen, and as inimical to 
the liberties of their country. And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our con- 
stituents, under the ties of virtue, honour, and love of our country, to adhere to this 
Association until such parts of the several acts of Parliament passed since the close 
of the last war, as impose, or continue duties upon tea, molasses, syrups, coffee 
sugar, pimento, indigo, foreign paper, glass and painters' colours, imported into 
America and extend the powers of the Admiralty Courts, beyond their ancient 
limits, deprive American subjects of trial by jury, authorize the judge's certificate 



70 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

to indemnify the prosecutor from damages that he might otherwise be liable to 
from a trial by his peers, require oppressive security from claimants of ships or 
o-oods seized, before he is allowed to defend his property, are repealed ; and until 
that part of the Act of the 12 George 3., ch. 24, entitled, "An Act for the better 
securing his Majesty's Dock-yards, Magazines, Ships. Ammunition and Stores/' by 
which any person, charged with committing any of the offences therein described, 
in America, may be tried within any Shire or County within the realm, is 
repealed, and until the four acts passed in the last session of Parliament, viz. : 
That for stopping the Port and blocking up the Harbour of Boston, that for 
altering the Charter and Government of the Massachusetts Bay, and that which 
is entitled, " An Act for the better administration, &c, and that for extending the 
limits of Quebec," &c, are repealed, and until the two acts passed in the present 
session of Parliament, the one entitled, " A Bill to restrain the trade and com- 
merce of the Colonies of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania. Maryland, Virginia, and 
South Carolina, to Great Britain and Ireland, and the British islands in the West 
Indies, under certain conditions and limitations," and the other " An Act com- 
monly called the Fishery Bill." 

Friday, 1th of July. 
The following is his Excellency's answer to the message of this 
Congress : — 

Savannah, July 7, 1775. 

Gentlemen, — I have taken the opinion of his Majesty's Council relative to 
the request made by the gentlemen who have assembled together, by the name 
of a Provincial Congress, and must premise that I cannot consider that meet- 
ing as constitutional; but as the request is expressed in such loyal and dutiful 
terms, and the ends proposed being such as every good man must most ardently 
wish for, I will certainly appoint a day of Fasting and Prayer, to be observed 
throughout this Province. 

Jas. Wright. 
To Stephen Drayton, Esq., and the other gentlemen who waited on the Governor. 

A motion was made and seconded, that the thanks of this Congress 
be given to his Excellency the Governor, for his answer to the mes- 
sage of this Congress, and his ready compliance with their request, 
which being put, unanimously passed in the affirmative. 

Ordered, That Dr. Zubly, John Smith, and Joseph Clay be a com 
mittee for that purpose. 

A motion was made and seconded, that five persons be chosen to 
represent this Province in the Continental Congress, appointed to be 
held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 10th of May last, and the 
question being put, it passed unanimously in the affirmative. 

The Congress then proceeded to the choice, when John Houstoun, 
and Archibald Bulloch, Esquires, the Rev. Dr. Zubly, Noble Wym- 
berley Jones, and Lyman Hall, were duly elected. Dr. Zubly expressed 
his surprise at being chosen, and said that he thought himself for 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 71 

many reasons a very improper person ; but the choice was insisted 
upon, and the Doctor declared he would bv no means go, unless he 
had the approbation of his congregation ; whereuponNoble Wymberley 
Jones and John Houstoun, Esqrs., were appointed to request their 
consent. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a Secret Committee be 
appointed, which being agreed to, it was resolved that the President 
do nominate seven persons to be that committee, whose business it shall 
be, to be vigilant and active in the discovery of all matters which may 
affect the public, and that they shall have right to lay all such intel- 
ligence and information before the President of this Congress, and in 
its recess, before the President of the Council of Safety, in order that 
the evil designs of wicked men may be early frustrated. 

A motion was made and seconded, that the Congress do petition 
the King upon the present unhappy situation of affairs, which being 
agreed to, it was ordered that Dr. Zubly do prepare and bring in 
the same. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a letter be forthwith wrote 
to the President of the Continental Congress, giving him an account 
of the proceedings of this Congress, which being agreed to, it 
was ordered that Dr. Zubly, John Smith, William Young, William 
Le Conte, and William Gibbons, Esqrs., be a Committee for that 
purpose. 

John Walton, Esq., who was elected as well from Wrightsborough 
township, as for the town and district of Augusta, came in and took 
his seat for the former. 

A motion was made and seconded, that an address be presented to 
his Excellency the Governor by this Congress, which being agreed 
to, it was ordered, that Dr. Zubly, Basil Cowper, John Walton, Joseph 
Clay, and Edward Telfair be a Committee to draw up the same. 

Saturday, July 8, 1775. 

Resolved, That this Congress are of opinion that the paper delivered into this 
Congress on the second day of its meeting, ought not to have been entitled or 
dressed in the form of resolves, but rather as recommendations, or in nature of a 
petition or address to this Congress. 

Resolved, Nevertheless, from the desire this Congress hath to promote union 
and concord among ourselves, and as it does not appear that the said paper was 
intended to be considered as coming from a distinct and independent body, 
that, therefore, the matter contained in the same (being such as is in the general 
agreeable to us) shall be duly considered and attended to. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a sum not exceeding ten 
thousand pounds sterling be provided, to defray the necessary services 
of this Province, in the present alarming and distracted state of 
affairs, which passed unanimously in the affirmative. 

A motion was then made and seconded, that the Congress resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to consider ways and means 
for raising and sinking the said sum often thousand pounds sterling, 



72 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

which being agreed to, the Congress resolved itself into a Committee 
accordingly. 

The Presidenl having resumed the chair, Mr. Clay, from the Com- 
mittee of the whole Congress, reported that they had entered upon 
the consideration of ways and means, had made some progress 
therein, and desired leave to sit again. 

The President reported to the Congress that he had, in obedience 
to the resolution yesterday, nominated seven persons to be a Secret 
Committee. 

Dr. Zubly, who was ordered to prepare and bring in a petition to 
his Majesty, reported that he had done so, and produced a paper con- 
taining the same, which he delivered in to the President ; and the 
said paper being read and approved of, it was resolved that the Presi- 
dent do sign the same. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee of Intelli- 
gence be appointed, which being agreed to, it was ordered that Wil- 
liam Young, David Zubly, Stephen Drayton, Daniel Roberts, John 
Glen, Edward Telfair, William Ewen, Joseph Clay, and George Wal- 
ton, Esquires, be that Committee. 

William Young, Esquire, of the Committee appointed to write a 
letter to the President of the Continental Congress, reported that 
they had done so, and delivered in a paper to the President, containing 
the same, which being read and approved of, it was resolved that 
the President do sign the same, and that it be forthwith sent. 

Monday, 10th of July, 1775. 
The following resolves were unanimously entered into : 

Whereas, by the unrelenting fury of a despotic ministry, with a view to enforce 
the most oppressive acts of a venal and corrupted Parliament, an army of merce- 
naries, under an unfeeling commander, has actually begun a civil war in Ameri- 
ca: and whereas, the apparent iniquity and cruelty of these destructive measures 
haye, however, had this good effect — to unite men of all ranks in the common cause ; 
and whereas, to consult on means of safety and the method of obtaining redress, 
the good people of this Province of Georgia have thought proper to appoint a Pro- 
vincial Congress, the Delegates met at the said Congress, now assembled from 
every part of the Province, besides adopting the resolutions of the late Continental 
Congress, find it prudent to enter into such other resolutions as may best express 
their own sense, and the sense of their constituents, on the present unhappy situa- 
tion of things, and therefore think fit and necessary to resolve as follows, viz.: — 

Resolced, That we were born free, have all the feelings of men, and are entitled 
to all the natural rights of mankind. 

Resolved, That by birth or incorporation, Ave all are Britons, and whatever Brit- 
ons may claim as their birthright, is also ours. 

Resolved, That in the British Empire, to which we belong, the Constitution is 
superior to every man or set of men whatever, and that it is a crime of the deep- 
est dye, in any instance to impair, or take it away, or deprive the meanest subject 
of its benefits. 

Resolved, That that part of the American Continent which wo inhabit was 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 73 

originally granted by the crown, and the charter from Charles the Second express- 
ly makes its constitutional dependence upon the crown only. 

Resolved, That those who would now subject all America, or this Province, to 
dependency upon the crown and Parliament, are guilty of a very dangerous inno- 
vation, which in time will appear as injurious to the crown, as it is inconsistent 
with the liberty of the American subject. 

Resolved, That by the law of nature and the British Constitution, no man can 
be legally deprived of his property without his consent given by himself or his 
representatives. 

Resolved, That the acts of the British Parliament for raising a perpetual revenue 
on the Americans, by laying a tax on them without their consent, and contrary 
to their protestations, are diametrically opposite to every idea of property, to the 
spirit of the Constitution, and at one stroke deprive this vast continent of 'all lib- 
erty and property, and as such must be detested by every well-wisher to Great 
Britain and America. 

Resolved, That the subsequent laws, made with a view to enforce these acts 
viz. : the Boston Port Bill— the alteration of their charter— the act to carry be- 
yond sea for trial — and (what refines upon every species of cruelty) the Fishery 
Bill, are of such a complexion, that we can say nothing about them for want of 
words to express our abhorrence and detestation. 

Resolved, That the loyalty, patience and prudence of the inhabitants of New- 
England, under their unparalleled pressures, have been construed into a timidity 
and a dread of regular troops ; a civil war in support of acts extremely oppressive 
in themselves, hath actually been begun, and there is too much reason to believe 
that plans have been in agitation, big with every thing horrible to other Pro- 
vinces ; plans as rash, barbarous and destructive as the cause which they were 
intended to serve. 

Resolved, That in these times of extreme danger, our Assembly not being permit- 
ted to sit, we must either have been a people without all thought or counsel, or 
have assembled as we now are in Provincial Congress, to consult upon measures 
which, under God, may prove the means of a perpetual union with the mother 
country, and tend to the honour, freedom, and safety of both. 

Resolved, That this Province bears all true allegiance to our own rightful sover 
eign, King George the Third, and always will and ought to bear it agreeably to 
the Constitution of Great Britain, by virtue of which only the King is now our 
sovereign, and which equally binds Majesty and subjects. 

Resolved, That we are truly sensible how much our safety and happiness depend 
on a constitutional connection with Great Britain, and that nothing but the be- 
ing deprived of the privileges and natural rights of Britons could ever make the 
thought of a separation otherwise than intolerable. 

Resolved, That in case his Majesty or his successors shall at any time hereafter 
make any requisition to the good people of this Province by his representative, it 
will be just and right that such sums should be granted as the nature of the ser- 
vice may require, and the ability and situation of this Province will admit of. 

Resolved, That this Province join with all the Provinces in America, now met 
by Delegates in Continental Congress, and that John Houstoun and Archibald Bui- 



74 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

loch, Esquires, the Rev. Dr. Zubly, Lyman Ha]], and Noble Wymberley Jones, 
Esqs.. be the Delegates from this Province, and that any three constitute a quo- 
rum for that purpose. 

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be to see that . 
the resolutions of the Continental Congress and Provincial Congress be duly ob- 
served, and that every person who shall act in opposition thereto, have his name 
transmitted to the Continental Congress, and his misdeeds be published in every 
American paper. 

Resolved, That with all such persons, except the indispensable duties we owe to 
all mankind, (bad men and enemies are not excepted,) we will have no dealings 
nor connection ; and we extend this our resolution also to all such persons or cor- 
porations in Great Britain who have shown themselves enemies to America. 

Resolved, That we will do what in us lies to preserve and promote the peace 
and good order of this Province ; and should any person become an innocent suf- 
ferer on account of these grievances, we will do whatever we justly may for his 
relief and assistance. 

Resolved, That in such calamitous times as the present, every possible indul- 
gence ought to be given to honest debtors ; that it would be ungenerous, unless 
there appear intention of fraud, in any gentleman of the law, to sue without pre- 
vious notice, and any person so sued may apply to the Committee ; and should it 
appear to them that the creditor is in no danger of losing his money, or can be 
properly secured, they shall interpose their friendly offices to persuade him to 
drop the prosecution, and every prosecutor that shall appear to take advantage of 
the confusion of the times, to distress his debtor, ought to be publicly pointed out 
and held in abhorrence. 

Resolved, That notwithstanding, in a late bill for restraining the trade of several 
Provinces in America, this Province is excepted, we declare that we look upon this 
exception rather as an insult than a favour; as being meant to break the union of 
the Provinces, and as being grounded upon the supposition that the inhabitants 
of such excepted Province can be base enough to turn the oppression of America 
into a mean advantage. 

Tuesday, Juhj 11, 1775. 

John Houstoun and Noble Wymberley Jones, Esqrs., appointed to 
request the consent of Dr. Zubly's congregation for their permission 
for him to go to Philadelphia, reported that they had done so, and 
that the said congregation had voted that they were willing to spare 
their minister for a time, for the good of the common cause. 

Dr. Zubly then declared he was willing to go, and thanked the 
Congress for so signal a mark of honour and confidence. 

Mr. Clay, from the Committee appointed to draw up an address to 
his Excellency, the Governor, from this Congress, reported that thev 
had done so, and delivered it in to the President ; which was ordered 
to be read, — and is as follows : 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS 75 



To His Excellency, Sir James Wrioht. Baronet, Captain-General and Gov- 
ernor -in- Chief, in and over h ; s Majesty's Province of Georgia, Chancellor 
and Vice-President of the same. 

May it please tour Excellenct: — We, his Majesty's dutiful and loyal sub- 
jects, the Delegates of this Province, in Provincial Congress met, beg leave to 
address your Excellency. 

In these very critical and alarming times, the good people of this Province find 
themselves under an absolute necessity to take some measures for the security 
and preservation of their liberties, and every thing that is near and dear to them; 
and they have accordingly chosen a large number of persons to meet together at 
Savannah, to consult on the means to obtain redress, under our many and very 
heavy grievances. These, being accordingly met, (to be distinguished from the 
usual representation,) have styled themselves a Provincial Congress, and from the 
number and character of their names, which your Excellency may see in our 
last Gazette, your Excellency will be convinced the Province was never more 
fully represented in any Assembly; though possibly this measure never would 
have taken place, had we not, from several successive prorogations or adjourn- 
ments, too much reason to fear your Excellency had received very strong in- 
structions not to suffer the Assembly to enter into any measures to secure the 
rights of America, or even to petition for relief, unless in terms which would have 
been giving up the rights of, and fixing lasting disgrace upon, the petitioners. 

Although there is no doubt but a great majority of the inhabitants of this Pro- 
vince always looked upon the claim of Parliament to take away the property of 
Americans as illegal and oppressive, yet, from a variety of causes, not unknown 
to your Excellency, this Province in the American chain has hitherto been the 
defaulting link. We have now joined with the other Provinces in the Continen- 
tal Congress, and have sent a petition to his Majesty, appointed delegates to the 
American Congress, and entered into such resolutions — which we mean inviola- 
bly to adhere to— as will convince the friends and foes of America that we 
would not live unworthy of the name of Britons, or labour under the suspicion of 
being unconcerned for the rights and freedom of America. Extracts of some 
letters which are inserted in Parliamentary proceedings widely differ from what 
must appear to every unprejudiced person to be the real state of the Province. 

We are not acquainted with an individual in Georgia that looks upon the 
claims of Parliament as just, and all men speak with abhorrence of the meas- 
ures made use of to enforce them. Our fellow-subjects who formerly entered a 
dissent which we find was transmitted to the minister in terms that bespeak the 
great pleasure it gave the transmitter, now generally say that they never differed 
from America as to the reality of grievances, but only in the mode of obtaining 
redress. 

Though candour may allow these mutilated extracts laid before Parliament, 
they were probably rather designed by the minister to screen himself and justify 
his own measures, than to give a just and true account of what information he 
might have received, yet we cannot help observing, the general purport of these 



76 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

letters seems to have a much greater regard to the designs of the minister, than 
to give an impartial account of the real state of things. Other Provinces, no 
doubt, if they find themselves mentioned in any part of them, will view them in 
what light they may think fit ; but, as to any prejudicial informations they may 
contain against many persons in this Province, while it is not to be expected that 
they will give up their feelings as private men, your Excellency may be assured 
we shall always pay due respect to His Majesty's representative, and shall with 
great pleasure acknowledge every service your Excellency may hereafter ren- 
der to Great Britain and America, whose interest we know, and whose connec- 
tion we wish to be forever inseparable. Your Excellency may be assured, these 
are objects which we have greatly at heart, and shall ever do what in us lies, 
towards a reconciliation with our parent state, on constitutional principles, as 
well as endeavour to preserve the peace and good order of the Province. 

Resolved, That the foregoing address be signed by the President, and be pre- 
sented to his Excellency, the Governor, and that Stephen Drayton, Edward Tel- 
fair, William Le Conte, John Walton. George Houstoun, and Philip Box be a 
Committee to present the same. 

Wednesday, July 12, 1775. 

The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, to 
take into consideration ways and means to raise and sink ten thou- 
sand pounds sterling ; and after some time spent therein, the Presi- 
dent resumed the chair. 

Resolved, That the Congress being a full representation of the whole Province, 
the members of the same, their constituents, and all others resident or holding 
property within the same, are bound to contribute by an equal and general tax, 
towards the sinking the ten thousand pounds. 

Resolved, That this Congress, while sitting, and the Council of Safety, in its 
recess, have power to issue certificates, from time to time, as occasion shall re- 
quire, to the amount of ten thousand pounds sterling, and that all such certifi- 
cates shall be signed by the treasurers, and at least three of the members of the 
Council of Safety. 

Resolved, That any person who shall not receive any such certificate in pay- 
ment, will be guilty of a breach of the public faith, and ought to be considered 
as an enemy to the Province, and treated accordingly. 

Resolved. That the said certificates be sunk in three years after a reconcilia- 
tion shall take place between Great Britain and the Colonies. 

Thursday, July 13, 1775. 
Resolved, That this Congress do approve of and adopt the Association entered 
Into at Savannah on the fifth day of June last past, viz. : 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 77 



Association unanimously entered into by the Provincial Congress, at Savan- 
nah, in Georgia, on Thursday, the 13th of July, 1775. 

Georgia, being persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of Ame- 
rica depend, under God, on the firm union of the inhabitants in its vigorous pro- 
secution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity 
of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend the dissolution of the 
powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the Pro- 
vince of Georgia, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the Ministry to 
raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the 
Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become 
slaves; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, and honour, and love to our 
country, to adopt and endeavour to carry into execution whatever may be re- 
commended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial 
Convention, appointed for preserving our constitution and opposing the execution 
of the several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a re- 
conciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles, 
which we most ardently desire, can be obtained; and that we will in all things 
follow the advice of our General Committee, appointed respecting the purposes 
aforesaid, — the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individu- 
als and private property. 

Resolved, That John Smith, Basil Cowper, George Houstoun, Joseph Clay, Wil- 
liam Young, Philip Box, Seth John Cuthbert, William O'Bryan, George Wal- 
ton, William Le Conte, William Gibbons, Samuel Elbert, Edward Telfair and 
Oliver Bowen, be a Committee to present the Association to all the inhabitants 
of the Town and District of Savannah to be signed ; in doing which, expedition 
is particularly recommended, and an account of all who decline signing shall be 
returned to the General Committee. 

Friday, July 14, 1775. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee be appointed 
to report their opinion, who shall be qualified to vote for delegates to 
sit in future Congresses, and the most equal method of representation ; 
and the same being agreed to, a Committee was appointed accord- 
ingly. 

Committee : Stephen Drayton, John Glen, and Joseph Clay, Esqs. 

Resolved, That in every case where a summons shall be applied for, the magis- 
trate to whom such application shall be made do in the first place, and before the 
issuing of such summons, give notice thereof, either by personal informa- 
tion, message, or letter, to the party defendant, and also use his best endeavour 
to compromise and settle the matter; and unless the defendant has discovered cir- 
cumstances of fraud or delay, and is ready and willing to give security for the 
debt, and shall actually offer to do so, payable in a reasonable time, nosuch sum- 



78 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

mons ought to be issued. And in case a warrant in a civil case shall be applied 
for, the same ought not to be granted, unless there appear, to the satisfaction of 
the magistrate, that there are good and sufficient grounds besides the plaintiff's 
oath to apprehend the defendant means to abscond; but the same method ought 
to be observed as is recommended respecting summons. 

Mr. Drayton, from the Committee appointed to report their opinion 
who shall be qualified to vote for delegates to sit in future Congresses, 
reported as the opinion of that Committee, that every man contri- 
buting towards the general tax, shall be qualified to vote as delegates 
in future Congresses, and the following proportion will be the most 
equal representation, viz. : The Town and District of Savannah shall 
have seventeen members ; District of Little Ogeechee, three ; Ver- 
nonburgh, two ; Acton, two ; Sea Islands, three ; Goshen and Aber- 
corn, two ; Parish of St. Matthew, seven ; St. George, nine ; St. Paul, 
nine; St. Philip, seven; St. John, twelve; St. Andrew, nine; St. 
David, three ; St. Patrick, two ; St. Thomas, two ; St. Mary, two ; St. 
James, two ; Ceded Lands, three ; and that the president and thirty- 
four members do constitute a Congress to proceed upon business. 

Resolved, That the foregoing report be approved of, and that delegates be elect- 
ed by the persons and in the proportion therein mentioned. 

Resolved, That the following form of delegation be recommended to the inhabi- 
tants of the several parishes and districts throughout the Province, to prevent 
clashing and unequal powers being given by different parishes and districts; viz. : 

Georgia : — The affairs of the Continent of America being now brought to a 
truly alarming and critical situation, and there being no other method left, 
but that the whole body of the people unite as one, in opposing such acts 
as tend utterly to destroy the liberty, property, and birthright of America; 
and it having been thought necessary and convenient, in order to consult on 
proper ways and means for our mutual security, to assemble and convene the peo- 
ple in each colony and Province, by their representatives, into one body or coun- 
cil, styled a Provincial Congress, who shall act in all cases whatsoever for the 
good of the common cause : — 

Now, therefore, be it known that we, the inhabitants of Parish (or district), 

being met together in order to choose such men as are capable of the important 
trust, do choose A, B, C. D, &c , being the number determined on in the Pro- 
vincial Congress, held at Savannah, 4th of July, 1775, to represent us in the Pro- 
vincial Congress, to be held at said town of Savannah, on the fourth of Decem- 
ber next. And we do require you, the said A, B, C, to do, transact, join, and con- 
cur with the other delegates of this Province, so sitting as above recited, on all 
things, as shall appear eligible and fit at this alarming time, for the preservation 
and defence of our rights and liberties : and we further empower you to choose 
other delegates, if in your wisdom you think proper; or if any requisition in that 
case should be made, by the Grand Continental Congress, in order to join or suc- 
ceed the delegates in that Congress, now chosen by the people of this Province. 
And we do bind ourselves solemnly under the sacred ties of religion, virtue, and 
honour, and love of our country, to abide by, enforce and carry into execution, or 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 79 

endeavour so to do, at the risk and peril of our lives and fortunes, whatsoever you 
with the other delegates shall resolve and agree upon to be necessary for the well 
doing and preservation of the violated rights of this Province and the Conti- 
nent in general 

Signed by us this clay of , 1775. 

Saturday, July 15th, 1775. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee be appointed 
to report their opinion with respect to the better governing the Mili- 
tia of this Province ; which being agreed to, a Committee was ap- 
pointed accordingly, to wit : Stephen Drayton, Samuel Elbert, Dr. 
Brownson, and Peter Tarlin. 

A motion was made and seconded, that a Committee be appointed 
to communicate to the inhabitants of this Province an account of the 
disputes subsisting between Great Britain and the colonies, and also 
the proceedings of this Congress ; and the same being agreed to, it 
was ordered that the Rev. Dr. Zubly, Noble Wy mberley Jones, Wil- 
liam Young, and George Walton, be a Committee for that purpose. 

Resolved, That this Congress shall expire on the 20th day of August next ; that 
a new election be made at such times between the twentieth day of August and 
first of September, as the inhabitants of the several parishes and districts (except 
the town and district of Savannah) shall think fit respectively, and that the 
members so elected, with those who shall afterwards be chosen for the town 
and district of Savannah, do meet in General Congress at Savannah, on the fourth 
day of December next, or sooner, if the Council of Safety shall think it expe- 
dient to summon them. 

Resolved, That the members of this Congress use every endeavour to give as 
public notice of elections as possible, and that each parish and district shall, at 
the time of such elections, likewise choose a sufficient number, as a parochial or 
district committee, to enforce the different resolves of the Continental and Pro- 
vincial Congresses. 

Resolved. That the inhabitants of the town and district of Savannah do meet 
at Savannah on Friday, the fifteenth day of September next, to choose seventeen 
delegates to represent them in Provincial Congress. 

Resolved, That the several delegates for the town and district of Savannah, oi 
a majority of them, together with all other delegates who shall happen to be in 
town, shall be a General Committee for the Province; that they shall have 
power to superintend, direct, and advise all the Parochial or District Committees, 
and, in case of difficulty, to inform them of their duty. And any person who 
shall apprehend himself aggrieved by the decision of any of the Parochial or 
District Committees, may appeal to the said General Committee, who shall hear 
his case, and do justice according to the spirit and intention of this Congress; 
and in case such appellant shall still be dissatisfied, he may lay his case before 
the next Congress, provided there be no delay occasioned by any such appeal 
but the sentence of each Committee shall take effect immediately after being 
pronounced. 



80 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Monday, July 17, 1775. 

Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Haddon Smith, by twice refusing to comply 
with the request of this Congress, and to join on a day of fasting and prayer ap- 
pointed by the Continental Congress to be observed throughout all America, 
besides the day appointed by his Excellency the Governor, at the request of this 
Congress, has given too much reason to believe he does not wish that the happy 
event mentioned in the American Proclamation may take place, and that the 
said Mr. Haddon Smith has thereby incurred the censure of this Congress, and 
ought to be considered as unfriendly to America. 

Resolved, nernine coniradicente, That the delegates appointed by this Congress 
to go to Philadelphia, do apply to the Continental Congress to incorporate this 
Province with the United Provinces of North America, and that they pledge 
the faith of us and our constituents to contribute an adequate part of the ex- 
penses which have or may accrue in defence of the violated rights of America. 

Resolved, That the Council of Safety have full power, upon every emergency, 
during the recess of Congress, to give such information, and propose such 
measures, by way of advice, to our Continental delegates, as the circumstances 
of the case may require, and they shall think conducive to the public good. 

Resolved. That it be strongly recommended to the friends of America in this 
Province, that they use their utmost endeavours to preserve peace and good order, 
and to cultivate harmony with one another, and always to avoid national reflec- 
tions, which can onlv tend to produce divisions and jealousies among the in- 
habitants. 

Resolved, That this Congress do adjourn to the nineteenth day of August next, 
and that the General Committee have power to call it at Savannah sooner, if 
they upon any emergency shall deem it expedient for the good of the Province. 
By order of the Congress. 

A true copy from the minutes. 

George Walton, Secretary. 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 81 



ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE PROVINCIAL 

CONGRESS. 

Savannah, July 25th, 1775. 

To the Inhabitants of the Province of Georgia : — 

Fellow-Countrymen, — We are directed to transmit to you an ac- 
count of the present state of American affairs, as well as the proceed- 
ings of the late Provincial Congress. 

It is with great sorrow we are to acquaint you, that what our fears 
suggested, but our reason thought impossible, is actually come to 
pass. 

A civil war in America is begun. Several engagements have 
already happened. The friends and foes of America have been 
equally disappointed. The friends of America were in hopes British 
troops could not be induced to slay their brethren. It is, however, 
done, and the circumstances are such, as must be an everlasting blot on 
their character for humanity and generosity. An unfeeling commander 
has found means to inspire his troops with the same evil spirit that 
possesseth himself. After the starving, helpless, innocent inhabit- 
ants of Boston delivered up their arms, and received his promise that 
they might leave that virtuous, devoted town, he is said to have broke 
his word; and the wretched inhabitants are still kept, to fall a prey to 
disease, famine, and confinement. If there are powers which abhor 
injustice and oppression, it may be hoped such perfidy cannot go long 
unpunished. 

But the. enemies of America have been no less disappointed. 
Nothing so contemptible, in their eyes, like the rabble of an Ameri- 
can militia ; nothing more improbable than that they would dare to 
look regulars in the face, or stand a single fire. By this time they 
must have felt how much they were mistaken. In every engagement 
the Americans appeared with a bravery worthy of men that fight for 
the liberties of their oppressed country. Their success has been re- 
markable ; the number of the slain and wounded on every occasion 
exceeds theirs, and the advantages they gained are the more honour- 
able, because, with a patience that scarce has an example, they bore 
every act of injustice and insult, till their lives were attacked, and then 
gave the fullest proof that the man of calmness and moderation in coun- 
sel is usually also the most intrepid and courageous in battle. You will 
doubtless lament with us the hundreds that died in their countries' 
cause : but does it not call for greater sorrow that thousands of British 
soldiers sought and found their deaths when they were active to en- 
slave their brethren and their country ? However irritating all these 
proceedings, yet so unnatural is this quarrel, that every good man 
must wish and pray that it may soon cease; that the injured rights of 
America may be vindicated by milder means ; and that no more blood 
may be shed, unless it be of those who fomented, and mean to make 
an advantage of those unhappy divisions. From the proceedings of 

6 



82 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the Congress, a copy of which accompanies the present, you will be 
convinced that a reconciliation on honourable principles is an object 
which your delegates never lost sight of. We have sent an humble 
and manly petition to his Majesty; addressed his representative, our 
Governor; provided, as far as in onr power, for internal quiet and 
safety ; and delegates will soon attend the General Congress, to assist 
and co-operate in any measure that shall be thought necessary for the 
saving of America. His Excellency, at our request, having appointed 
the 19th inst. as a day of humiliation, and news being afterwards 
received that the Continental Congress had recommended the 20th 
inst. to be observed as such, both days have been observed with a 
becoming solemnity ; and we humbly hope many earnest prayers have 
been presented to the Father of Mercies on that day, through this 
extensive continent, and that He has heard the cries of the destitute, 
and will not despise their prayers. You will permit us most earnestly 
to recommend to you a steady perseverance in the cause of Liberty, 
and that you will use all possible caution not to say or do anything 
unworthy of so glorious a cause ; to promote frugality, peace and 
good order, and in the practice of every social and religious duty, 
patiently to wait the return of that happy day, when we may quietly 
sit under our vine and fig-tree, and no man make us afraid. 

J. J. Zubly. 

N. W. Jones. 

George Walton. 



The following is a copy af a petition from the inhabitants of Georgia, which 
was presented to the King on Friday, October 28, by Governor Johnstone, 
and of letters 'which accompanied it. 

Savannah, July 14, 1775. 
To George Johnstone, Esq.: 

Sir, — It is with singular pleasure that I am desired to transmit the accom- 
panying papers to you, sensible that in a cause where the essential rights of so 
many millions are concerned, no endeavours on your part will be wanting to give 
them their full effect. 

The many proofs which the people of this Provin e had of your magnanimity, 
justice, and disinterested integrity in establishing the neighbouring coloay ot 
West Florida, have rendered your name respected throughout America, and your 
subsequent conduct has endeared you still further to every lover of mankind in 
the Eastern, and Western world. 

These motives have determined the Congress in the application they now 
make. I am sensible, if the same counsels prevail, the task of conveying such 
disagreeable truths to the throne must prove very painful ; but we believe there 
is no person who would undertake the office with less reluctance, or execute it 
with more becoming duty and respect to his Majesty. 

I am, &c, 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 83 

Savannah, Georgia, July 14, 1775. 
Sir, — When turbulent and wicked minds are employed solely to raise com- 
motions in the State and disturb the tranquillity of the subject; when by their 
baneful influence life, property, and freedom are inhumanly invaded, and the 
innocence and loyalty of thousands are unjustly questioned, we, the inhabitants 
of Georgia, by a just delegation from the different parishes being now convened 
in Congress in this town, have resolved to address a dutiful petition, setting 
forth our grievances and the bad tendency of the many wicked and treacherous 
proceedings against this Continent that have passed since the year 1763. 

Although we know the fate of ail other petitions on this head, and cannot flat- 
ter ourselves that we should meet with one different: yet, as the right of petition- 
ing is the subject's, we beg leave to enclose this our prayer and remonstrance to 
you, hoping and trusting, on the noble sentiments you entertain and support in 
favour of us, much injured Americans, that, countenanced by one of your great 
abilities, it may approach the throne. 

We assure you. Sir, we are, and always were, firmly attached to his Ma- 
jesty's family, nor can any thing shake our integrity. But when, by evil and 
wicked ministers, our birthright as Englishmen shall be violated, that integrity 
must urge us to hand down to our children a right so invaluable. 

We conceive our immediate dependence on the crown can by no means hin- 
der our doing that indispensable duty, in joining with the rest of America against 
acts that tend to enslave a people whose loyalty and faith were never even sus- 
pected, until the actions of the times wanted an excuse. 
We have the honour to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient and very humble servants, 

William Young, Edward Telfair, 

David Zublt, Jr., Daniel Roberts, 

John Glen, Wm. Ewen, 

Steph. Drayton, 
To George Johnstone, Esq. A Committee of Intelligence. 



petition to the king. 



To the King's Most Excellent Majesty : — 

May it please your Majesty : — Though we bring up the rear of 
American petitioners, and, from the fate of so many petitions present- 
ed to your Majesty, from America, your great city of London, and 
others of your European subjects, have a most melancholy prospect, 
we still hope that He by whom kings rule, and to whom monarchs 
are accountable, will incline you to pay some regard to our most. 
humble and faithful representation. In times like these, when the 
edge of present feeling is blunted by the expectation of calamities still 
greater, we must take the liberty to speak before we die. We would 
acquaint our Sovereign with things which greatly affect his interest. 
We would endeavour to waken the feeling and pity of our common 
father. 



84 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Your Majesty is the rightful sovereign of the most important em- 
pire in the universe. 

The blessings of Providence on your arms have put a country under 
you of greater importance and extent than several kingdoms in Eu- 
rope. In this large extent of territory, by some late acts, popery is 
not only tolerated (which we conceive would have been an act of jus- 
tice), but an indulgence has been granted, little short of a full estab- 
lishment, to a religion which is equally injurious to the rights of 
sovereign and of mankind. French and arbitrary laws have there 
by authority taken place of the just and mild British Constitution, 
and all this has been done with a professed and avowed design to 
overawe your Majesty's Ancient Protestant and loyal subjects, some 
of whom had no small share in the merit of that conquest. Acts to 
raise a perpetual res (nine on the Americans without their consent have 
been enacted, which, at one stroke, turn all your American subjects 
into slaves, and deprive them of that right which the most oppressive 
taskmaster does not deny to the servant bought with his money. Ex- 
perience must now have shown, as it will clearer, should these acts 
be enforced, that instead of increasing the revenue, or lessening the 
burden of your European subjects, they can only serve to increase 
their taxation. Laws which we conceive fraught with so much in- 
justice have been attempted to be enforced by equal cruelty, and 
whenever we thought ourselves at the height of our troubles, your 
Majesty's ministers have stretched their unhappy ingenuity to find out 
new methods of distress, and, it is believed, methods have been more 
than thought of, too shocking to human nature, to be even named in 
the list of grievances suffered under a British king. 

The goodness of God hath made your Majesty the father of a very 
numerous issue, on whom we place the pleasing hopes of a Protestant 
succession ; but your Majesty's arms in America now every day make 
mothers childless, and children fatherless. The blood of your sub 
jects has been shed with pleasure rather than with pity. For an act 
which amounted to no more, even under the worst construction, than 
an irregular zeal for constitutional liberty, and without any step taken 
to find out the supposed guilty persons, the capital of your American 
dominions has been blocked up, deprived of its trade, and its poor of 
subsistence. Thousands, confessedly innocent, have been starved, 
ruined, driven from, or kept like prisoners, in their own habitations; 
their cries and blood innocently shed have undoubtedly, and daily, 
reached to His ears who hateth injustice and oppression. 

Believe us, great sir, America is not divided; all men (crown offi- 
cers not excepted) speak of these acts and measures with disapproba- 
tion, and if there has been some difference of opinion as to the mode 
of relief, the rigorous experiments which your ministry thought fit 
to try on the Americans have been the most effectual means to con- 
vince these of the iniquitous designs of your ministry, and to unite 
them all as in a common cause. Your Majesty's ministers, after intro- 
ducing the demon of discord into your empire, and driving America to 
the brink of despair, place all their dignity in measures obstinately 



PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. 85 

pursued, because they were once wantonly taken. They hearkened 
to no information but what represented Americans as rebels or cow- 
ards. Time will every day make it clearer how much they were 
infatuated and mistaken. Too long, we must lament, have these men 
imposed on your paternal affection. Deign now, most gracious Prince, 
in their room, to hearken to the cries of your loyal and affectionate 
subjects of this extensive Continent; let the goodness of your heart 
interpose between weak or wicked ministers, and millions of loyal and 
affectionate subjects. No longer let the sword be stained with the 
blood of your own children ; recall your troops and fleets ; and if any 
misunderstanding remains, let the Americans be heard, and justice 
and equity take place. Let us be ruled according to the known prin- 
ciples of our excellent Constitution, and command the last shilling of 
our property, and the last drop of our blood in your service. 

Uncertain as to the event of this our humble representation, it 
affords us a relief that we may, unrestrained, apply to the great and 
merciful Sovereign of the whole earth, who will not despise the prayer 
of the oppressed; and to Him we most ardently pray that, the wicked 
being removed from before the king, the king's throne may be esta- 
blished in righteousness. 

By order of the Congress, at Savannah, this 14th day of July. 

A. Bulloch, President. 



86 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



In June, 1775, a Council of Safety was appointed at Savannah, 
consisting of William Evven, William Le Conte, Bazil Cowper, 
Samuel Elbert, William Young, Elislia Butler, Edward Telfair, JohjL. 
Glen^ieorge Houstoun, George Walton, Joseph Habersham, F. H. 
Harris, John Smith, and John Morel. William Ewen was chosen 
President, and Seth John Cuthbert, Secretary. 

We can give our readers only a portion of the proceedings of the 
Council of Safety, not having been able to find any regular journal 
kept by them. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Mr. Rutledge laid the following draught of a letter to the Congress 
or Council of Safety in Georgia: — 

Charlestown, Dec. 14, 1775. 
Gentlemen : — 

The Council of Safety have heard with astonishment and concern that several 
vessels are loading at Savannah for Great Britain, some with rice, and others, one 

in particular of Mr. T 's, with indigo. It is true the General Association did not 

prohibit the exportation of rice to Europe, or of other American produce, except 
to Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, after the 10th of last September, so 
that shipping rice to Great Britain, before the resolutions of Congress of the 1st ult., 
a copy of which is enclosed, were known, was allowable. It is to be wished, how- 
ever, that Georgia had pursued the conduct of the northern colonies, all of whom, 
we are assured, in consequence of the late restricting acts, suspended exportation, 
as this Colony did, after the 10th of September, except for purchasing the means 
of defence, till the sense of the Continental Congress should be declared on that 
subject; but with respect to shipping indigo to Great Britain after that period, 
they are without excuse. For the honour of your Colon}' and the interest of Ameri- 
ca, we shall rejoice to know, that a report so disgraceful to the former, and inju- 
rious to the latter, is void of foundation ; we cannot yet be persuaded to think it 
otherwise, for we hope that the Continental resolutions will be inviolably preserv- 
ed in your Colony, as in any other, and doubt not that the disaffected in Geor- 
gia are so few, and the friends of liberty so numerous and powerful, that all at- 
tempts of the former to hurt the American cause will ever prove abortive. We 
have therefore thought it expedient to address you on the subject, being desirous 
of obtaining a true account of the matter, from the best authority. We there- 
fore hope that you will favour us with it by return of bearer, and hope it will ena- 
ble us to remove all impressions which may have been made. But if, unfortu- 
nately, the fact should be reported to us, we earnestly entreat that your Congress, 
Council of Safety, or General Committee, will take the most effectual means for 
preventing so flagrant a breach of the Continental Association and resolutions. 
We have been applied to for leave to clear our vessels with the produce of this 
Colony for Great Britain, as a cover of safety, where it was pretended that such 
vessel should nevertheless proceed directly to a foreign port, and for the express 
purpose, also, of procuring ammunition ; but we have refused our assent, and have 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 87 

ordered the Committee at the outposts to be watchful against such attempts, which 
though specious at first view, are full of danger to the common cause, and might 
give great encouragement to designing men to commit frauds. The Congress at 
Philadelphia refused such indulgence even to those whom they had given special 
license to export. 

By order of the Council of Safety. 
The Provincial Congress or Council of Safety in Georgia. 

This letter was sent by express. 

[Answer to the above.) 

Savannah, December 19, 1775. 
Gentlemen, — We received your letter of the 14th instant, respecting exporta- 
tion, and as two of our Continental delegates had just arrived, we thought proper 
to defer giving you an answer until we had consulted them in Council. This we 
have done, and have deemed it expedient to send Stephen Drayton and William 
Ewen, Esqrs., two of this Board, to explain those things to you, in order that all 
unfavourable mistakes, jealousies and animosities may be removed. 
By order of the Board. 

We have the honour to be, 
Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient servants, 

George Walton, President. 
To Hie Hon. Council of Safety at Charlestown. 



In the Council of Safety, 
Savannah, March 2, 1776. 

For the safety of the Province, and the good of the United Colo- 
nies, it is unanimously 

Resolved, That the houses in the town of Savannah, and the hamlets there- 
unto belonging, together with the shipping now in the port of Savannah, the 
property of, or appertaining to the friends of America, who have associated and 
appeared, or who shall appear in the present alarm to defend the same, and also the 
hou-es of widows and orphans, and none others, be forthwith valued and appraised. 

Ordered, That Messrs. Joseph Clay, Joseph Reynolds, John McLuer, Joseph 
Dunlap, and John Glen, or any three of them, be a Committee for that purpose, 
and that (hey make a return of such value and appraisement, to the Council of 
Safety to-morrow morning. 9 o'clock, or as soon after as possible. 

Resolved, That the delegates for this Province shall be instructed to apply to 
the Continental Congress for an indemnification to such persons who shall suffer 
in the defence of this town or shipping. 

Resolved, That it shall be considered as a defection from the cause of America, 
and a desertion of property in such persons who have and shall leave the iowh 
of Savannah, or the hamlets thereunto belonging, during the present alarm, and 
such persons shall be precluded from any support or countenance towards obtain- 
ing an indemnification. 

Resolved, That it be incumbent upon the friends of America in this Province 
to defend the metropolis as long as the same shall be tenable. 



OO HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Resolved, That rather than the same shall be held and occupied by our ene- 
mies, or (ho shipping now in the port of Savannah taken and employed by them, 
that the same shall be burnt and destroyed. 

Resolved, That orders shall be issued to the commanding officer, directing him 
to have the foregoing resolutions put into execution. 

Copy of a Letter from the Council of Safety in Georgia to the Hon. Council 
of Safety for South Carolina. 

Savannah, Georgia, March 4th, 1776. 
Gentlemen, — Our dispositions on the evening of the 2d were such as appeared 
to our officers the most likely to prevent the landing of our enemy ; and so as, 
if they should make their landing good, either above or below the town, to pre- 
vent their getting in ; however, notwithstanding our vigilance, they, by collusion 
with the masters and others on board the merchant ships which hauled near the 
shore of Hutchison's Island, in the night-time got on board these ships, about four 
o'clock yesterday morning, to the number, as far as we are competent to judge 
from the observations we made, and the intelligence we received, of between 
200 and 300, where they affected to conceal themselves. We had our fears 
respecting these shipping, and therefore kept a good watch upon them; but it 
was impossible for sentinels on shore to descry them in boarding from the other, 
the vessels being betwixt. Captain Rice, who commanded a boat of observa- 
tion, was sent on board the shipping about nine o'clock, to order the rigging on 
shore, and was, without any noise, or the smallest knowledge of us, kidnapped. 
This we did not know till about half an hour afterwards. Two sailors, under pre- 
tence of coming on shore for clothes, gave information of the troops being on board 
the shipping, and of Rice's being taken. About 300 men were then immedi- 
ately marched to Yam ac raw, opposite the shipping, with three four-pounders, 
and threw up a breastwork. The armed schooner Hinchinblook, of — guns, 
with a number of men on board, which, with others, went up the Back river in 
the afternoon of the day preceding, about this time set sail down the South river, 
with intent, no doubt, of covering the landing of the troops from on board the 
merchant shipping, but being continually fired at by two companies of rifle- 
men, who were placed in ambuscade, she was obliged to come very slowly and 
often came to, and returned a very smart fire at every place where the riflemen 
fired from, until the tide was spent, and she could not go down. During the 
course of this firing, only one of our men got wounded, and that slightly, in the 
thigh ; but on board several were seen to fall. In town, we had exhibited a 
still more interesting scene. We found the men and officers clamorous about the 
capture and detention of Rice; and two gentlemen, Lieut. Daniel Roberts, of 
the St. John Rangers, and Mr. Raymond Demere, of St. Andrew's Parish. 
solicited and were permitted to go on board to demand a surrender of 
Rice and his people. They accordingly divested themselves of arms, and were 
rowed by a negro on board a vessel in which were Captain Barclay, the Commo 
dore, and Major Grant, and these officers, contrary to all principles which cement 
society and govern mankind, immediately arrested our deputies, and yet detain 
them as prisoners. We waited with anxious expectation for near half an 
hour, when we demanded our deputies, by the help of a trumpet, without getting 
any other but insulting answers. Whereupon we fired two four-pounders 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 89 

directly into them, and then they informed us that they would send an answer in 
writing ; which they presently afterwards did. and signed by Lieutenant Roberts 
and Mr. Demere, purporting that if we would send two of the persons in whom 
the people F?i>st confided, they would treat with them. Capt. Screven, of the 
St. John Rangers, and Capt, Baker, of the St. John Riflemen, chagrined, no 
doubt, (the former particularly on account of his lieutenant,) by detention of 
our deputies, took about a dozen of the riflemen in a boat, and rowed directly 
under the stern of Captain Inglis, in whose vessel were a great part of the sol- 
diery, and in peremptory terms demanded the deputies, and were informed, after 
one shot from Capt. Baker, by a discharge down directly upon them of near 200 
shot, both from swivels and small arms, which were kept up while they were in 
reach ; the captains and men in the boats not in the smallest degree confused, or 
even, perhaps, disappointed by the attack, fired three rifles, most of them three 
several times, as they say, not without execution ; and wonderful to tell, not 
a man of them was killed— one man only received a slug in the fleshy part of his 
shoulder, which was immediately cut out, witnout the smallest inconvenience or 
danger. The spectators all declare, as we now do, that such a providential 
deliverance has not yet been known. The unmanly attack upon a few men in 
an open boat produced a general fire from our field-pieces and intrenchments, 
and as smart a return from two four-pounders and several swivels from the ship- 
ping, which lasted from about 12 o'clock to 4; and although they often fired lan- 
grage, which continually whistled about our men, not a single man was even 
touched, but we have no doubt a number of the enemy met with a worse fate, as 
they were seen frequently to fall. About 4 o'clock we called a council, and 
determined to have the vessels immediately burnt, and issued orders to Colonel 
Mcintosh accordingly. Whereupon the Inverness, late Capt. McGillivray, loaded 
with rice and deer-skins, was set on fire and cut loose. Upon this, the soldiers, 
in the most laughable confusion, got ashore in the marsh, while our riflemen and 
field-pieces with grape-shot were incessantly galling them. The shipping were 
now also in confusion. Some got up the river, under cover of the armed 
schooner, while others caught the flame, and as night approached, exhibited a 
scene, as they passed and repassed with the tide, which at any but the present 
time would be truly horrible, but now a subject only of gratitude and applause. 
The ships of Captains Inglis and Wardell neither got up the river nor on fire; 
they were ordered on shore, and now are prisoners of Capt. Screven in the 
country, and their vessels brought down close into a wharf. They were per- 
mitted to write to Capt, Barclay in the evening, to inform them of their situa- 
tion, and to request an exchange of prisoners, which the latter peremptorily 

refused. 

We have thus given you a particular detail of things as they really happened, 
to prevent the belief of any erroneous intelligence, and from which you will be 
competent to judge of our situation. 

Col. Mcintosh laid before the Board a resolution of your Congress, to aid us, 
accompanied by a letter from Mr. Lowndes ; and we are very glad that you have 
determined to afford us further assistance. We wish it may arrive in time. 
By order of the Council of Safety. 

Wm. Ewen, President. 



90 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



In the Council of Safety, 
Savannah, March 1, 1776. 

Whereas, the resolution of the Hon. the Continental Congress, re- 
straining" the exportation of rice from the United Colonies for a time, 
having expired this day, without any further or additional restraint, 
as we know of, it now lies with the Council of Safety for this Pro- 
vince either farther to restrain the exportation, or to permit it. And 
whereas a formidable force, both by sea and land, having invaded 
this Province for several weeks past, and it appearing, by the arrival 
of such force, that the cause of the said Continental restriction is not 
removed: 

Resolved, therefore, That no ships loaded with rice, or any other 
article of produce, in this Province, shall be permitted to sail with- 
out leave of the Council of Safety or next Congress, except such 
vessels as are or shall be permitted to sail for the purpose of procur- 
ing the necessary means of defence. 

Resolved, That in case any loss shall be sustained by such deten- 
tion, the delegates of this Province shall be instructed to apply to the 
Continental Congress to make the reimbursement for such loss a 
genera] charge. 

Ordered, That the rudders be unshipped, and the rigging and 
sails taken away and secured from the several vessels now riding in 
the port of Savannah. 

Orders to Col. Lachlan McIntosh. 

Sir, — You will enforce and have executed the aforementioned re 
solutions and order, the resolution heretofore delivered to you as of 
the Council of Safety being erroneous ; and any permit you may have 
given in consequence, you will please to recall. 

By order of the Council of Safety. 

Wm. Ewen, President. 
Edward Langworthey, Secretary. 

A true copy from the Minutes. 



In the Council of Safety, 
Savannah, March 2, 1776. 



a proclamation. 



Whereas, many householders in the town of Savannah, and the 
hamlets thereunto belonging, have basely deserted their habitations 
since the commencement of the present alarms ; 

And whereas, some of them are associates in the great American 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 91 

Union, and by consequence, their lives and fortunes bound to support 
it ; And whereas, there is a number of shipping in the port of Savan- 
nah belonging and appertaining to persons resident in this Province ; 
And whereas, we deem it incumbent upon every person, more espe- 
cially those who have associated, to defend their property with their 
lives : 

These are, therefore, to cite and admonish all persons holding any 
property in the town, or hamlets, or shipping aforesaid, forthwith to 
repair to head-quarters, in Savannah, to defend the same, on pain of 
suffering all the consequences contained in the foregoing resolutions. 

By order of the Council of Safety. 

Wm. Ewen, President. 



March 5, 1776. 

Mr. President of the Council of Safety laid before Congress seve- 
ral papers received this morning by express from Georgia, and ad- 
dressed to their Board. 

Resolved, That the unanimous thanks of this Congress be returned 
by Mr. President to the Council of Safety of Georgia, in terms of the 
highest approbation of their noble and spirited conduct. 



Letter of President Drayton to the Council of Safety in Georgia. 

Gentlemen, — Your letters of the 1st and 2d inst., and your resolu- 
tions, order, and proclamation of these dates, were to be laid before 
the Congress, transfusing a general and perfect joy. 

And the Congress, sensible of the vast importance which your 
exemplary conduct must be to the American cause, unanimously 
voted their thanks; and I have the honour thus to transmit them to 
you, for your having decisively taken the noble, politic, and vigorous 
resolution — 

That the vessels in the port of Savannah, ready to sail, contrary to 
the interest of America, shall be forthwith unrigged and unruddered, 
and that rather than the enemy shall possess those vessels and your 
capital, all shall perish in a noble conflagration lighted by yourselves. 
An instance of heroic principle not exceeded by any, and unequalled 
but by few, in history. 

Your conduct in citing such of the inhabitants of Savannah as had 
abandoned their possessions in that town, to return to its defence, 
under penalty of being deemed to have deserted such property, and 
of being excluded from any support towards obtaining an indemnifi- 
cation for any loss they may sustain by a general conflagration, re- 



92 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ceived the highest applause, as being worthy of imitation. The 
policy and justice of the measure are equally conspicuous. 

In short, the Congress feel the greatest satisfaction from their 
having anticipated your called-for assistance. It is sufficient that 
we know our friends stand in need of our aid. We hope that our 
forces under Colonel Bull will fully accommodate your necessity ; 
and you may rest assured that we shall continue to afford the friends 
of America in Georgia every support in our power. 

I have the honour, &c. 

(Signed) Wm. Henry Drayton, 

President. 



Col. Laciilan McIntosh to Gen. Washington. 

Savannah, in Georgia, Feb. 16, 1776. 

Sir, — My country having honoured me with the command of the Continental 
Battalion ordered to be raised by the General Congress for the protection and 
defence of this Colony, (though I fear too partial to my poor abilities,) it 
becomes my duty to inform your Excellency of the state of our Province, as 
far as it concerns the service, as well as of the troops to be immediately under my 
command. 

Our Province has a front along the sea-coast of above one hundred miles, 
covered by a range of islands, divided from each other by eight rivers from the main- 
land, which make as many good inlets and harbours, most of them capable of 
receiving any frigate, and, as some say, much larger ships. Our settlements 
extend back to the northwest above two hundred miles, in other parts to the 
southward not above ten, and very thinly inhabited ; indeed, this large space of 
land, altogether, has not more than three thousand men, chiefly in the back 
country, and many disaffected and doubtful in our cause, especially the men of 
the greatest property among us. Our slaves will be above fifteen thousand 
souls, mostly within twenty miles of the sea-coast, and make above thirty-five 
thousand tierces of rice annually, besides many other articles of provision, which, 
with our fine harbours, make the security of this colony, though weak in itself, 
of the utmost consequence to the whole continent of America; and we have 
every reason to think our enemies intend to make it a place of general rendez- 
vous and supplies. 

We are bounded south by the garrisoned Province of East Florida, who have 
now, as I am well informed, five hundred regulars in St. Augustine, and one 
thousand more expected there daily from Europe. On the west of us is the 
Province of West Florida, the numerous nations of the Creel!, Choctaw, and 
Cherokee Indians, besides lesser tribes, supposed to have at least ten thousand 
u-un-men, brave, intrepid, and eager for war, whom we will have the utmost 



McINTOSH TO WASHINGTON. 93 

difficulty to keep at peace with us, as we want every article of their usual 
supply, and now furnished them in great plenty from the two Floridas. Our 
metropolis is situated, in the south corner of the Province, upon a bluff, or sand- 
hill, thirty feet high or more above the water, and fifteen miles up the river 
Savannah, from the inlet of Tybee, where five ships of war, the Syren, the Scar- 
borough, the Raven, the Tamar, and Cherokee, besides tenders, are now lying, 
and two large transports, having, it is said, above three hundred men on board, 
and expecting more in daily, with what design, whether for this Colony or 
Carolina, or both together, we are not yet informed. Our Province has declared 
itself in a state of alarm, and resolved not to supply the men of war with pro- 
visions, and ordered a draft of half the militia to the town of Savannah to oppose 
the landing of any troops. 

Our Provincial Congress having accepted the battalion ordered for their pro- 
tection and defence, chose the officers the 29th and 30th ultimo, (a return of 
whom shall accompany this,) and made them sign the enclosed test before their 
commissions were delivered ; and I have this day issued general orders for re- 
cruiting, which has been hitherto prevented by many obstacles in providing 
money for that and other necessary service, and I fear will yet be attended with 
some difficulty. We expect very few in our own Province ; that of South 
Carolina is said to be already drained of such people as will enlist, by their Pro- 
vincial regiments, besides their bounty, subsistence, &c, are so much better than 
ours. 

Therefore, I expect we must have recourse, distant as it is, to North Carolina, 
with this additional disadvantage, that our currency passes in no other colony 
than our own, and we have received very little Continental money as yet. 

I have received no kind of orders or instructions from the General Congress 
or your Excellency ; nor have I yet been able to obtain even a copy of the 
American articles of war, which makes me at a loss how to act in many cases ; 
therefore I shall wish any orders or directions your Excellency will please to 
send me, to be as full and frequent as possible ; also, to be informed how far we 
are under the control of the Provincial Congress, &c, of this or any other Pro- 
vince where we are upon duty, and what rank we hold when acting with militia, 
or Provincial troops. 

I shall take the liberty of appointing surgeons to the battalion, which are so 
indispensably necessary, that I suppose the neglect of not naming any must be 
owing to our delegates ; and also to make Capt. Colson's a rifle company, when 
raised, which I think will be useful, and hope will meet with your Excellency's 
approbation ; and I doubt not but we will be obliged to arm more with such guns, 
for want of others, which are very scarce. 

I have the honour to be your Excellency's 

Most obedient and most humble servant, 

Lachlan McIntosh. 

To his Excellency, George Washington, Esq., Commander- 
in-Chief of the American Forces. 



94 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



In Provincial Congress, Savannah, 
Feb. 10, 1776. 
Province of Georgia: — 

Whereas a battalion upon the Continental establishment is now raising in 
this Province; and whereas doubts may arise how far the same is subject to the 
control of the Provincial civil power : Now, therefore, be it known, and we, the 
several subscribers, officers bearing commissions in the same battalion, do hereby 
declare that we hold ourselves and the non-commissioned officers and privates, 
also all others belonging to the said battalion, subject and subservient to such 
supreme and civil power of this Province as are or shall be erected for the pur- 
pose of defending our rights and liberties. 

And further, we bound ourselves upon the words of soldiers and men of honour, 
at all times to obey and carry into effect, as far as in us lies, the orders and com- 
mands of the present or any future Congress or Council of Safety of this Pro- 
vince as the same shall, from time to time, be issued by us. 

Provided, nevertheless. That the same do not contradict or interfere with the 
orders or directions of the General Congress, or a Committee thereof, or any 
General or other officer by them appointed over us. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our names, together with the rank and 
date of our commissions opposite thereto. 

A Return of the Officers chosen for the Battalion, ordered to be raised 
for the protection and defence of the Colony of Georgia, Feb. 16, 1776. 



Colonel — Lachlan McIntosh. 
Lieut. Col. — Samuel Elbert. 
Major — JosEPn Habersham. 

First Company. 
Captain — Francis Henry Harris. 
First Lieut. — John Habersham. 
Second Lieut. — John Jenkins. 
Ensign — John Rae. 

Second Company. 
Captain — Oliver Bowen. 
First Lieut. — George Henley. 
Second Lieut. — John Berrien. 
Ensign . 

Third Company. 
Captain — John McIntosh. 
First Lieut. — Lachlan McIntosh. 
Second Lieut. — Francis Arthur. 
Ensign — John Morrison. 

Fourth Company. 
Captain — Arthur Carney. 
First Lieut. — Benjamin Odinsell. 
Second Lieut. — John Eman. 



Ensi<m~ 



-Delaplaine. 
John Milton. 



Fifth Company. 
Captain — Thomas Chisholm. 
First Lieut. — Caleb Howell. 
Second Lieut. — Daniel Cuthbert. 
Ensign — William McIntosh. 

Sixth Company. 
Captain — JonN Green. 
First Lieut. — Ignatius Few. 
Second Lieut. . 

Seventh Company. 
Captain — Chesley Bostick. 
First Lieut. — John Martin. 
Second Lieut. . 

Eighth or Rifle Company. 
Captain — Colson. 
First Lieut. — Shadrach Wright. 
Second Lieut. — George Walton. 

Ensign . 

Chaplain — John Holmes. 



MC INTOSH TO WASHINGTON. 95 



Colonel Lachlan McIntosh to General Washington. 

Savannah, in Georgia, April 28, 1776. 

Sir, — I wrote to your Excellency the lGth of February and 8th of March, to 
which please to be referred ; and now enclose you a report of our battalion made 
to me this day ; which I deferred sending to you before, in expectation of our of- 
ficers coming in with all their recruits, but the distance they were obliged to go 
rendered it impossible. I am informed that Captain Colson is on his way, with 
his Company, nearly complete ; and with the other recruiting officers, may make 
above 70 or 80 men more than the report; and is altogether above half the com- 
plement of the battalion, which is more than the oldest battalion in South Carolina 
can boast of yet, though near twelve months standing, and their encouragements 
so much greater, their bounty being 25 pounds South Carolina currency, with 
the like sum for clothes, besides their rations and pay, which are also better than 
ours. And if the ease in which the poorest people generally live in the South- 
ern Colonies, and the prejudice they have to any regular service on account of 
the restraint that any thing of a strictdiscipline requires, are considered, I flatter 
myself your Excellency will think we have not been idle. The chief of the men 
are enlisted for 12 months; some for 18; and a few who would not engage for 
more than 6 months, whom I have admitted, as I had no directions about the 
time, and I could not tell how soon we might have occasion for them. Our Pro- 
vince allows six dollars per man, enlisting money; and upon application have 
raised it now to eight dollars, which is still too little for the bounty of the men 
and expense of the officers, whose pay is so small, that they can barely afford to 
live in an extravagant country like this, where there are no kinds of manufac- 
tures, and the small remains of goods advanced to two or three hundred per 
cent. Indeed, I fear we shall be at the greatest loss to make out clothing of any 
kind for them, or what is far worse, proper arms. The officers who are not re- 
cruiting employ all their time in training themselves and the battalion; on which 
spectators are pleased to pay high compliments for the proficiency they had al- 
ready made, and the appearance of the men. The Raven and the Cherokee are 
the only two ships of war which remain now stationed at Tybee in the mouth of 
the Savannah River, with whom we have no kind of communication. 

Several armed vessels infest our other inlets to the southward, and have made 
several captures, which we cannot prevent, as we have not a single vessel of any 
force ; but they have always been driven off the shore when they attempted to 
get a supply of provisions. We are informed there are 2,000 men now in St. 
Augustine lately arrived, and that they expect more daily; but this wants confir- 
mation, as I think, in that poor starved colony, they must be much pinched for 
provisions. This Province is now raising a troop of sixty horse to prevent their 
getting any cattle from our Southern boundary, and another troop of a like num- 
ber, to protect oui Western settlements from the insults of Indians, who are like to 
be troublesome ; all things considered, I certainly think this Colony should have 
a considerable force to defend and secure it, as its safety is of the utmost conse- 
quence to the great cause of the Continent. The troops of our neighbouring Pro- 



96 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

vince are all upon Provincial establishment, and at a distance; therefore their as- 
sistance may depend upon many circumstances. 
I have the honour to be 

Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant, 

Lachlan McIntosh. 
To His Excellency, Gkorge Washington, Esq., ) 
General and Commander-in-Chief. ) 

A Return of the Strength of the Georgia Battalion, April 28, 1776. 

Companies. Capt. Lieut. Ensign. Serg. Corp. Drum. Fifer. Sentinels. 

Capt, Francis Harris 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 24 . 

Cant. Oliver Bowen 1 .... 2 ... .... 3 1 1 1 20 

Capt. John Mcintosh 1 .... 2 1 4 2 1 19 

Capt. Arthur Carney 1 2. . . . 1 . . . .4. . . .4. . .0 48 

Capt. Thomas Chisholm's 1 2 1 4 4 47 

Capt. John Green 1 . . . .2 . . . .0 . . .4 . . .-.4 . . . .0 39 

Capt. Chesley Bostick's 1 2 2 1 29 

Capt. Jacob Colson's 1 2 2 1.*. ..0 10 

Total 8 15 4 24 17 5 2 236 

A Return of the present state of the Georgia Battalion, April 28, 1776. 





Capt. 
0.. 


Lieut. 
. . .1. . 


Ensign. 
. . .0... 


Serg. 
. .1 . . 


Corp. 
O 


Prum. 
. . .1 . 


Fifer. 
.. .1.. 
.. .1.. 


Sentinels 
...30 




0.. 


. . .1. . 


. . .0. . . 


. .1.. 


9 


. . .1 . . 


...30 




1. . 


. . .0. . 


. . .1 . . . 


. .0. . 


. . .1. . 


. . .0. . 


. . .0. . 


. . .11 




6.. 

0. . 


...4.. 
. . .1. . 


...1... 

. . .0. .. 


-.3.. 

. .0.. 


. . .1. . 
. . .1 . . 


. .0.. 

. . .1. . 


. ..0.. 


1 

.. .10 




0.. 


.. .0.. 


...0 .. 


. .1. . 


...0.. 


...0.. 


.. .0.. 






Armourers 1 

Prisoners 1 1 5 

Officers' servants 10 

Off duty 8 3 18 10 1 1 136 



Total 7 15 5. ...24 18 5 3 236 

24 sergeants, 18 corporals, 5 drummers, 3 fifers. 236 rank and file — 286 en- 
rolled. 

By the information I have, I suppose our recruiting officers may have about 70 
or 80 men more, who are not come in yet. 

Lachlan McIntosh, Colonel. 
Savannah, in Georgia. April 28, 1776. 



The following is the Report of the Committee ordered to devise a Temporary 
Constitution, and which teas sent to General Washington by Col. Lachlan 
McIntosh. 

Colony of Georgia : — 

Whereas, the unwise and iniquitous system of administration ob- 
stinately persisted in by the British Parliament and Ministry against 
the good people of America hath at length driven the latter to take 
Up arms as their last resource for the preservation of their rights and 
liberties which God and the Constitution gave them ; 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO DEVISE TEMPORARY CONSTITUTION. 97 

And whereas an armed force, with hostile intentions against the 

f>eople of this Province, having lately arrived at Cockspur, his Excel- 
ency Sir James Wright, Baronet, and King's Governor of Georgia, in 
aid of the views of the administration, and with a design to add to those 
inconveniences which necessarily result from a state of confusion, 
suddenly and unexpectedly carried off' the great seal of the Province 
with him ; 

And whereas, in consequence of this and other events, doubts have 
arisen with the several magistrates how far they are authorized to 
act under the former appointments, and the greatest part of them 
have absolutely refused to do so, whereby all judicial powers are be- 
come totally suspended, to the great danger of persons and property ; 

And whereas, before any general system of government can be con- 
cluded upon, it is necessary that application be made to the Conti- 
nental Congress for their advice, and directions upon the same ; but, 
nevertheless, in the present state of things, it is indispensably requi- 
site that some temporary expedient be fallen upon to curb the law- 
less and protect the peaceable : 

This Congress, therefore, as the representatives of the people, with 
whom all power originates, and for whose benefit all government is 
intended, deeply impressed with a sense of duty to their constituents, 
of love to their country, and inviolable attachment to the liberties of 
America ; and seeing how much it will tend to the advantage of each 
to preserve rules, justice, and order, do take upon them for the pre- 
sent, and until the further order of the Continental Congress, or of 
this, or any future Provisional Congress, to declare, and they accord- 
ingly do declare, order, and direct, that the following rules and regu- 
lations be adopted in this Province — that is to say — 

1st. — There shall be a President and Commander-in-Chief appointed by ballot 
in this Congress, for six months, or during the time specified above. 

2d. — There shall be, in like manner, and for the like time, also a Council of 
Safety, consisting of 13 persons, besides the five delegates to the General Congress 
appointed to act in the nature of a Privy Council to the said President or Com- 
mander-in-Chief. 

3d — That the President, shall be invested with all the executive powers of 
government not inconsistent with what is hereafter mentioned, but shall be 
bound to consult and follow the advice of the said Council in all cases whatso- 
ever, and any seven of the said Committee shall be a quorum for the purpose of 
advising. 

4th. — That all the laws, whether common or statute, and the acts of Assembly 
which have formerly been acknowledged to be of force in this Province, and 
which do not interfere with the proceedings of the Continental or our Provincial 
Congresses, and also all and singular the resolves and recommendations of the 
said Continental and Provincial Congresses, shall be of full force, validity, and 
effect until otherwise ordered. 

5lh. — That there shall be a Chief-Justice, and two assistant judges, an Attorney- 
General, a Provost-Marshal and Clerk of the Court of Sessions, appointed by 
ballot, to serve during the pleasure of the Congress. The Court of Sessions, or 

7 



98 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORCJIA. 

Oyer and Terminer, shall be opened and held on the second Tuesday in June 
and December, and the former rules and methods of proceedings, as nearly as 
may be, shall be observed in regard to summoning of juries, and all other cases 
whatsoever. 

6th. — That the President or Commander-in-Chief, with the advice of the Coun- ' 
cil as before mentioned, shall appoint magistrates to act during pleasure in 
the several parishes throughout this Province, and such magistrates shall con- 
form themselves, as nearly as may be, to the old-established forms and methods 
of proceedings. 

7th. — That all legislative powers shall be reserved to the Congress, and no per- 
son who holds any place of profit, civil or military, shall be eligible as a mem- 
ber either of the Congress or Council of Safety. 

8th. — That the following sums shall be allowed as salaries to the respective 
officers for and during the time they shall serve, over and besides all such per- 
quisites and fees as have been formerly annexed to tho said offices respectively: 

To the President and Commander-in-Chief, after the rate per an- 
num of. sterling. .£300 

To the Chief-Justice 100 

To Attorney-General 25 

To Provost-Marshal 60 

To Clerk of Court 50 



DISQUALIFYING ACT, PASSED JULY 6, 1780. 

An Act to disqualify and render incapable the several persons hereinafter 
named, from holding or exercising any office of trust, honour, or profit in the 
Province of Georgia, for a certain time, and for other purposes therein 
mentioned. 

Whereas, a most audacious, wicked and unprovoked rebellion was 
lately raised and carried on against his Majesty in the Province of 
Georgia, and several persons concerned therein, in a most violent, 
hostile and unlawful manner, usurped the government thereof, and 
erected themselves into a pretended independent State, where they 
exercised many acts of violence and oppression, in contempt of his 
Majesty and his laws, and to the great distress and injury of his loyal 
subjects ; 

And whereas, the several persons hereinafter named were active and 
concerned rh the said unlawful proceedings, or some of them : 

We therefore pray your most sacred Majesty that it may be 
enacted, and be it enacted, by his Excellency Sir James Wright, 
Baronet, Captain-General, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and 
over his Majesty's said Province of Georgia, by and with the advice 
and consent of the Honourable the Council and Commons House of 
Assembly of the said Province in General Assembly met, and by the 
authority of the same, That immediately from and after the passage 
of this Act, and during the continuance thereof, the several persons 
hereinafter named, that is to say, John Houstoun, late of this Pro- 
vince, rebel Governor ; John Adam Treutlen, late of the same, rebel 



DISQUALIFYING ACT. 99 

governor ; Lachlan Mcintosh, late of the same, rebel General , 
George Walton, late of the same, Member of the rebel Congress ; 
William Stephens, late of the same, rebel Attorney-General ; John 
McCltjre, late of the same, rebel Major ; Joseph Clay, late of the same, 
rebel Paymaster-General; Noble Wymberley Jones, late of the same, 
Speaker of the rebel Assembly ; Mordecai Sheftall, late of the same, 
Chairman of the rebel Parochial Committee ; William O'Bryan, late 
of the same, rebel Treasurer ; John Wereat, late of the same, robe! 
Counsellor; Edward Telfair, late of the same, Member of the rebel 
Congress ;» Edward Davies, late of the same, Member of the rebel 
Assembly; Samuel Elbert, late of the same, a rebel General, &c, 
&c, (as per list at the end ;) and also all and every other person and 
persons who at any time or times before the passing of this Act, hath 
or have acted in the said Province of Georgia, as members of any 
council, assembly or committee, or as commissioner of trade, or of 
forfeited estates, or who have held any commission or appointment 
under the said usurpation, either in a civil or military capacity, satis- 
factory proof (with respect to persons not particularly named) being 
first made thereof before the chief justice, or one of the assistant jus- 
tices, or before two justices of the peace of the said Province, (except 
such persons as did, before the first day of November last past, submit 
themselves to his Majesty's government, and take the established 
oath,) are, and each and every of them is hereby disqualified, ren- 
dered and made incapable to exercise, hold or enjoy any office or 
place of honour, trust or profit, under his Majesty, in this your Pro- 
vince of Georgia, and of serving upon juries therein, in any case 
whatsoever, and of voting at elections for any representative or repre- 
sentatives to sit in General Assembly in this Province, and of being 
chosen to represent any parish or district of this Province in General 
Assembly, any law, usage, statute, or custom to the contrary in any 
wise notwithstanding ; provided always, nevertheless, and it shall and 
may be lawful to and for the governor or commander-in-chief of this 
Province, for the time being, at any time or times during the con- 
tinuance of this Act, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Honourable the Council of the said Province, to remove and take the 
disqualification and incapacity by this Act imposed, in the whole or 
in part, from all and every the persons herein before named,, or any of 
them, and those hereinbefore described and intended, or any of them, 
so soon as they, or any or either of them, shall signalize themselves in 
favour of the peace and welfare of his Majesty's said government in 
the Province of Georgia aforesaid, or otherwise discover themselves 
deserving such indulgence, to the satisfaction and good liking of the 
said governor or commander-in-chief and Council for the time being 
as aforesaid, and to restore them, or any or either of them, to all the 
advantages, privileges and immunities they respectively enjoyed before 
they engaged in the said rebellion. 

And in order to prevent rebellion and traitorous attempts in time to 
come, and the other mischiefs arising from the possession or use of 
arms by lawless, wicked, and disaffected persons, who have submitted 



100 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

or may submit themselves to his Majesty's government, and inhabit- 
ing within this Province. 

Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That as well all 
and every person before named, and those before designed and in- 
tended, as also all and every other person and persons who have since 
the first day of November last past, or who may hereafter, during the 
continuance of this Act, separate themselves from his Majesty's sub- 
jects, who are or may be in arms or in rebellion against him in the 
Province aforesaid or elsewhere, and submit to the government of our 
said lord the King, and comply with the other regulations directed by 
this Act, shall bring in and deliver up within ten days after being duly 
summoned, to one of the justices of the peace of the parish or district 
wherein such person shall usually reside, all and singular his or their 
arms, swords, cutlasses, pistols, and other warlike implements and 
weapons, for the use of his Majesty, his heirs and successors, to be 
forwarded by every such justice to the governor or commander-in- 
chief for the time being, or to such officer as he may think fit to 
appoint to receive the same, to be disposed of in such manner as the 
said commander shall see fit. And among such of his Majesty's 
loyal subjects as are enrolled or may be enrolled in the militia in the 
said Province, and incase any of the persons herein before named, and 
those designed and intended as aforesaid, or any or either of them, 
shall neglect or refuse to bring in and deliver up their arms within the 
time limited as aforesaid, or shall afterwards have or bear any arms 
or w 7 arlike weapons or implements in any part of said Province, every 
such person shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty-five pounds 
sterling money of Great Britain, for the offence of not bringing 
and delivering up their arms, weapons and implements as aforesaid, 
and the sum of ten pounds, like money, for every time any such per- 
son shall have or bear any warlike arms, implements or weapons 
whatsoever. 

And to prevent the secreting and keeping back of any arms, swords, 
cutlasses, pistols, or other warlike weapons or implements, or of 
powder, ball, or ammunition — Be it further enacted, That it shall and 
may be lawful for any justice of the peace of this Province, or of any 
parish or district thereof, on information made on oath by any cred- 
ible person, or from his own knowledge, to issue his warrant under 
his hand and seal, directed to any constable of his district, requiring 
him to search for such concealed or retained arms, weapons, imple- 
ments, or ammunition ; and if any such articles be found, (the party 
having no license or permission for the same, as hereinafter mentioned,) 
to seize, sell, and dispose of forthwith, and after deducting the ex- 
penses of the warrant, distress and sale, to divide the residue, one 
half to the informer or informers, and the other half to the constable 
or constables searching after and seizing the same ; and in case the 
person or persons who secreted or retained, or advised or concerned 
himself or themselves in securing or retaining such arms, weapons, im- 
plements, or ammunition, can be discovered, the said justice is directed 
to bind him, her or them, in a recognizance, with two sufficient securi- 



DISQUALIFYING ACT. 101 

ties, to appear at the next Court of Sessions ; and in case he, she or 
they shall fail to give such security, fhen forthwith to commit him, her 
or them to the common jail in Savannah, there to remain until he, she 
or they shall find such security, or shall be otherwise discharged by 
a due course of law ; and every such person so offending, is and are 
hereby subjected and made liable to be indicted for such offence as 
for a misdemeanour, and if convicted, to be sentenced by the said 
Court of Sessions at their discretion, and as may be lawful in cases 
of misdemeanour. Provided, nevertheless, that it shall and may be 
lawful to and for the Governor or Commander-in-Chief far the time 
being, by and with the consent of his Majesty's Honourable Council, 
at any time or times during the continuance of this Act, to grant 
license and permission in writing to any person or persons aforesaid 
to have, retain and keep in his and their, or any or either of their 
possession, such arms, ammunition and other warlike weapons and im- 
plements as such Governor and Commander-in-Chief may think 
sufficient to guard and protect him and them, or any or either of them, 
from injury, insult, and for defence against his and their and either of 
their domestics, and against the. savages, any thing herein before con- 
tained to the contrary notwithstanding. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,, That all and 
every the persons herein before named, and those designed and in- 
tended as aforesaid, and all and every other person or persons who, 
since the first day of November, have separated themselves from his 
Majesty's subjects, or shall hereafter separate themselves from his 
Majesty's subjects who are in arms or rebellion against him, shall, 

within days after his or their coming or arrival into any part of 

this Province, repair before some one of his Majesty's justices of the 
peace within the same, and enter into a bond or recognizance to our 
sovereign lord, the King, his heirs and successors, with two sufficient 
securities, the principal in one hundred pounds, and the securities in 
fifty pounds each, of sterling money of Great Britain, with condition 
to be void if the principal shall, for twelve months thereafter, behave 
and demean himself as a good and loyal subject, keep the peace, and 
be of good behaviour towards his Majesty and all his liege subjects, 
and shall discountenance to the utmost of his ability all rebellion, 
rebellious practices, and treasonable misdemeanours within this Pro- 
vince, and take and subscribe, together with the State oaths, the oath 
following, viz. : 

I, A. B., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty, 
King George the Third ; and I do solemnly and sincerely declare, that I do believe 
in my conscience that he is lawful and rightful King of the Realm of Great 
Britain, and of the dominions and colonies thereunto belonjjin?: that the British 
colonies in America of right ought to be subordinate to and dependent upon the 
crown of Great Britain, and the people called the General Continental Congress; 
and all the bodies of men and individuals exercising jurisdiction under them, are 
in rebellion against his Majesty, their lawful sovereign, and I do renounce and 
refuse obedience to them and every one of them, and will not hold or carry on 



102 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

any correspondence by writing, message or otherwise, with any person or persons 
at war with or in rebellion against hisfMajesty, without license and permission 
lust obtained from one of his Majesty's Governors or Commanders by sea or land, 
and that I will use my utmost endeavour to disclose and make known to his 
Majesty and his successors, or to thorn in authority under him or them, all 
treasons and traitorous conspiracies which I shall know to be against the King or 
any of his successors, and all invasions which I shall know or suspect to be 
intended against this Province or any other of his Majesty's dominions: and I 
will faithfully, and to the utmost of my power, enforce, maintain and defend his 
Majesty s Government and authority in and overall his dominions, and especially 
in and over the British provinces and plantations in America ; and all this I do 
swear voluntarily, heartily, truly and sincerely, without any equivocation, evasion 
or secret reservation whatsoever, so help me God. 

Which bond or recognizance and oaths, the said justices respec- 
tively are hereby directed to take and administer, and to give a certi- 
ficate thereof ; and in case any of the said persons shall neglect or 
refuse to appear and enter into such bond or recognizance, and take 
and subscribe the said oaths, within the time and in manner above 
limited, then every such person neglecting or refusing shall be deemed 
a suspected person, and shall and may be immediately apprehended 
by any justice of the peace in this Province, and committed to the 
nearest common jail, there to remain without bail or mainprise for 
the space of three months, unless such person shall, in the mean time, 
voluntarily comply with the terms prescribed by this Act, or to serve 
his Majesty as a private soldier for and during the continuance of 
the present American rebellion ; and in case, after the expiration of 
the said three months' imprisonment, any such person or persons shall 
decline or obstinately refuse to comply with the directions of this Act, 
and enter into such bond or recognizance, and take and subscribe the 
said oaths, then and in such case every such person shall be subject 
and liable to be impressed and carried into his Majesty's sea-service, 
and is and are hereby disqualified and rendered incapable of ever 
hereafter becoming a resident or inhabitant within this Province. 

The following is a list of the persons mentioned in this Act : — 

1. JOHN HOUSTOUN, rebel Governor. 

2. JOHN ADAM TREUTLEN, rebel Governor. 

3. LACHLAN McTNTOSH, rebel General. 

4. GEORGE WALTON, Member of rebel Congress. 

5. WILLIAM STEPHENS, rebel Attorney-General. 

6. JOHN McCLURE, rebel Major. 

7. JOSEPH CLAY, rebel Paymaster-General. 

8. N. WYMBERLEY JONES, Speaker rebel Assembly. 

9. MORDECAI SHEFTALL, Chairman rebel P. Com. 

10. WM. O'BRYAN, rebel Treasurer. 

11. JOHN WEREAT, rebel Counsellor. 

12. EDW'D TELFAIR, Member of rebel Congress. 



PERSONS DISQUALIFIED. 103 

1/13. EDW'D DAVIES, Member of rebel Assembly. 

14. SAM'L ELBERT, a rebel General. 

15. SETH JOHN CUTHBERT, a rebel Major. 

16. WILLIAM HOLSENDORF, a rebel Counsellor. 

17. RICH'D HOWLEY, a rebel Governor. 

18. GEORGE GALPHIN, rebel Sup. I. Affairs. 

19. ANDREW WILLIAMSON, rebel General. 

20. JOHN WHITE, rebel Colonel. 

21. NEHEMIAH WADE, rebel Treasurer. 

22. JOHN TWIGGS, rebel Colonel. 

23. WM. FEW, rebel Counsellor. 

24. EDW'D LANGWORTHY, rebel Delegate. 

25. WM. GLASSCOCK, rebel Counsellor. 

26. ROB'T WALTON, rebel Com. of Forfeited Estates. 

27. JOSEPH WOOD, Jr., Clerk to the rebel Assembly. 

28. ■ PIGGIN, rebel Colonel. 

29. WM. HORNBY, Distiller. 

30. PEIRCE BUTLER, rebel Officer. 

31. JOSEPH WOOD, Member of the rebel Congress. 

32. REV. WM. PEIRCY, Clerk. 

33. THOS. SAVAGE, Planter. 

34. THOS. STONE, rebel Counsellor. 

35. BEN J. ANDREW, President of the rebel Council. 

36. JOHN BAKER, Sen'r, rebel Colonel. 

37. WM. BAKER, rebel Officer. 

38. FRANCIS BROWN, Planter. 

39. NATHAN BROWNSON, Member of rebel Congress. 

40. JOHN HARDY, Captain of a rebel Galley. 

41. THOS. MORRIS, rebel Officer. 

42. SAM'L MILLER, rebel Assembly. 

43. THOS. MAXWELL, Planter. 

44. JOSEPH WOODRUFF. 

45. JOSEPH OSWALD, Planter. 

46. JOSIAH POW^ELL, Planter. 

47. SAM'L SALTUS, a Committeeman. 

48. JOHN SANDIFORD, Planter. 

49. PETER TARLING, rebel Officer. 

50. OLIVER BOWEN, rebel Commodore. 

51. LYMAN HALL, Member of the rebel Congress. 

52. ANDREW MOORE, Planter. 

53. JOSHUA INMAN, Planter. 

54. JOHN DOOLY, rebel Colonel. 
*• 55. JOHN GLEN, rebel C. Justice. 

56. RICH'D WYLEY, President of the rebel Council. 

57. ADAM FOWLER BRISBANE, rebel Counsellor. 

58. SHEM BUTLER, rebel Assemblyman. 

59. JOSEPH HABERSHAM, rebel Colonel. 

60. JOHN STIRK, rebel Colonel. 

61. RAYMOND DEMERE, rebel Clo. General. 



104 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

62. CHAS. ODINGSELL, rebel Captain. 

63. WM. PEACOCK, rebel Counsellor. 

64. JOHN BRADLEY, Captain rebel Galley. 

65. JOSEPH REYNOLDS, Bricklayer. 

66. RUDOLPH STROHAKER, Butcher. 

67. CHARLES COPE, Butcher. 

68. LEWIS COPE, rebel Butcher. 

69. HEP WORTH CARTER, rebel Captain. 

70. STEPHEN JOHNSTON, Butcher. 

71. JOHN McINTOSH, Jr., rebel Colonel. 

72. JAMES HOUSTOUN, Surgeon. 

73. JAMES HABERSHAM, Merchant. 

74. JOHN HABERSHAM, rebel Mayor. 

75. JOHN MILLEDGE, Jr., rebel Assemblyman 

76. LEVI SHEFTALL, Butcher. 

77. PHILIP JACOB COHEN, Shopkeeper. 

78. JOHN SUTCLIFFE, Shopkeeper. 

79. JONATHAN BRYAN, rebel Counsellor. 

80. JOHN SPENCE.R, rebel Officer. 

81. JOHN HOLMES, Clerk. 

82. WM. GIBBONS, the elder, rebel Counsellor. 
* 83. SHEFTALL SHEFTALL, rebel Officer. 

84. PHILIP MINIS, Shopkeeper. 

85. COSHMAN POLOCK, Shopkeeper. 

86. ROBT. HAMILTON, Attorney at Law. 

87. BEN J. LLOYD, rebel Officer. 

88. JAMES ALEXANDER, rebel Officer. 

89. JOHN JENKINS, rebel Assemblyman. 

90. SAM. STIRK, rebel Secretary. 

91. PHILIP DENSLER, Yeoman. 

92. HENRY CUYLER, rebel Officer. 

93. JOS. GIBBONS, rebel Assemblyman. 

94. EBENEZER SMITH PLATT, Shopkeeper. 

95. MATTHEW GRIFFIN, Planter. 

96. PETER DEVEAUX, Gent'n. 

97. BEN. ODINGSELL, rebel Officer. 

98. JOHN GIBBONS, V. Master. 

99. JOHN SMITH, Planter. 

100. WM. LE CONTE, rebel Counsellor. 

101. CHARLES FR. CHEVALIER, rebel Counsellor. 

102. PETER CHAMBERS, Shopkeeper. 

103. THOS. WASHINGTON, rebel Officer. 

104. ELTSHA MAXWELL, Planter. 

105. THOS. MAXWELL, Jr., rebel Mayor. 

106. WM. GIBBONS, the younger, Planter. 

107. WM. DAVIS, rebel Officer. 

108. JOHN GRAVES, Yeoman. 

109. CHARLES KENT, rebel Counsellor. 

110. JOHN BACON, Mariner. 



PERSONS DISQUALIFIED. 105 

111. NATHANIEL SAXTON, Tavernkeeper. 

112. PHILIP LOWE, rebel Officer. 

113. SAM UEL SPENCER, Mariner . 

114. JOHN^WlNN, Sen'r, PlanterT 

115. DEVEAUX JARRAT, rebel Assemblyman 

116. SAMUEL WEST, Gentleman. 

117. JOSIAH DUPONT, Planter. 

118. JAMES PUGH, Planter. 

119. FREDERIC PUGH, Planter. 

120. JAMES RAE, Planter. 

121. JAMES MARTIN, Planter. 

122. JOHN MARTIN, rebel Sheriff. 

123. THOS. PACE, rebel Officer. 

124. BENJ. FELL, rebel Officer. 

125. DIONYSIUS WRIGHT, Planter. 

126. CHESLEY BOSTICK, Shopkeeper. 

127. LITTLEBERRY BOSTICK, Planter. 

128. LEONARD MARBURY, rebel Officer. 

129. JOHN SHARP, Planter. 

130. JAMES HARRIS, Planter. 

131. HENRY JONES, rebel Colonel. 

132. HUGH McGEE, rebel Captain. 

133. JOHN WILSON, Gentleman. 

134. GEORGE WYCHE, rebel Officer. 

135. WM. CANDLER, rebel Officer. 

136. ZECHARIAH TENN, Planter. 

137. WM. McINTOSH, rebel Colonel. 

138. DAVID BRADIE, Surgeon. 

139. ANDREW McLEAN, Merchant. 

140. SIR PATRICK HOUSTOUN, Baronet. 

141. McCARTIN CAMPBELL, Merchant. 

142. JAMES GORDON, Planter. 

143. JOHN KELL, Gentleman. 

144. JOHN McLEAN, Planter. 

145. JOHN SNIDER, Planter. 

146. JOHN ELLIOTT, rebel Officer. 

147. THOS. ELLIOTT, rebel Officer. 

148. RIGHT) SWINNEY, Yeoman. 

149. HUGH MIDDLETON, rebel Officer. 

150. JOB PRAY, Mariner. 

151. JOSIAH McLEAN, Planter. 



106 CAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA.. 

Observations ects of Certain Late Political Suggestions. 

BytheDelegi rgid. Philadelphia: Printed by R. Aitken, Book- 

seller, in Marl eet, three doors above the Coffee-House. 

When the compiler visited Savannah, in 1852, he received from I. 
K. Tefft, Esq., the courteous and esteemed Corresponding Secretary 
of the Georgia Historical Society, permission to consult its valuable 
collections. Here he found the reprint of a pamphlet as above en- 
titled, for which the Society is indebted to the liberality of Mr. George 
Wymberley Jones, a young gentleman whose praiseworthy efforts 
to rescue from oblivion many important facts connected with the early 
history of Georgia, entitle him to the gratitude of her citizens. A 
very limited number of copies of this pamphlet were published, and we 
feel much pleasure in laying it before our readers. It will be seen 
that it was seriously contemplated at one time to leave South Carolina 
and Georgia under the dominion of Great Britain. 

" From the most recent accounts that have been received from 
Europe, there is the greatest reason to expect that a new commission 
will issue from the Court of London, for the purpose of again sound- 
ing the temper of America upon the subject of a pacification, in 
which the State of Georgia, and perhaps that of South Carolina, will 
not be regarded as part of the American Union, but excluded as hav- 
ing been again colonized to England by new conquest. 

The uti possidetis also has been much talked of in Europe as a probable 
basis for the peace ; and this report, although rejected with marks of 
abhorrence by all descriptions of men in America, circulates with ter- 
rors, as it is pretended to be drawn from the armed neutrality. 

The people who would be particularly affected by the operation of 
such principles ought to fear every thing, although justice, humanity, 
and the in-terests of America and her friends forbid them to dread any 
thing. They united in the one cause, and have sacrificed their blood 
and fortunes in its support, and therefore it would be unjust and in- 
human for the other parts of the Union separately to embrace the 
results of the common efforts, and leave them under the yoke of a 
bankrupt and enraged tyrant. 

To preserve the States entire is the object of the alliance with 
France, and it cannot be the interest of the other great branch of the 
family compact that we should again be made a part of the British 
Empire. We will not, however, enter into any further discussion 
of this subject than will be sufficient to show the importance of the 
question as it respects our own State, leaving to others to speak of 
their interests. 

In point of Commerce, no part of North America has given such 
presages of importance as the Colony and State of Georgia. From 
the conclusion of the last war, when it could scarcely be called a 
Province of England, to the commencement of the present, the rapid 
increase of its exports is scarcely to be equalled in any part of the 
world, as appears by Brown's Aggregate and other public documents. 



OBSERVATIONS OF GEORGIA DELEGATES. 107 

The principal articles of exportation before the war were rice, 
indigo and skins to Europe, and lumber, horses and provisions to 
the 'West Indies. ********* 

Tobacco has been cultivated with the most astonishing success by 
men who have emigrated from Virginia. Upon trial, it has been 
found that both the climate and soil are better adapted to the cultiva- 
tion of this plant than those of Virginia ; the vegetation being more 
rapid and the season longer, the planter is enabled to produce two 
good crops in the year; whereas only one can be obtained in Vir- 
ginia and Maryland. The face of the country is less broken, and 
therefore the soil is richer, although of the same species ; nor is the 
quality otherwise than superior. About the beginning of this war, 
Mr. Hammond made several hogsheads from a field at the Walnut 
Hills, near Augusta, which being sent to London, sold for a farthing 
per pound more than the best from Virginia and Maryland, although 
he had not all the conveniences (it being the first attempt) necessary 
for the well curing of the plant. It is a fact that had the State re 
mained uninterrupted by the enemy's army, two-thirds of the planters, 
in the year 1779, would have turned their attention almost wholly 
upon tobacco, it being in more demand than rice or indigo. 

Upon several other trials, also, it has been found that hemp and 
cotton grow in the greatest luxuriance, and may be cultivated to 
much advantage, and the interior of the country abounds in iron ore. 

Advantages such as these apply of themselves ; but when we con- 
sider the amazing variety and extensive usefulness of the productions 
of this State, the parties in this war against England must see in a 
still stronger point of view the necessity of keeping it out of her hands. 

This is not all. An object of still greater importance must be re- 
membered. The coast of Georgia is approached by a gradual ascent 
from the Gulf of Florida, which runs nearly parallel with it, and 
her bars and inlets are superior to any on the southern part of the 
continent. She has, besides, the best timbers in the world for build- 
ing ships of war ; her islands and sea-board abound in live oak trees, 
the wood of which is the finest and most resisting against assaults, 
and the least prone to decay of any which has yet been discovered. 

Some time before this contest the British merchants to Georgia 
were encouraged by government to build large merchant vessels of 
this timber, with a view to convert them into frigates in case of a war 
which was then near taking place with France. The scheme, how- 
ever, was not pursued far, on account of the dispute with America. 

Congress, too, since the war, has been so sensible of the utility of 
getting ships of this wood, that in the latter end of the year 1776 
they directed the Marine Committee to send persons to Georgia to 
cut timbers for a -seventy-four gun-ship and four frigates. 

Moulds were made in Philadelphia, and Mr. Donaldson was em- 
ployed and went and cut the timbers, and planned a Continental yard 
upon Sutherland's Bluff, alongside of which a seventy-four gun-ship, 
it is said, can ride with perfect safety, and near which place the tim- 
bers now lie. 

This gentleman, upon his return to Philadelphia. «wvy*oH to the 



108 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

marine office that the best of timbers of every kind for building- any 
number and sizes of ships might be had in Georgia. However, 
this plan of augmenting the American marine could not be prose- 
cuted, the enemy having got possession of the coast in the latter 
part of the year 1778. 

An extract from an official letter to the Marine Committee, now 
in the Admiralty Office at Philadelphia, from Mr. Wereat, the agent 
of Congress in that State, and who had resided upon different parts 
of the sea-board upwards of twenty years, will give some idea of 
the importance of this object. 

He says : '"The oak timber in this State is exceeding good and plenty; it is to 
be found for large ships in the greatest quantities upon the Sea Islands. The 
largest I have observed is on the island of Blackbeard, which is not far from the 
middle of our coast. 

" Sapelo Inlet is the best water of any on this part of the Continent ; from the 
best information, there are about five fathoms at high water, and a fine bold channel 
from thence up to Sutherland's Bluff on the main-land, distant about twelve miles, 
on and near which place there is good timber. There is likewise to be got near 
this spot fine pine timber for plank, which may be cut from thirty to fifty feet 
long, ami upwards. 

" There is another place about forty miles to the southward of the former, very 
proper for the same purpose, called Brunswick, which has a communication 
by St. Simon's Inlet, at the south end of the island of that name. It has a good 
bar, and a forty-gun ship has been in there at the first settlement of the country 
by General Oglethorpe. If I recollect right, there are twenty-five feet upon the 
bar at high water, and a good channel. There are some other considerations 
which may be worthy the notice of your Board, which are the inexhaustible re- 
sources we have for naval stores, and our fine winters, in which season, snow is 
not seen once in several years, and near the sea-side not much frost. The above 
circumstances taken together, in my opinion, make this State the most proper for 
building ships of war of any of the thirteen." 

Besides the capacious inlets mentioned in the foregoing letter, and 
upon which the most commodious yards and docks might be erected, 
those to Savannah, Ogeechee, and Sunbury are well known for 
their safety and convenience, to which may be added those of New- 
port, Little St. Ilia, Great St. Ilia, Turtle River, and St. Mary's, each 
of corresponding utility to the State, bat which, from its infancy, 
have not yet been much used, all, however, capable of being made 
useful ports for trade, and which will, most certainly, be the case, as 
the country back of them becomes settled. 

From all these considerations it inevitably follows that the State of 
Georgia is a material part of the Union, and cannot be given up with- 
out affecting its essential interests, if not endangering its existence. 
It seems to be almost universally acknowledged that it is not only the 
interest of France and Spain, but of all Europe, Great Britain only 
excepted, that the bulk of North America should constitute an Inde- 
pendent Power. Upon this ground, therefore, and notwithstanding 
little mutinies which have happened in all States in the same circum- 



OBSERVATIONS OF GEORGIA DELEGATES. 109 

stances, we presume, unquestionably, that there will remain a free 
confederacy of republics, maugre all the redoubled efforts of the enemy. 
But we will venture to pronounce, that should both the Carolinas, or 
the farther one and Georgia, be left in the power of England, at the 
conclusion of a peace she will desire to repeat her haughty preten- 
sions to a superior commerce, and the dominion of the ocean. 

She would be able to refit and rebuild her ships by the timber in 
these States ; to extend her settlements, in a short time, back to the 
Mississippi by emigrants from Great Britain and Ireland, the refugees, 
and all the tories of America, whom she would surely invite thither, 
and by such means secure the commerce. 

The Southern Colonies, by the treaty of Paris, were bounded by the 
river Mississippi, but that treaty being now done away by reciprocal 
hostilities, if any of these States should be recovered and kept bv the 
enemy, no doubt the ancient pretensions to the South Sea will be 
revived. Be this as it may, there is sufficient scope within the lines 
of Georgia, east of the Mississippi, for the most enterprising posses- 
sor. The main branch of Savannah River, by which it is bounded 
north, running a north-west course to its source, widens the country 
exceedingly, and presents an unappropriated tract of about five hun- 
dred miles in length and two hundred and fifty in breadth of land, 
the most to be preferred of any in North America, on account of the 
temperature of the climate, the fertility of the soil, and facilities of 
the most extensive navigation. 

And here it should be recollected that there are several valuable 
rivers which have their source in the interior parts of Georgia, and 
which running southerly through the narrow parts of West Florida, 
empty themselves into the Bay of Mexico ; the lands upon which 
being intermediate between the bay and the Atlantic, are most invit- 
ingly fertile ; and should England have possession of this State, can 
there be a doubt but her subjects would presently settle upon these 
lands, and claim the navigation into and through the Bav ? The genius 
and character of the people answer the question. 

Would not then Spanish settlements be liable to encroachments, 
and the whole kingdom consequently exposed to a new war ? But 
further with respect to Spain. Should England have it in her power 
to keep a fleet in the harbours of South Carolina and Georgia, with 
the resulting advantages of having always fresh supplies of men and 
provisions, would not the Spanish trade to and from South America 
be greatly exposed ? 

At the same time that the strength of the nation is admitted, the 
length of these voyages should be considered, as well as the interme- 
diate position of the country about which we are speaking. Should 
England, therefore, by these means, be able to control the trade of 
Spain, is it not probable that, having lost ground among the hardy 
sons of the North, she would ere long conceive the project of augment- 
ing her dominions in the South ? 

On the contrary, however, should the freedom of these States be pre- 
served and be in amity with Spain, the greatest safety will not only 
result to her trade, but particular advantages arise from their situation 



110 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and produce, such as friendly ports in distress, and supplies of fresh 
provisions. 

With regard to France, there is so fixed a confidence in its Great 
Monarch, who has honoured us with his alliance, and whose court is 
so illustrious for wisdom and policy, that we have a perfect reliance 
upon his persevering in the war until the freedom and independence 
of all the States of the Union to which he is allied shall be estab- 
lished. From that period she will begin to experience the rewards of 
her generous services to America. Her commerce in general will be 
increased, and her islands easily supplied, and most extensively and 
conveniently, from the two Southern States. In that of Georgia alone 
sufficient lumber might be had to rebuild all the towns of the West 
Indies, and pitch and tar enough for the fleets of the world. 

We will not believe that she will ever consent that such great re- 
sources should remain in the power of her unceasing enemy. But 
Great Britain says that she has already got possession — so she had of 
Boston, Rhode Island, Philadelphia, &c. 

We conclude these remarks by repeating as our opinion what has 
been said all over Europe and America, that the two Southern States 
being the feeble part of the Continent in point of numbers and com- 
pactness of settlement, can only be recovered by a naval superiority ; 
to which object, therefore, we could wish to fix the attention of all 
those whom it concerns. 

Done at Philadelphia, the 8th day of January, 1781, and in the fifth 
year of our independence. 

Geo. Walton. 
W. Few. 
R. Howlev. 



NAMES OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO APPLIED FOR LAND. 1 1 1 



NAMES OF SUCH OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO MADE 
APPLICATION FOR LAND. 

The following is a list of the names of such officers and soldiers 
only who made application to the Governor and Council of the State 
of Georgia, in pursuance of the second section of an act of the As- 
sembly, passed on the 17th day of February, 1783, entitled, "An Act 
for opening the Land Office, and for other purposes therein mentioned," 
for procuring a certificate in pursuance of the section above referred 
to, and a resolution of Congress, of the 16th of September, 1776, of 
the bounty of land due them respectively for their services during the 
last war with Great Britain, in what was called the Georgia Conti- 
nental Establishment. 



Anderson. Charles, Soldier. 
Andrews, George, " 
Andrew, Francis, u 

Allen, Moses. 
Ailison, Henry, Capt. 

Banks, Reuben, Soldier. 
Barber, Chester, " 
Bell, Hugh, " 

Be nn is, John, Capt. 
Berrien, John. Major. 
Berry, John, Soldier. 
Berry, Wm., " 
Bishop, Wm , " 
Blount, Jacob, Capt. 
Booker, Gideon, " 
Braddock. John, " 
Biaddock, David, Soldier. 
Bradley, Abram, " 
Bradley, Richard, " 
Berk, James, " 

Burnett, John, " 

Burton, Richard, " 
Butry. Z., " 

Brown, Francis, " 
Brown, John, il 

Brownson, Nathan, Hosp. Surg. 
Baxter, Wm. 
Bradley, M. 
Brown, Jacob. 
Barker, C. 
Bresard, C. 

Childers, Thomas. 
Connelly, James. 
Conway, Thomas. 
Corbin, Wm. 
Crocker, Wm. 
Chisolm. John. 
Collins, Stephen. 
Campbell, John. 



Collins, John. 
Camp, Samuel. 
Childers, David. 
Collins, John. 
Childers. D. 

Cuthbert, A. 
Corven, Edward, Lieut. 
Collins, C. 
Connolly. W. J. 
Corney, M. 

Dean, Wm. 
Davenport, Stephen. 
Davis, Meredith. 
Davidson, Wm. 

Dempier. , Sergeant. 

Davenport, Thomas. 

Dollar. John. 

Ducin, John, Capt. 

Devereaux, Peter. 

Day, Joseph, Capt. 

Davis. C, Sergeant. 

Day, Robert, Soldier. 

Debosk, Peter, Capt. 

De Laplaign, Emanuel P., Capt. 

Deveaux, Peter, Aidto Gen. Gates. 

Dooly, George, 2nd Lieut. 

Dooly, John, Capt. 

Dooly, Thomas, " 

Dowman, R., " 

Ducoin, John, " 

Evans, John. 

Eacholls, E. 

Evans, N. 

Ellis, Robert. 

Evans, B. 

Eimbeck, Geo., Barrack Master. 

Eustice, J. 

Elliott, Daniel, Soldier. 



112 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Elbert, Samuel, Brig.-Ge.ri. 

Frazer, John. 
Fredeoner, C. 

Glascock. Thomas. 
Gravat, 0. 
Gibbs, Wm. 

Harsaw, Thomas. 
Harris, G. L. 
Hillary, C. 
Hayes, Arthur, Lieut. 
Hicks, J., Capt. 
Hughs, N., Lieut. 
Houstoun, James, Doctor. 
Hendley, George, Capt. 
Hancock, George, '' 
Habersham, John, Major. 

Johnston, Wm. 
Jordan, Wm. 

Kin jr. John, Soldier. 
Kniel, Patrick, <•' 

Lancaster, Rowland, Soldier. 
Lancaster, Wm., " 

Lane, James, " 

Lane, Joseph, Major. 
Lanktord, Josiah, Soldier. 
Lankford, Moses, " 
Lazarus, N., " 

Lester, Tho.', « 

Low, P., Major. 
Lucas, J., Capt. 
Linson, J. 
Lintch, J. 
Lynn, C 
Lynn, J. 
Lambuck, Wm. 

McVickers, D. 
Mabry, Ralph. 
McHancy, Terry. 
Mitchell, Wm. 
McBride, Edward. 
Mase, Joseph. 
Mastein, Wm. 
Mcintosh, L., Brig.-Gen. 
McCall, Richard. 
Moore, Francis. 
Mcintosh, John, Col. 
Marbury, L.. Col. 
Matthews, Geo., Brig.-Gen. 
Moseley, Robert. 
Mcintosh, L. 
Meanly, J. 
Morrison, J., Capt. 
Moseley, L. 



-Matthews, Wm., Capt. 
McDowell, James. 
Mcintosh, Wm. 
Mil ion, J. 
Melvin, Geo. 
Millar, E. 
Mitchell, J. 
Maxwell, Josiah. 
McGilton, Vance. 
McGilton, James. 

Newdigate, John, Capt. 
Nash, Clement, " 
Nugard, Michael. 
Newnan. John. 
Nix, George. 
Nug.tn, M. 

Oakman, W., Fife Major. 
O'Bryan, James, Soldier. 
Ornsby, Daniel, Fife Major. 

Pounds, R. 

Pamell, Joseph, Lieut.- Col. 

Parham, Richard, Soldier. 

Paxton, Wm. " 

Payne, Thos., Lieut. 

Pearrie, N. 

Petillo, John, Soldier. 

Phiney, L. 

Porter, B., Major. 

Porter. R., Lieut. 

Porter, T., " 

Powell, J., 

Pray, Job, Capt. 

Plaigue, D. E. L., Capt. 

Reyfield, J. 
Pae, Robert, Col. 
Reynolds, A. 
Robinson, A. 
Read, Wm., Doctor. 

Stiff, Wm. 
Sessums, Wm. 
Sampson, Samuel. 
Saulberry, Thos. 
Sutton, R. 

Screven, James, Gen. 
Smith. R. 
Sick, F. 
Scott, Wm. 
Sheftall, M. 
Sheftall, S. 
Sharp, B. J. 
Shields, Andrew. 
Stud man, James. 

Tennell, S. 



NAMES OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO APPLIED FOR LAND. 



113 



Thomas. B, 
Threadgill, T. 
Templeton. A., Capt. 
Threadgill, Wm. 
Tucker,^ P. 
Turner, C. 
Turner, G. 
Twidall, J. 
Turner. B. 
Tennill. T., Capt. 
Turner. D. 

Vickers, Solomon, 

Walton. Nathaniel. Lieut. 
Webb, John. 
Webster, B. 
Williams, C. 
White, John. 



Wells, M. 
Willaby, W. 
Whitmore, J. 
Webster, Thos. 
Wash, Wm. 
Winfrey, J., Cant. 
Warden. J. 
Wagnon, P. J. 
Walton. Jesse. 
White. John. Col. 
Wash. Patrick, Major. 
Wood, J. 
Williamson. L. 
Wright, S., Capt. 
Wood. James. 
Wasl^ E. 
Waunon, T. 
Walton, George.* 



Names of the Officers vrfto were in the Continental Line of the Georgia 
Brigade during the Revolutionary War, including Infantry, Dragoons, 
Legionary Corps, and General Staff. 

Brigade Generals. — Lachlan Mcintosh, Samuel Elbert. 

Colonels. — James Screven, John White, Robert Rae. 

Lieut. -Colonels. — Joseph Habersham, Joseph Lane, Thomas Chisholm, Fran- 
/ cis Moore. Philip Lowe, George Handley, Benjamin Porter ; John S. Eustace, 
Adjutant-General; Lachlan Mcintosh, Junior Brigade Inspector; John Berrien, 
Brigade Major; John Milton. A. D. C; George Melven. B. Q. M. 

Captains. — John Bennis, Gideon Booker, Chestley Bostwick, Celerine Brosard, 
John Bard, Charles Eudd, Isharri^Qopk, Arthur Carney, Rani < Jacob Col- 
son, John Cunningham, Alexander D. Cuthbert, Joseph Day, Daniel Duval, Peter 
Debosh, John Dooly, Thomas Dooly', Ignatius Few, John Greene, John Han- 
cock, William Hornby, Jaret, Evans Lewis, John Lucas, William Matthews, 

William Mcintosh. Thomas Morris, Elisha Millar, John Moscly, Charles Middle- 
ton, Littlebeny Mosely, Clement Nash, Patrick Fitzpatrick. James Powell, 
Thomas Scott. Andrew Templeton, Thomas Threadgill, Jesse Winfrey, Shadrach 
Wright, 

Lieutenants. — Francis Arthur, Thomas Brown, James Bryan, John Caldwell, 
Cornelius Collins, Edward Cowen, Walter Dixon, George Dooly, Thomas Glas- 
cock, Caleb Howell. Arthur Hayes, Christopher Hillery, Robert Howe, Nathaniel 
Hughes, Wi Ham Johnson, William Jordan, William Lowne, Josiah Maxwell, 
John Manley. John Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, John Martin, William McDon- 
ald, Thomas Netherland, John Newdigate, Benjamin Odin-sell, Thomas Payne, 
I Nathaniel Pierre. Robert, Porter, Thomas Porter, William Roach, John Rae, 
Abraham Seixas, Robert Simpson, E. Shick, David Sarzedas, Randolph Smith, 

* This List is taken from a book in the Executive Office at Milledgcville, prepared by 
the late Major \. B Fannin. 



114 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF. GEORGIA. 

Steadman, Francis Tennell, David Turner, J. P.'Wagnon, George Walton, 

Jesse Walton, Robert Ward. 

General Staff.— Richard Wyley, Q. M. G. ; Joseph Clay, P. M. G. ; Mor- 
decai Sheftall, C. G. ; Sheftall Sheftall, D. C. G. ; David Rees, Judge Advocate; 
Moses Allen, Chaplain. 

Hospital Department. — Surgeons, David Bradie, McKinne. 

Surgeons' Mates.-r-Adam Alexander, Nathan Brownson, James Houstoun, 
Thomas Davenport, Frederick Ridgley, — — Wood. 

Legionary Corps. — James Jackson, Colonel; Thomas Washington, Major. 

Captains. — Henry Alison, Sherwood Bugg, John Morrison, James Stallings, 
John Lyons. ./ 

Lieutenants. — Thomas Hamilton, Ezekiel Stallings, Benjamin Hawkins, Stephen 
Blount, Benjamin Harvey, Nicholas Millar. 

Artillery. — Major, Roman de Lisle. 

Captains. — Edward Young, John Fraser. 

Colonels. — Samuel Jack, John Stewart. 

Lieut.- Colonel. — Elijah Clark. 



NAMES OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO WENT TO MEXICO. 115 



Names of the Officers and Privates of the Georgia Regiment of Volun- 
teers who went to Mexico. 

Henry R. Jackson, Savannah, Colonel. | Charles J. Williams, Columbus, Major. 
Thomas Y. Redd, Columbus, Lieut.-Col. | John Forsyth, Columbus, Adjutant. 

GEORGIA LIGHT INFANTRY COLUMBUS. 



J. S. Calhoun, Captain. 

E. R. Goulding, 1st Lieutenant. 

H. C. Anderson, 2d " 

W. B. Phillips, 1st .Sergeant. 

Asa B. Hoxie, 2d " 

W. T. Smith, 3d « 



M. H. Blandford, 4th Sergeant. 
R. R. Howard, 1st Corporal. 
A. Scott, 2d " 

Tn. Reynolds, 3d " 
Geo. Lindsay, 4th " 



Privates.— E. C. Allen, Lucius A. G. Allen, James Arledge, Charles J. Barrow, 
Leonidas T. Belk, William Blankenship, George W. Bronson, Zachariah Boothe, 
Amor Boyd, Frederic E. Brooking, Jesse S. Bryan, Calvin Bryant. Young G. 
Burke, Lewis Chandler, Cicero J. Clarke, David S. Cooper, Joseph Crepps, James 
T. Cunningham, John R. Gushing. Ster^heo-Daftiels, Richard Delanay, Absalom 
M. Dennis, Nathan B. Duke, James F. H. Ellington, John H. Ellis, William 
Forsyth, Bryant Farmer, William Farmer, Peter F. Farrar, Michael Fitzpatrick, 
Thomas R. Flournoy, Richard Fox, Albert L. Garrard, Thomas Gilbert, Obadiah 
B. R. Graham, Jackson M. Greenhow, Sidney Grigg, James R. Hanson, Upton 
S. Heath, William M. James, John G. Jones, James E. Johnson, William Keiley. 
^ Joseph Keiley, James Kellogg, John Law, Robert D. Lee, James Love, Alexan- 
der Lowther/John R. Moore,,, William Myrick, Duncan H. Nix, Henry C. Over- 
ton, Henry S. Orr, Andrew 1 Pickens, William V. Porter, Lincoln Preble, John 
W. Park, Jesse B. Reeves, Granville L. Robinett, Joseph T. Robinson, James T. 
Rogers, William M. Rogers, Lucius C. Saunders, Samuel Sledge, Samuel B. 
Spencer, Lindsay Showse, Thomas B.Teate, J. Thaddeus Thompson, Micajah W. 
Thweatt, William H- Trawick, James S. Wells, Francis M. Whithurst, Charles 
R. Wiggins, William Wilton, Thomas R. Wilson, Gilbert J. Wright, Lawrence 
A. Wright. Musicians. — William McCullough, James M. Stonaker. — 91. 



COLUMBUS GUARDS. 



Jno. E. Davies, Captain. 
Jno. Forsyth, 1st Lieutenant. 
C. P. Hervey, 2d " 

R. Ellis, 1st Sergeant. 
J. King, 2d " 

W. C. Holt, 3d " 



W. C. Hodges, 4th Sergeant. 
W. G. Andrews, 1st Corporal. 
V. D. Thorpe, 2d ; < 
Jas. Hamilton, 3d " 
R. A. McGibony, 4th " 



Privates.— Francis J. Abbot, Enoch H. Adams, William Boland, Elijah N. Bo- 
land, John C. Blackman, James M. Bugg, Robert Boseman, John B. Buffington, 
Michael Claffy, James Curley, William E. Cropp, Freeman W. Clem, James E. 
Cammack, Wesley G. Cox, Robert W. Coleman, William W. Crenshaw, John 



116 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

F. Daniel, Francis W. Davidson, Ethelridge A. Dye, John B. Elam, John G. 
Eubanks, Charles S. Fontaine, Daniel Finnegan. Solomon Gowan, Benjamin F. 
Graves, William B. Gilliam, William H. Hallman. Lafayette M. Harwell, Absa- 
lom Hollingsvvorth, John E. Hagan, George A. Huckaby, James B. Hickey, Wil- 
liam W. Huff. Calvin A. Hearne, John R. Ivey, M. Johnson, Marks Kanz, Wil- 
liam Kayler, Bailey B. Light, Malcolm F. McNeil, William P. McGehee, H. L. 
McGehee, Patrick McDonald, Phillips Mooney, William W. McCall. William H. 
Mitchell, Marion Mallsby, Alfred Mays, Thomas Mulligan, William P. Martin 
George Pervis, Gustavua A. Parker, P. D. Roberts, Snovvden Roberts. Thomas Y. 
Redd, Erastus Roland, William F. Ruff, Hugh Reese, Lewis Ri.v, Cyrus Robert- 
son, John T. Sledge, Asberry Seats, Edward R. Sloat, William Sells, Joseph 
Shippey, Charles Smith, Nathaniel S. Turner, William Woods, Augustus Woods, 
John Wood, Randal II. Wood, R. W. J. Wright, John B. Weems, Osbom J. 
Wells. Musicians. — Martin Hettrick, Francis Gerbode.— 87. 

RICHMOND BLUES AUGUSTA. 



J. F. Glover, 4th Sergeant. 
S. Johnson, 1st Corporal. 
H. Baker, 2d " 
A. Phillips, 3d " 
G. Gordon, 4th " 



D. W. Dill. Captain. 

J. Phinizy, 1st Lieutenant. 

A. H. McLawes, 2d " 

W. Phillips, 1st Sergeant. 

D. D. McMurphy, 2d « 

R. H. Ringgold, 3d " 
Privates. — Francis Agnew, Benjamin Ansley, William Archy, R. H. Bush, 
John Bradey, R. D. Bridges, John Batly, J. W. Berry, P. Barret, J. M. Brown, 
John W. Conklin, James Callahan, F. C. Cattinet, Joseph M. Collins, Washington 
Collins, Milton Cawley, Timothy Crawley, John C. Colo, Patrick Cole, M. M. 
Copeland, N. M. Drummond, William Dye, Matthew Doyle, C. Donovan, M. 
Dolon, William Darby, William Dickson, John Evans, Thomas Farrell, Alfred 
Guthrie, Thomas Guideron, John Griffin, Michael Gaffney, T. Gallagher, James 
Hickey, William S. Hawthorne, E. H. Holliday, T. Haley, James M Jennings, 
A. J. Knox, T. Li ttle, William Larkin, James Lamar, James Lynch, John P. 
McKenzie, Thomas McPherson, Briton Mims, Andrew Michell, Terrance Mc- 
Guire, Robert Musgrove, John F. Markee, W. Medlar, R. W. Murray, T. 
McCabe, Martin O'Riley, William Oaks, William Pardue, F. D. Pettagrew, Ber- 
nard Rowe, F. E. Roathe, J. Riddel. A G. Roberts, James J. R. Roper, J. E. 
y, Richardson, James Riley, Matthew Smith, George Shannon, J. D. Salmons, 
Lewis Sumner, Willis Seay, Thomas Tobin, J. W. Taylor, Lewis Vanzandt, Jas. 
Wolling, Samuel Wilcox, William Wilcox, J. S. Wright, W. Williamson, V. W. 
Watkins, George W. Wheeler. Musicians. — J. J. Hubbard, M. McGovern.— 93. 

JASPER GREENS SAVANNAH. 



J. McMahon. Captain. 
G. Curlette, 1st Lieutenant. 
D. O'Conner, 2d " 

Jno. Devany, 1st Sergeant. 
M. Carey, 2d " 
P. Martin, 3d " 



Leo. Wylly, 4th Sergeant. 
M. Feery, 1st Corporal. 
P. Tierney, 2d " 
T. Bourke, 3d <; 
Owen Rielly, 4th " 



NAMES OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO WENT TO MEXICO. 117 

Privates.— William Bandy, W. D. Burke, P. Bossu, Francis Camfield, James 
Chalmers. P. Clark, Patrick Cody, John Coffee, William Coffee, James Coulih- 
han, Elijah Condon. Joseph Davis, Dennis Desmond, Michael Downy, Michael 
Duggati, Francis Dutzmer, Charles Farrelly, Thomas Fenton, David Fountain, 
James Fleeting. James Flynn, William P. Fielding, James Feely. Patrick Ger- 
riu, Moses Gleason, 0. B. Hall, Michael Hoar, Timothy Howard, R. M. Howard, 
E. W. Irwin, John Keegin, Humphrey Leary, W. S. Levi, David Lynch, Michael 
Lynch, L. Mahony. Henry Marony, John Makin, Bryan Morris, Jas. McFeehilly. 
H. V. Morel, John Meldrum, William Murray, Michael Murphy, Daniel Murphyj 
Hugh Murtagh, Henry Nagle, Dan Nickels, M. M. Payne, George Perminger, 
Thomas Pidgeon, John Regan, Francis Reeves, R. Richardson. J. Rinehart, B. 
Rodebuck, R. M. Robertson, J. D. Ryan, Thomas Ryan, John Sanderlin, Michael 
Shea, Peter SuzmeTl, David Stokes, C. F. E. Smith, R. L. S. Smith, Patrick 
Shiels, Patrick Tidings, Daniel F. Towles, J. W. Warden, James Waters, 
Michael Weldon, John Whaling, James Waters, Jr., Jacob Zimmerman. Musi- 
cians. — William Gatehouse, George Gatehouse. — 86. 



MACON GUARDS. 



Isaac Holmes. Captain. 
E. L. Shklton, 1st Lieutenant. 
E. S. Rodger s, 2d " 

Wm. D. Griffin, 1st Sergeant. 
J. B. Gumming, 2d " 
J. A. McGregor, 3d " 



P. J. Shannon, 4th Sergeant. 
A B. Ross, 1st Corporal. 

Edwin Harris, 2d " 
Tnos. E. Orcutt, 3d " 
R. T. McGregor, 4th " 



Privates. — James A. Abbott, Wilson J. Aderhold, Edmund Barnard. James W. 
Beasley. Orran W. Buffington, Edward Curd, Peter W. Clayton, William J. Cum- 
ming, Rums Cook,William Carter, John W. Cooper, John Cleesby, James Car- 
son, John R. Candler, William Davis, Isaac Domingos, John L. Eel!s. William 
English, James E. Flint, Elijah Foster, Alfred T. Franklin, Alexander H. Fnmk- 
lin, Charles E. Flanders, Simon W. Freeman, George ^A. Grimes, Lewis Gee 
Solomon Groce, Richard Head, Elliott Higgins, William Hughes, Alexander 
Hammersley, Andrew W. S. Harris. William A. Harris, Alexander H. Hawkins, 
Simeon Horton, William S. Johnston, William Kennedy, D. G. Kennedy, Wil- 
liam King, William L King, John T. Lamar, Wilson Logue, A. D. Logan, 
I John Loughridge, John H. Lane, Allen J. McGraw, John McGowan, Seaborn 
j^ Moore, James Martin, Alfred B. McKee, William W. Munson, Robert E. Macar- 
thy, Thomas McNeely, Sanford Moore, Robert Melton, Sanford F. Miniard, Tho- 
mas J. McCrary, Thomas J. Moody, A. A. Park, William Robinson, Alexander 
Reynolds, William M. Ralston, Alexander R. Ralston, David A. Ralston, Caleb 
W. Rembert, Marcus Roberts, AlbertL. Ross, Thomas Shirly, Sebastian Shaw, 
Robert Snead, William Spratt, Robert H. Tindall, John S. Tilliston, Gilbert E. 
Thigpen, Claiborne Vaughan, William W. Woodall, William Walker, Edward N. 
Wood, Franklin W. Wright, Robert T. Walker, Timothy D. Wood, William M. 
Wright.— 92. 



118 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



SUMTER COUNTY VOLUNTEERS. 



G. Hughes, 4th Sergeant. 
H. Edwards, 1st Corporal. 
C. H. Cottle, 2d " 

M.S. Thompson, 3d " 
W. A. Elkins, 4th " 



J. A. S. Turner, Captain. 

0. C. Horne, 1st Lieutenant. 

.1 Cottle, 2d Lieutenant. 

S. P. Woodward, 1st Sergeant. 

N. N. Thompson. 2d " 

L. T Taylor, 3d " 
Privates.— Jeremiah B. Ansley, Thomas J. Aiken. James T. Ballard, Joshua 
Boyd, Sajathiel Buokner. John Burgess, Abner B. Conner, William J. Connier, 
Norman Carmichael, Elias Clarke, John Clarke, William B. Chandler, John 
M. Cauthen, Uriah Collum, William Champion, George W. Compton, Shadrick 
Crawford, Daniel J. Derrizeaux, George Derrizeaux, Franklin Duvan, Jacob 
Duckworth, Richard 0. Echolls, James Fudge, William Goodson, John B. Gib-on, 
William K. Gilmore, Robert R. Golding, Charles Graham. James H. Heffiin<r, Wit- 
Ham Hardy, John H. Horne, John W. Haugabook, John A. Hunter, Sylvester 
Hewitt, Hugh G. Ivy, Bradford Johnston, Jeremiah Jackson, William P. Jourdan, 
James Jackson, James Lewis. Rasco Lepsey, John G. McDonald. Joseph Me- 
Math, Jacob McNair. John J. Murphy, Jefferson Morris, John Morris, Jefferson 
Montgomery, Milus F. Noland, Jaiob Newman, Albeit Peddy, Joshua Richards, 
James Richards. Samuel Smith, Abram R. Smith, Daniel Smith, James R. Smith, 
John D. Smith, Wesley A. Smith, Henry J. Smith, Albert Sorrell, Oliver N. 
Stewart, James Seahorn, Franklin Singleton, Norban T. Taylor, James J. Tomp- 
kins, John Taylor, David Turner, Albert T. White, George M. Welda. Barton P. 
Wright, William Walker. Joel Walker, James Zachary. Musicians. — John Mc- 
Donald, Richard Griggs. — 89. 

CRAWFORD GUARDS COLUMBUS. 



D. A. Winn, 4th Sergeant. 
John May, 1st Corporal. - 

John Lochaby, 2d " 
Jas. B. Wells, 3d " 
N. J. Peabody, 4th " 



John Jones, Captain. 

R. G. Mitchell, 1st Lieut. 

J. S. DlSMUKES, 2d " 

T. Schoonmakek, 1st Sergeant. 

H. S. Tisdale, 2d " 

A. M. Sauls, 3d " 

Privates.— Matthew Allen, William Barbaree, Charles L. Bass, J. R. Beck, 
Tryon Best, A. Blake, Wesley R. Bradford, Joshua Canter, Thomas Carter, Ed- 
mund Christian, Reuben T. Clayborne, Richard C. Clarke. Daniel Crane, W. G. 
Cunningham, John H. Davis, John C. Davis, W. C. H. Doyle, David B. Ed- 
wards, Theophilus Fowler, George W. Farrar, Samuel D. Gamble, William B. 
Garratt, Calvin Going, John Hancock, Sterling E. Hannah, John R. Hall, Richard 
W. Hinton, Robert H. Hood, Matthew A. Hubert, David Huson, Joseph T. Hyde, 
Cader C. Knowles, Moses Land, Arthur Lawrence, John Leigh, John Magner, 
Elijah Martin, Patrick McCabe, John R. McCorkle, Hezekiah McGraw, William 
Misenheimer, William Moody, Martin Mooney, James Moran, Andrew L. 
Mott. Patrick OJJaire, Gustavus A. Palmer, William B. Parker, Joseph Perdue, 
James Pettitt, Elbert Presly, Mitchell Ralston, Harvey Rice, Thomas R. Rob- 
inson, Milton Rose, Thomas J. Salter, Christopher Salvo, Allen W. Sanders, 



NAMES OF OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO WENT TO MEXICO. 119 

William Slaughter, Abner Smith, Thomas J. Stockton, John Sullivan, Coleman 
B. Tait, Samuel L. Taylor, William H. Tillotson, John F. Turner, James Welden, 
Thomas White, Uriah Williams, T. H. Wooten. Musicians.— William M. 
Champion, Joseph T. Hodson. 

FANNIN AVENGERS PIKE COUNTY. 



\ 



Robt. Lattimer, 4th Sergeant. 
Alex. 0. Reed, 1st Corporal. 
T. D. Pertody, 2d " 
Jos. Johnson, 3d " 

Benj. F. Ingraham, 4th " 



H. J. Sargent, Captain. 

G. D. Alexander, 1st Lieutenant. 

H. B. Holliday, 2d ' : 

F. M. Ison, 1st Sergeant. 

G. D. Johnson, 2d " 
William F. Moore, 3d " 

Privates. — Jonathan Allen, Thomas R. Arnold, William Aycock, William E. Beall 
John H. Baker, Osborn Brewer, Cicero L. Brown, George D. Boutwell, John I. Bel- 
cher, Thomas Burks, Robert I. Bedell, William D. Bailey, David M. Crenshaw 
Nathaniel L. Collins, William T. Crawford, Alfred Carpenter, Henry F. Car- 
penter, Henry Coker, John W. Crow, Wm. W. Campbell, George Dusran Fre- 
derick Dickens, Wm. Deloach, Jesse N. Davis, Ruffin Durham, Thomas Dye, 
John B. Folds, James A. Green, Archibald Gibbes, Henderson Gibbs, James R. 
George, Eliphalet Hatton, Wm. R. Head, Thomas I. Ison, Anthony Ivy, Ben- 
jamin F. Jones, Samuel A. Kennedy, John T. Leggett, Andrew J. Low, John W. 
Lake, Burrell Lawrence, Hilliard I. Legg, Andrew Lendberg, Drury Lewis John 
Millen, Dawson Millborn, John G. Morgan, Hugh C. McGehee, Joseph B. 
Matthews, Gerardin I. Ogilsby, Sterling C. Pritohard, John C. Pryor. William I. 
Perry, Wm. L. Prescott, John T. Reid, David R. Ross, Wm. T. Ready, John 0. 
Smith, Robert Shaws, Joseph H. Shivers, James W. Spencer, T John Stewart. 
Benjamin Shinn, Robert W. Terry, Henry I. fidd, John W. Turner, Thomas I. 
Tramel, John Thompson,' John Treanor, Nathaniel Waller, Joseph Watkins, 
Samuel Weems, H. N. White, Robert H. Woods, Thomas I. Warren, John H. 
Wiles, Freeman I. Waller, Thomas Waller, William Winn, Williamson B. Wil- 
liams. Musicians. — Henry McAllister, William S. Clardy. 93. 



RENESAW RANGERS COBB COUNTY 

A. Nelson, Captain. 
Jas. M. Dobbs, 1st Lieutenant. 
W. J. Manahan, 2d " 

J. H. Mehaffey, 1st Sergeant. 
H. Trotter, 2d " 

Andrew B. Reed, 3d " 



Joseph H. Winters, 4th Sergeant. 
S. M. Anderson, 1st Corporal. 
Wm. D. Neal, 2d 

Wm. D. Gray, 3d " 

Wm. H. Craft, 4th " 



Privates. — W. A. Appling, Cicero H. Allen, T. J. Boyce, A. M, Bovd. W. 
W. Brown, Jesse Blackburn, Thomas A. Burroughs, John I. Bennett, J. B. Burton 
Ephraim Bishop, Daniel R. Bruce, William Buse, L. D. Buse, John E. Conner. 
E. W. C. Champion. James J. Crawford, J. N. Carter, Green Copelanrl John A. 
Cox, John Dunwoodie, Jr., William F. Davenport, Thomas Dillon, John D. S. 
Foote, James C. N. Foote, C. C. Farris, W. H. Goodwin, Washington Green, 
Hugh Gray, John Gray. W. D. Gann, Andrew P. Gue?s. W. P. Gue^, J. O. 
Hackett, J. H. Hand, W. J. Haines, J. B. Hadea, Cicero C. Hammock William 



120 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

H. Head, George Hodge, Nicholas Hunt, Samuel Hawkins, Caleb Hig<rins, J. M. 

.Ionian, Josiah .Ionian. B. D. Jordan, Thomas R. Johnson. David P. Kendrick, 
Andrew J. I.afoy. John B. Lindley. John Merrett. John C. MeComiell. John Mc- 
Connell, John McA lams, J. N. Miller, William H. Miller. J. M. McGuire, W. 
H. McCuchin, John McGufFe, Chandler McGufTe, Bedney F. McDonald. James 
W. Mann, L. P. McCarthur, Elisha N. Knight, Thomas' L. Ow. ns, L. G. W. 
Phillips, William M. C. Parnell, William H. Pope, Solomon L Rice, Isaac W. 
Robinson, Benjamin H. Smith, A. L. Siler, Abner Sweat, Lewis Sedeth, Joel 
Shead, Thomas Shivers, Richard H. Shaddix, John Tiller, John R. Winters, 
Fleming Wiley, Thomas C. West, Leroy W. Walton. Musicians — George T. 
Lemon, Lewis J. Parr. — 92. 



CANTON VOLUNTEERS CHEROKEE COUNTY. 

N. F. Strain, 4th Sergeant-. 
John G. Rhodes, 1st Corporal. 
Allen Moody, 2d -; 
Rout. S. Kxox, 3d " 
Joshua Hughes, 4(h " 



K. Gramling, Captain. 
A. Keath, 1st Lieutenant. 
W. F. Mullens, 2d " 

W. G. Gram ling, 1st Sergeant 
S. J. Cook, 2d " 

D. F. Daniel, 3d « 

Privates. — William T. Archer, George F. Amos, Alfred H. Burns. Alexander 

F. Burns. Daniel H. Bird, Elijah W. Bond. John M. Bond, Joseph B. Co >k, Wil- 
liam S. Cook, John B. Cook. Alfred Cook, Ludy Cothren, Chesley C. Curtis, Wm. 
M. Camp, Isaac W. Carpenter, Lewis A. Carpenter, David P. Copeland, Thomas 
E. Dickerson, Benjamin Dean, James A. Delaney, Alexander M. Dolaney, 
Stephen P. Ellis. John T. Dickerson, John W. Finchen, Richard M. C-ramling, 
Henry J. Gait, Nehemiah J. Garrison, Elisha Hillhouse, Samuel W. Hillhouse, 
Joseph Heard, John O. Hobson, Nathaniel M. Harris, Christopher llulleft, John 
C. Hatiley, Luther R. Henley, Isham Jordan, George W. Keith. George W. 
Lawhorne, John B. Lajsson, Sanford Loven, John Lusk, William Lusk. Zimmerman 
Lawhorne, Henry M. Long, James M. Lon?, Levi Lancaster, Joshua McConnel, 
John C. Maddox, Jesse E. Machen, Samuel McConnel, James MoM iha \, Samuel 

G. Mathis, Christenbury Phillips, James 0. Phillips, John A. Roberts. Samuel M. 
Rice, Albeit Rodders. John A. Roark, William A. Rivers, Ray Manning, Wil- 
liam W. Rich, Isaac L. Scago, Benjamin F. Strain, Henderson Simeraly. John B. 
Sutherland; Robert Spri<rafs, William H. Treadway, William Thompson, Isham 
Tyler. Jesse Tyler, John B. Thompson, George W. William^, Beveiley Wadkins, 
William S. Wood, John L. Wood, Samuel L. White. Benjamin Wotfonl. Musi- 
cians. — Anderson W. Turner. Greenburv Brooks. — Total. 900. 



TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS 121 

TREATIES 

HELD AT DIFFERENT TIMES WITH THE INDIANS, 

IN WHICH THE STATE OF GEORGIA WAS INTERESTED. 



Treaty made at Savannah between General Oglethorpe and the Head 
Men of the Lower Creeks, on the 2\st of May, 1733. 

This treaty contains stipulations that the Indians will let the Trus- 
tees' people trade in their towns — their goods to be sold according to 
fixed rates. 

The Trustees bind themselves to make restitution for any injuries 
which may be done to them by their people. The Indians aoree 
that the Trustees' people shall make use of and possess all those lands 
which they had no occasion to use ; not to molest or rob any of the 
English who might settle among them ; to give no encouragement to 
any other white people to settle amon^ them, &c, &c. ; and finally, 
the Indians agree to keep the talk in their heads " as long as the sun 
shall shine, or the waters run into the rivers." Treaty ratified 18th 
October, 1733. 



Treaty entered into on the 2\st of August, 1739, at Coweta Town between 
General Oglethorpe and the Creeks, Cherokees, and Chickasaws. 

The Indians declare that all the dominions, territories, and lands 
between the Savannah and St. John's Rivers, including all the islands, 
and from the St. John's River to the Apalachie Bay, and thence to the 
mountains, do, by ancient right, belong to the Creek Nation, and that 
they would not suffer either the Spaniards or any other people, ex- 
cepting the Trustees of the Colony of Georgia, to settle their lands. 
They also acknowledge the grant which they formerly made to 
the Trustees of all the lands on Savannah River, as far as the river 
Ogeechee, and all the lands along the seacoast as far as St. John's 
River, and as high as the tide flowed, and all the islands, particularly 
St. Simon's, Cumberland, and Amelia, &c. 



Treaty at Augusta with the Cherokee and Creek Indians, held on the 1st dan 
of June, 1773, by his Excellency Sir James Wright, Bart., Captain-Gene- 
ral, and Commander-in-Chief of the. Province of Georgia, and the Hon. 
John Stewart, Esq., his Majesty's sole Agent for, and Superintendent of, 
Indian Affairs in the Southern District of North America. 

By this treaty the Cherokees and Creeks jointly cede to his Ma- 
jesty a portion of territory, beginning at the place where "the lower 



122 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Creek Path intersects Ogeechce River; and along the main branch of 
said river to the source of the southernmost branch of said river ; and 
from thence along the ridge between the waters of Broad River and 
Oconee River up to the Buffalo Lick ; and from thence in a straight 
line to the tree marked by the Cherokees, near the head of a branch 
falling into the Oconee River; and from thence along the said ridge 
twenty miles above the line already run by the Cherokees; and from 
thence across to Savannah River by a line parallel with that formerly 
marked by them;" and the Creeks cede from the present boundary 
line to Phinholaway Creek, on the Alatamaha River, up the said river 
to an island opposite to the mouth of Barber Creek; and from thence 
across to Ogeechee River, opposite to the road about four miles above 
Buckhead. In consideration of the lands thus ceded, his Majesty 
agrees, after certain expenses are paid, to apply the moneys arising 
from the sale of the lands to the payment of debts justly due by 
the Indians to their traders. 

"In the year 1770, several of the Cherokee traders being at Augu?ta, told 
their principals, the merchants there, that the Indians, quite tired of being 
pressed from year to year for the payment of their debts, which they despaired 
of being able to accomplish by hunting, were willing to give up a body of land 
on Savannah River, in lieu of all the debts contracted by them since the peace 
in 1761. 

"The matter, at first, appearing to the merchants somewhat vague, was little 
attended to or credited. The traders were only told, that if they could make it 
appear that they were really in earnest in the matter, and that they looked upon 
such a plan as advantageous to them and their people, that it would be their best 
method to make application to the Superintendent and Gov. Wright, 

"The affair then lay over until the month of February, 1771, when the traders 
had a meeting with the Head Men, deputed from every town in the nation, on 
purpose to agree on something relative to those lands they before hinted at giv- 
ing up : that, upon finding the Indians ready to acquiesce in the plan, they in- 
sisted upon making a cession of their lands immediately, which the traders 
ignorantly agreed to, and the Indians being determined to finish the matter, as 
far as respected them, appointed a day in June for a number of them to run the 
line; but in March, 1771, before any further steps were taken, an account of this 
affair reached the principals at Augusta, who immediately transmitted it to Gov. 
Wright and to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, both of whom having disap- 
proved of the mode of proceeding, the same was communicated, without loss of 
time, to the traders, -and they, as the lands lay in the Province of Georgia, got 
the Indians to make the cession to Gov. Wright for his Majesty, for the express 
purpose of paying off their debts."* 

Whilst in England, Gov. Wright sent a memorial to the Earl of Hillsborough 
in which, among other things, he stated that there was a considerable body of 
land which then lay between the boundary of Georgia with the Indians, and a 
river called Broad River, to the northwest, which empties into Savannah River, 

* Colonial Papers. 



TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 123 

and the Oconee to the westward and southward. He described the land as of 
the richest and best quality, supposed to contain 5,000,000 acres — that the Chero- 
kees claimed about 3,000,000 on Savannah River, and in order to pay the debts 
that they owe to the Indian traders, had voluntarily offered to cede the same to 
his Majesty. 

Governor Wright proposed that the land should be sold in small tracts, at the 
most not exceeding 1000 acres, to one person or family, and stated that the debts 
due from the Cherokees to these traders amounted to from £40,000 to £50.000 
sterling. 

Instructions were given to the Governor to return as quickly as possible to 
Georgia, and to make the arrangements for the cession, which he accordingly did. 



Treaty with the Cherokee Indians, made at Augusta, on the "Slst day of May, 

1783. 

By this treaty the parties agree to forget all differences — that all 
debts due by the Indians be paid, and all property taken during- the 
war be restored — that a new line be drawn without delay between 
the present settlements of Georgia and the hunting-grounds of the 
Indians, &c., &c. 

Signed by his Hon. Lyman Hall, Governor of Georgia, General 
John Twiggs, Col. Elijah Clark, Col. William Few, the Hon. 
Edward Telfair,- and General Samuel Elbert, Commissioners ap- 
pointed by the Legislature of Georgia, and a number of Indian chiefs 
or warriors. 



Treaty with the Creek Indians, held at Augusta on the first day of November, 

1783. 

The Commissioners on the part of the State of Georgia were — 
John Twiggs, Elijah Clark, Edward Telfair, Andrew Burns, 
and William Glascock. 



Articles at Hopewell, on the Keowee, between Benjamin Hawkins, An- 
drew Pickens, Joseph Martin, and Lachlan McIntosh, Commis- 
sioners Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, and the Head 
Men and Warriors of all the Cherokees. 

Concluded November 28, 1785, and ratified April 17, 1786. Signed 
by the Commissioners and thirty-seven of the Head Men and warriors 
of the Cherokees. 



Treaty at Shoulder Bone with the Creek Indians, 3d day of November, 1786. 

The Commissioners on the part of the State of Georgia were — John 
Habersham, Abraham Ravot, J. Clements, James McNeil, John 
King, James Powell, Ferdinand O'Neil, Jared Irwin. Fifty-nine 
chiefs or Head Men signed this treaty. 



124 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Treaty at New-York with the Creek Indians, 7th day of August, 1790. 
Ratified August 13, 1790. 

Signed by H. Knox, Secretary at War, and sole Commissioner for 
treating with the Creek Nation of Indians, on the part of the United 
States, and by Alexander McGillivrAy and the Head Men of the 
Creeks. 



Treaty at Holston with the Cherokee Indians, on the 2d day of July, 1791. 
Ratified 11th November, 1791. 

This was like the treaty of Hopewell — a treaty of peace and friend- 
ship. Signed by William Blount, Governor in and over the terri- 
tory of the United States of America south of the river Ohio, and 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern District, and by 
forty of the Cherokee chiefs. 



Treaty at Philadelphia with the Cherokees, 26th June, 1794. Ratified 
January 21, 1795. 

This appears to be a recapitulation of the main articles of the 
treaty at flolston. Signed by H. Knox, Secretary at War, and thir- 
teen chiefs. 



I Treaty of Peace and Friendship, made at Coleraine, on the 29th of June, 
1796, between the President of the United States, and the Kings, Chiefs, 
and Warriors of the Creek Nation of Indians. Ratified March 18, 1797. 

The Commissioners on the part of the United States were — 
Benjamin Hawkins, George Clymer, and Andrew Pickens. 

Tha Superintendent received instructions from the Commissioners to make the 
necessary arrangements for the reception of the Indians. On the 16th of June, 
at halt- past ten, all the kings, head men, and warriors, to the number of four 
hundred, marching under the flag of the United States, came to the Commission- 
ers, atiended by the officers of the garrison. They danced the eagle tail dance 
from their camp, and the four dancers at the head of the chiefs waved six times 
the eagle tail o/er the heads of the Commissioners. Six of the principal kings 
and head men came up and took the Commissioners by the hand. They then 
handed their pipes to the Commissioners, and held them, and the fire which they 
brought in their hands from the camp. The Commissioners lit them and smoked. 
There was a short interval between each dance and wave of the eagle tail, be- 
ginning always with the Commissioners, the same interval in the shake of the 
hands and the lighting of the pipe. 

After these ceremonies the Commissioners made a short address, and which 
they concluded thus : " You will all now take a drink with us, and smoke the 
pipe of friendship; our warriors will now welcome you here in their way." 



TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 125 

A signal being given, a salute of sixteen guns was discharged, and then the 
six chiefs were conducted by the Commissioners to their apartments, and they 
and their followers were entertained with wine and spirits. 

On the 17th, the Commissioners met the representation of the whole Creek Nation, 
present the three Commissioners of Georgia, twenty-two kings, seventy-rive prin- 
cipal chiefs, one hundred and fifty-two warriors, the Superintendent, Col. Gaither, 
and the officers of the garrison. The business was conducted from day to day until 
the 29th of June, when the treaty was completed and signed. On the following day, 
General James Jackson, on the part of Georgia, made a long speech, in which he 
pointed out the faithless observance of their treaties with his State, by the Creeks, 
and exhibited two schedules of the property which they had stolen, amounting to 
the value of one hundred and ten thousand dollars, which he demanded to be re- 
stored. The Indians listened with profound attention, and, when he had conclu- 
ded, they adjourned for the day — the Big Warrior, who had lately become a pro- 
minent chief, facetiously remarking, "I can fill up more paper than Jackson has 
done, with a list of similar outrages of the Georgians upon my people." 

The Georgia agents were offended with Seagrove, with the Indians, and with 
the Federal Commissioners. They presetted to the latter a protest, in which 
they accused them of having disregarded the interests of Georgia, and they 
brought charges against Seagrove, who, they contended, had influenced the 
Creeks not to cede the lands as far as the Ocmulgee. The Federal Commission- 
ers denied these allegations. Seagrove and Jackson became great enemies, and 
afterwards fou»ht a duel.* 



A Treaty of Limits between the United States and the Creek Nation of 

Indians. 

This treaty took place near Fort Wilkinson, on the Oconee River, 
on the 16th of June, 1802. Ratified January 11, 1803. 

The Commissioners on the part of the United States were — James 
Wilkinson, Benjamin Hawkins, and Andrew Pickens. This treaty 
is signed by forty chiefs and warriors. 



Treaty with the Creeks at the Agency, near Flint River, on November 3, 

1 804. 

The Indians cede to the United States certain lands in the forks 
of the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers in Georgia, &c. Signed by 
Benjamin Hawkins, and Hopoie Micco, and other Indians. 



Treaty with the Creeks, made at the City of Washington, on the I4.th day of 
November, 1805. Ratified June 2, 1806. 

In this treaty the Creeks agree to make a cession of a tract of land 
between the Oconee and Ocmulgee, in consideration of which the 

# Pickett's History of Alabama and Georgia. 



126 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

United States agree to pay to them annually, for eight years, 
$12,000, and $11,000 annually for ten years, &c. Signed by H. 
Dearborn, Secretary at War, and six Head Men of the Creek Nation. 



Treaty xoith the Creeks at Fort Jackson, concluded August 9, 1814. 

The Indians acknowledge having violated their treaties, cede a 
tract of country equivalent for the expenses of the war, &c. Signed 
by Andrew Jackson, and a number of Creek chiefs, deputies, and 
warriors. 



A Treaty of Limits between the United States and the Creek Nation of Indians. 

This treaty was made at the Creek Agency on the 22d of January, 
1818. Ratified March 28, 1818. Signed by David B. Mitchell, 
Agent of Indian Affairs for the Creek Nation, and sole Commissioner 
specially appointed for that purpose. 



Treaty entered into at the Indian Sprincs, ivith the Creeks, on the Sthday of 
January, 1821. Ratified March 2, 1821. 

Daniel M. Forney, of North Carolina, and David Meriwether, 
of Georgia, Commissioners on the part of the United States. 

This treaty is signed by twenty-six chiefs, in the presence of J. 
McIntosh, David Adams, Daniel Newnan, Commissioners of Geor- 
gia. 



Treaty made with the Creek Indians at the Indian Springs, 12/A day of 
February, 1825. 

Duncan G. Campbell and James Meriwether, Commissioners on 
the part of the United States. Signed by Duncan G. Campbell and 
James Meriwether, Commissioners on the part of the United States, 
and a number of warriors. 



Treaty made at the City of Washington on the 24th day of January, 1826, 
between James Barbour, Secretary of War, and certain Chiefs and Head 
Men of the Creek Nation of Indians. Ratified April 22, 1826. 

The preamble to this treaty declares, that a majority of the chiefs 
and warriors of the Creek Nation protested against the treaty con- 
cluded at the Indian Springs, on the 12th of February, 1825, and 
that it was not signed by persons having sufficient authority, and, 
therefore, the said treaty was declared null and void. A cession of 
land is made by the Creeks to the United States — $217,600 to 
be paid to the Creeks — a perpetual annuity of $20,000 to be secured 



TREATIES WITH THE INDIANS. 127 

to them — difficulties of the nation to be amicably adjusted — friends 
and followers of General Mcintosh to be paid $100,000 — improvements 
on ceded lands to be paid for, &c. Signed by James Barbour, and 
thirteen Head Men of the nation. 



Treaty with the Creeks at the Creek Agency, on the loth day of November, 
1827. Ratified March 4, 1828. 

The object of this treaty was to receive from the Creeks a cession 
of all the lands then owned by them in the State of Georgia. In con- 
sideration of this cession, the United States agreed to pay the Indians 
$27,491, &c. Signed by Thomas L. McKenney, John Crowell, 
on the part of the United States, and six Creek warriors, and after- 
wards signed by eighty-four Head Men in general council, as- 
sembled at Wetumpka, Jan. 3, 1828. 



Treaty concluded at New Echota, in the State of Georgia, on the 20th day 

of December, 1835. 

General William Carroll and John F. Schermerhorn, Commis- 
sioners on the part of the United States, and the Chiefs, Head Men, 
and people of the Cherokee tribe of Indians. Ratified May 23, 1836. 



128 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CREEKS AND GENERAL 
GOVERNMENT. 

In pursuance of the compact of 1802, between the United States 
and Georgia, by which the United States agreed to extinguish the 
Indian title to lands within the chartered limits of Georgia, Congress, 
in 1822, made an appropriation of $30,000 to defray the expenses 
of holding farther treaties with the Creeks and Cherokees. D. G. 
Campbell and James Meriwether, Esquires, were appointed Commis- 
sioners on the part of the United States. 

These gentlemen visited the Cherokee Nation in 1823, and em- 
ployed their best efforts to induce them to agree to a cession of their 
lands, but returned without accomplishing their object. The chiefs 
of the Cherokee Nation refused to meet the Commissioners on the 
subject of making cessions of lands, and also declared in their 
National Council, " hereafter never to make any cession of lands." 

It is said that General William Mcintosh, a chief of the Creek 
Nation, and his son, attended the Council, and were at first treated 
with great respect ; but upon its being discovered that Gen. Mcin- 
tosh had attempted to bribe some of the chiefs to vote in favour of 
a cession of lands, it was resolved that no more confidence should be 
placed in him, and what may be called a sentence of degradation was 
pronounced against him. 

The attention of the Commissioners was then directed to the 
Creeks; and on the first of December, 1824, they met their chiefs 
at Thle-cath-ca, or Broken Arrow, the seat of their National Coun- 
cil. At this meeting a cession of lands was proposed; but it was 
refused, although it was believed that a portion of the chiefs was 
disposed to make a cession. At the Council at Broken Arrow, a 
communication from the Cherokees, advising the Creeks not to 
dispose of any more of their territory, was read by the sub-agent. 
Other improper interferences on the part of the functionaries of the 
General Government, it was confidently believed, prevented the Coun- 
cil from acceding to the propositions of the Commissioners. Mr. 
Campbell, not feeling authorized to conclude a treaty without the 
concurrence of all the chiefs, repaired to Washington, for the purpose 
of obtaining the President's permission to convene the chiefs within 
the limits of Georgia, to negotiate with them, exclusive of a deputa- 
tion of chiefs from the upper towns. Mr. Monroe declined acceding 
to this proposition, but ordered a renewal of negotiations with the 
whole nation. Accordingly, a meeting of the chiefs was summoned 
to meet at the Indian Springs, in the limits of Georgia, on the 7th of 
February, 1825. On the 10th of the same month, the Commission- 
ers met the chiefs and warriors, and explained their object. On the 
morning of the 1 1th, at the Council, O-poth-le-yoholo, speaker of the 
nation, replied to the talk of the Commissioners, on behalf of the Big 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CREEKS AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 129 

Warrior,* the head chief of the nation, in which he declared that no 
treaty could be made for a cession of lands, and invited them to a 
meeting- to be held at Broken Arrow three months afterwards. This 
was the only answer, he said, he was authorized to give. On the 
following night the chiefs and warriors of the Cussetuhs and Soowoo- 
galoos went home by order of the Big Warrior. On the 12th, a 
treaty was signed with the Mcintosh party. 

The day after the treaty was signed, Col. John Crowell, Age: • for 
the Creek Indians, addressed a letter to the Secretary at War, in 
which he informed him, that the treaty was in direct opposition to the 
letter and spirit of the instructions to the Commissioners. A short 
time after writing this letter Col. Crowell went to Washing- - 
ton, and soon after his departure, a council of the Creek Nation 
was held at Broken Arrow, in which a protest against the treaty at 
the Indian Springs was adopted. The treaty was, however, sent to 
Washington, and, on the 3d of March, 1825, was ratified. On the 
next day after the President signed the treaty, the protest of the 
chiefs at Broken Arrow was received at the War Department. When 
it was known that the treaty was ratified, great excitement prevailed 
among the Indians. Mcintosh, accompanied by a few chiefs, repaired 
to Milledgeville, and had an interview with Governor Troup, during 
which they expressed their fears of hostility from the part of the na- 
tion opposed to the treaty, and craved the protection of the United 
States and Georgia. That protection was promised. It must be 
stated that the Indians opposed to this treaty declared, that at one of 
their councils a law was enacted, making it a capital offence for any 
one in authority to cede away lands Avithout the consent of the na- 
tion. Serious doubts were entertained as to the existence of such a 
law. The chiefs in council did not affirm that any such law was on 
record. A white man, who had lived among the Indians between 
twenty and thirty years, affirmed that he was acquainted with no 
such law. It was contended that no law of this kind existed, because 
its penalties were not inflicted upon the chiefs who ceded away lands 
in 1818 or '19. Governor Troup, desirous of learning the extent of 
the dissatisfaction among the Creeks, dispatched Col. H. G. Lamar 
with a talk to the chiefs and head men of Cussetuh and Took-au- 
batchee, who were met in several councils. Col. Lamar returned 
with the confident impression, that as soon as the ratification of the 
treaty was known, the hostiles would acquiesce. On the 21st of 
March, Governor Troup issued his proclamation announcing the rati- 
fication of the treaty, and on the 29th, he addressed a letter to Mcin- 
tosh, requesting his permission to survey the territory ceded by the 
treaty, to which Mcintosh replied, that the chiefs would convene on 
the 10th of April, and that he w r ould submit the proposal ; and on the 
12th, the consent of Mcintosh and his party was obtained, upon the 
condition that the General Government had no objections. It is due 

* Big Warrior died at Washington City on the 8th of March, 1825. He is said to 
have been a man of great talents. During the Indian wars he was uniformly friendly 
to the whites 

9 



130 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

to Governor Troup to observe, that the object contemplated by him 
in requesting the survey, was not to settle the country one day earlier 
than the provisions of the treaty would authorize, but to save the 
time consumed in that operation, to extend its laws over it, and to 
settle it immediately on the departure of the Indians. 

On the 8th of May, 1825, the governor received intelligence that, 
on Saturday morning, the 1st of May, an attack was made by a large 
body of Indians, supposed to be four hundred, who surrounded the 
house of Mcintosh, set fire to it, shot him, and threw his body into 
the flames. Two other chiefs, Etomme Tustunnugge, and Colonel 
Hawkins, being among those who had signed the treaty, were also 
killed. They also plundered and destroyed considerable property.* 
Two days after Governor Troup was informed of these occurrences 
he issued his orders to the Major-Generals of the 5th, 6th, and 7th 
divisions of the militia of Georgia, to hold their divisions ready to 
march at a moment's warning, in case the United States bound by 
the Constitution and Treaty to repress and punish hostility among the 
Indians, and maintain peace on the borders of Georgia, should by 
any means fail of their duty in these respects. The alarm which 
ensued was very great. The Mcintosh party stated their belief that 
this outrage was owing to the influence of a white man, who was op- 
posed to the treaty ; and a communication was addressed by the 
deputies of the Mcintosh party to James Barbour, Secretary at War, 
dated May 17, 1825, in which it was stated "that they could trust 
Colonel Crowell, their Agent, no longer ; that he was opposed to the 
treaty at the Indian Springs, and endeavoured to prevent the Creeks 
from selling their lands ; and begged the President to appoint an 
agent in whose hands they could feel safe to go west of the Missis- 
sippi. If Colonel Crowell is continued, we fear the friends of Gene- 
ral Mcintosh will be sacrificed." Governor Troup considered it a duty 
to prefer charges against Colonel Crowell, and T. P. Andrews, Esq., 
was appointed by the President to examine into these charges, as 
well as those made by Chilly Mcintosh, and other chiefs of the 
Creek Nation. Upon the arrival of the agent at Milledgeville, he re- 
quested Governor Troup to furnish him with any charges which he 
might have against Colonel Crow T ell, which the Governor promptly 
did. The charges were the following : — 

1st. — Predetermined opposition to prevent the Indians, by all the 
means in his power, from making any cession of their lands in favour 
of the Georgians, and this from the most unworthy and most unjusti- 
fiable of all motives. 

2d. — With advising and instigating, in chief, the death of Mcintosh 
and his friends. 

About this time, also, General Gaines was ordered to repair to Mil- 
ledgeville, to consult with Governor Troup on the proper measures to 
be adopted in the then situation of affairs. Space cannot be given to 
the extensive correspondence between the agents of the General Go- 

* See Biographical Sketch of Mcintosh. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CREEKS AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 131 

vemment and Governor Troup. It was conducted with acrimony on 
both sides, and if Governor Troup used, what was supposed, harsh 
language in reference to the matters in dispute, it must be ascribed 
to the sense of wrong under which he believed the people of Georgia 
were then labouring. 

An extra meeting of the Legislature, to assemble on the 23d of 
May, 1825, was called by Governor Troup. That body met, and di- 
rected the survey and appropriation of the territory ceded by the 
treaty at the Indian Springs. The Committee on the state of the 
republic, to whom was referred the subjects of the conduct of the 
agent of the Creek Indian affairs in relation to the late treaty with 
that nation, and also in respect to the murder of General Mcintosh 
and others of the Creek chiefs, by their chairman, Mr. Blackshear, 
made a report, which was adopted, and of which the following is an 
abstract : — 

That the very considerable power in his hands of affecting the interest of this 
State has been prostituted to purposes unworthy in themselves and foreign from 
the objects of his appointment: That, in the opinion of this Legislature, objects 
of private interest, and purposes arising in the strife of State politics, have mainly 
influenced and governed his conduct, and that he has hence been either the ad- 
vocate or the opponent of the rights of this State, as those rights have happened, 
from time to time, to coincide with, or stand opposed to, the private advantage 
of him or his friends, and his political predilections ; to which, in the opinion of 
this Legislature, he has long been, and now is willing to sacrifice the interests 
of the General Government and the happiness and safety of the Creek Indians : 
That his continuance in office hitherto has been, and hereafter will be, greatly to 
the injury of this State, and that the confidence of a large part of the Creek Na- 
tion is now so irrecoverably alienated from him, that it would hereafter be im- 
possible for him to administer and superintend their affairs to their advantage 
and comfort, even if he were disposed so to do ; and that this Legislature do re- 
quest of the President of the United States to remove the said agent from office, 
to the end that all due and proper proof of his delinquency may be made. 

Be it further resolved. That his Excellency the Governor do appoint two or more 
fit and proper persons to collect and receive evidence therein, and that such per- 
sons, when so appointed by his Excellency the Governor, shall be invested with 
all the power of sending for persons and papers, and of examining witnesses, that 
is vested in either or both houses of this Legislature. 

In 18 — , the President determined to refer the treaty to Congress 
for reconsideration, on the ground that intrigue and treachery were 
practised to obtain it. Governor Troup ordered the surveys not to 
be commenced, and in his message to the Legislature in November, 
1825, he assigns his reasons for so directing. 

It would be uncandid, fellow-citizens, to disguise, that but for the proposed ref- 
erence to Congress, the survey would have been commenced and prosecuted. 
So long as the controversy was confined to the Executive of the Union and the 



132 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Executive of Georgia, there could be no hesitation as to the measures which it be- 
came the latter to pursue. Between States equally independent, it is not required 
of the weaker to yield to the stronger, because this would be settling controver- 
sies by the rule of force, not by the rule of right, and between sovereigns the 
weaker is equally qualified as the stronger to pass upon its rights. The imme- 
diate survey of the country, required certainly by the interest and convenience of 
Georgia, was not of that vital importance which would justify offensive mea- 
sures to execute it. But the abandonment of a right, not considered doubtful by 
the only power competent to pronounce upon it. was another and a very different 
matter. The concession of a right without an equivalent by a weaker to a strong- 
er power, is never made without exposing the former to injurious imputation, 
and will always be followed by concession after concession to unjust demands, 
until nothing remains to be demanded on the one side, or conceded on the other. 
When therefore the President of the United States commanded the Governor of 
Georgia to forbear the survey, and when that command was followed by a dis- 
tinct annunciation of the penalty which awaited the disobedience of it, the Exe- 
cutive of Georgia would not merely have surrendered a right already declared 
to be so by the supreme power of the State, but would have made a dishonoura- 
ble surrender to a stronger power, with the sword suspended over his head. 
Whilst, therefore, the Governor would in this respect have treated the mandate 
of the President as unlawful, he did not hesitate, as soon as the contemplated ref- 
erence of the treaty for alleged intrigue and treachery was officially known 
to him. to postpone the survey till the meeting of the Legislature; not because 
that reference was lawful, but that its legality or illegality was not so appro- 
priately a question for his decision as for that of the Legislature. So that whilst 
the government of Georgia denied the power of the Executive authority of the 
United States to pronounce upon her rights, it might not refuse to the assembled 
States of the Union the opportunity of investigating certain claims, or discuss- 
ing certain questions in controversy connected with the treaty, or with her own 
character and conduct in relation to it. So far as that character and conduct were 
in any manner involved in the negotiation or conclusion of the treaty, or in the 
events which preceded and followed, their purity, uprightness and justice might 
freely be canvassed before the whole world. Thus much was conceded for our 
own sake, until the meeting of the Legislature — the rights of the State were saved 
by protestation, and the Legislature is yet free to act upon the subject, as if no 
measure had been taken by the Executive in relation to that reference. 

By a resolution of the Legislature of the 14th of June, 1825, Gov 
Troup was authorized to appoint Commissioners to collect and receive 
evidence in regard to the conduct of the Indian Agent. Warren 
Jourdan, W. W. Williamson, Seaborn Jones, and Wm. H. Torrance, 
Esqs., were appointed. In their report to Gov. Troup, the Commission- 
ers of Georgia state that they were inhibited by Gen. Gaines from any 
participation in the counsels — that impediments were thrown in the 
way of obtaining testimony — intercourse with the Indians refused 

them, &c. In his message to the Legislature of , Gov. Troup 

justly remonstrates against such proceedings. Other grounds ot 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHIEFS AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 133 

complaint are adverted to, but our limits forbid a mention of them in 
detail. It may be proper, however, to remark, that owing to letters 
written by the Special Agent, T. P. Andrews, Gov. Troup, in a letter 
addressed to him, June 28, requested that he would hold no further 
correspondence with him. Gen. Gaines also, in the opinion of Gov. 
Troup, was guilty of indignities to the government of Georgia, and he 
not only declined any intercourse with him, but demanded of the Ge- 
neral Government his recall, arrest, trial and -punishment. The Legis- 
lature of this year declared by resolution that they conceived that the 
treaty at the Indian Springs contained intrinsic evidence of its " own 
fairness, etc.," and that their confidence in the gentlemen who negotia- 
ted it remained umimpaired. By this same Legislature it was also 
resolved, that 

Full reliance is and ought to be placed in the treaty lately concluded between 
the United States for the use of Georgia and the Creek Nation of Indians at the 
Indian Springs — that the title of the territory obtained by said treaty within the 
limits of Georgia is considered as an absolute vested interest ; and that nothing 
short of the whole territory thus acquired will be satisfactory, and that the right 
of entry immediately upon the expiration of the time limited in the treaty be 
insisted on, and accordingly carried into effect.* 

President Adams presented to the Senate, for their ratification, a 
treaty made on the 24th day of January, 1826, as a substitute for the 
one signed at the Indian Springs on the 12th of February, 1825. 
This treaty was ratified by the Senate. The Georgia delegation, then 
composed of Alfred Cuthbert, George Cary, John Forsyth, E. F. 
Tattnall, C. H. Haynes, Wiley Thompson, and James Meriwether, 
protested against the treaty in the following manner : — 

The President of the United States having submitted to the House of Repre- 
sentatives a contract made by James Barbour, Secretary of War, and certain 
Indians of the Creek tribe, dated the 26th day of January, 1826, which has been 
ratified by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, 
and having asked of Congress an appropriation to carry it into effect, the un- 
dersigned representatives of the people of Georgia feel it their duty respectfully 
to represent to the House, 

That, by a contract made at the Indian Springs, between certain chiefs of the 
Creek tribe and the Commissioners of the United States, on the 1 2th of February, 
1825, the claim of the Creek Indians to the land occupied by that tribe in Geor- 
gia was extinguished, and provision made for their removal by the 1st day of 
September, 1826. 

That this contract was, on the 7th of March, duly and solemnly ratified and 

* By referring to Pickett's History of Alabama and Georgia, page 316, 1st vol., the 
reader will perceive how completely the justification of the Government of Georgia is 
made out from beginning to end of the Indian controversy. The compiler takes 
great pleasure in expressing the opinion that few works have been prepared with 
greater attention to authorities than Mr. Pickett's History. 



134 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

proclaimed by the President of the United States, acting by the advice and with 
the consent of the Senate, and that Congress, anticipating such contract, had 
appropriated the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars towards the exe- 
cution of it. This contract partially fulfilled, on the part of the United States, 
their obligation under the compact with Georgia of 1802, and removed every 
difficulty interposed by the occupation of the Creek Indians to the full exercise 
of all the vested rights of the State over a considerable portion of her soil and 
territory. 

That the undersigned are under the solemn conviction that neither the Presi- 
dent alone, nor the President and Senate conjointly, nor the government of the 
United States, have any constitutional power, without the consent of Georgia, to 
interrupt or invalidate, under any pretence whatsoever, the right secured to that 
State by this contract, made in obedience to an act of Congress, and ratified with 
all due solemnity. 

That the new contract, for which an appropriation is now asked, differs from 
that at the Indian Springs in this : — That it does not provide for the removal of 
the Creek Indians prior to 1827, and does not expressly provide for their removal 
from all the land occupied by them in Georgia. The undersigned are, therefore, 
compelled, by a just sense of what is due to Georgia, to protest, as they do most 
solemnly protest, against it, as violating the rights of that member of the Union 
of which they are the representatives, leaving it to the constitutional organs of 
the State sovereignty to vindicate or to waive these rights, as their own sense of 
propriety, their duty to the people of the State, and their reverence for the Union 
of the States, under the Federal Constitution, may dictate. 

To this treaty Governor Troup paid no attention. His objections 
were, that " Georgia, for whose benefit alone the treaty was nego- 
tiated, was deprived, without her consent, of interests already vested. 
The party with whom the old treaty had been negotiated was not 
recognized at all in the conclusion of the new ; and in the execution 
of the new treaty, without their consent, and even against their 
consent, they have not only been deprived of every right which 
they could claim under the old, or new, but have been, to all intents 
and purposes, denationalized, and forced either to submit uncondition- 
ally to the power of their enemies, or abandon their country. Besides, 
lands the rightful property of Georgia were taken from her, and 
ceded to the Indians forever, and the jurisdiction over the river Chat- 
tahoochee, which had been secured exclusively to her by her original 
charter, by her constitution, and by the articles of agreement and 
cession, was divided by the new treaty between Alabama and Geor- 
gia." 

The subject was taken up by the Legislature of 1826, and they 
adopted a resolution, by which it was declared, that the attempted 
abrogation of the treaty of the Indian Springs by the treaty of Wash- 
ington, in so far as it divested Georgia of any right acquired under the 
former, is illegal and unconstitutional, &c. In July, 1826, Governor 
Troup ordered certain Commissioners to run the line between Georgia 
and Alabama, as laid down by the compact of 1802, and on the 1st of 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CREEKS AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 135 

September he ordered the districts to be surveyed. The Indians 
complained of this, and the Secretary of War wrote to Governor 
Troup, that " the President felt himself compelled to employ all the 
means under his control to maintain the faith of the nation by carry- 
ing the treaty into effect." In reply to this communication the Gover- 
nor said, that " he would feel it to be his duty to resist to the utmost 
any military attack which the President of the United States shall 
think proper to make upen the territory, the people, or the sovereignty 
of Georgia. From the first decisive act of hostility, you will be con- 
sidered and treated as a public enemy. You have referred me as 
the rule of my conduct to the treaty of Washington. In turn, I refer 
you to a treaty of prior date and prior ratification, concluded at the 
Indian Springs." 

The President having issued orders to prosecute the surveyors, 
Governor Troup ordered the proper officers, in every instance of com- 
plaint made of the arrest of any surveyor, " to take all necessary and 
legal measures to effect their liberation, and to bring to justice all the 
parties concerned in such arrests, as violators of the peace and per- 
sonal security of the State." Upon the same day he ordered the 
major-generals of the 6th and 7th divisions to issue orders to hold the 
several regimejits and battalions in readiness to repel any hostile 
invasion of the State. 

Happily for the country, no acts of violence were committed upon 
the part of the General Government. The surveyors were not arrested, 
the surveys were completed, and the entire territory covered by the 
old treaty was organized, and disposed of by lottery, in 1827. 



136 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 



We have seen in another part of this work that, in the year 1827, 
the difficulties between the General Government, the State of 
Georgia, and the Creek Indians, were adjusted by the acquisition 
of the whole territory of the latter within the limits of Georgia. 

In relation to the Cherokees, the case was far different. They 
then occupied the entire northwestern part of Georgia, which is still 
known as Cherokee Georgia. 

They had their own printed Constitution and code of laws, by 
which they had declared themselves an independent State, and 
claimed the guarantees made to them, by treaty stipulations on the 
part* of the United States, (by many thought to have been illegally 
and imprudently made,) to protect them in the peaceful and quiet 
possession of the country occupied by them, securing the same to 
them and to their heirs forever. 

The United States claimed the right of enforcing the intercourse laws 
for the government of the Indian tribes, which prohibited any person 
from settling on Indian territory, or trading in any article whatever with 
any Indian, without a special license from the proper authority. 

The State of Georgia had extended her criminal jurisdiction over 
the Cherokee territory, and the Cherokee Nation had passed a law 
that no person should settle on their lands, or trade with their people, 
without a permit from their authorities. 

It is easy, therefore, to perceive that the laws of these three differ- 
ent governments, intended to govern the same people, must have 
been found to be in conflict with each other, and constantly render 
ing them liable to collision. 

Whilst this state of things existed, Georgia could not hope to free 
herself from the inconveniences resulting from having a people with- 
in her limits who refused to obey her laws. 

Repeated efforts had been made to induce the Cherokees to ex- 
change the territory they claimed within the limits of Georgia, for a 
country west of the Mississippi River, but with no success. 

In 1827, the Hon. Wilson Lumpkin, who was then a member of 
Congress, consulted with his colleagues in reference to the proper 
measures to be adopted, by which the removal of the Cherokees 
could be effected. His suggestions were frankly made and repect- 
fully considered, but no definite and united efforts were agreed upon ; 
indeed, the Georgia delegation generally entertained the opinion that 
nothing effective in relation to the removal of the Cherokees could 
be done under the administration of Mr. John Quincy Adams. 

Mr. Lumpkin was placed upon the Committee of Indian Affairs, 
and, on the 13th day of November, 1827, he introduced the following 
resolution : 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE GHEROKEES. 137 

" Resolved, That the Committee of Indian Affairs be instructed to 
inquire into the expediency of providing, by law, for the removal of 
the various tribes of Indians who have located within the States, or 
territories of the United States, to some eligible situation west of the 
Mississippi." This resolution was adopted, and the Committee of 
Indian Affairs made a report, accompanied by a bill, providing for the 
removal of Indians still remaining within any of the States or territo- 
ries, and for their permanent settlement west of the Mississippi. The 
bill encountered violent opposition, but it finally passed. 

The provisions of the act of Congress were considered plain, salu- 
tary, and comprehensive. They secured to the Indians forever the 
undisputed possession and control of the regions allotted them, and 
made such arrangements as were essential to the subsistence, safety, 
and comfortable establishment of the colonists. Under this act many 
Indians, from different States, emigrated to the West ; but, although 
efforts were made by the General Government to induce the Chero- 
kees to avail themselves of the provisions of Congress, a few (about 
seven hundred) consented to do so. 

We might fill a volume with a narrative of the difficulties which 
were produced by the refusal of the Cherokees to remove, but our 
statement must be brief, although, we hope, sufficiently comprehen- 
sive to embrace the principal facts connected with this portion of the 
history of Georgia. 

It must be kept in mind that Georgia had, in 1828, extended her 
criminal jurisdiction over that part of her territory claimed by the 
Cherokees, besides passing many laws intended to operate upon that 
people. On the 22d of December, 1830, Governor Gilmer made a 
communication to the Legislature then in session, in which he in- 
formed this body that he had, on that day, received a citation, ad- 
dressed to the State of Georgia, signed by John Marshall, Chief- 
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, to appear before 
said court, on the second Monday in January, 1831, to answer to that 
tribunal for having caused a person who had committed murder with- 
in the limits of the State to be tried and convicted therefor. In 
commenting upon this citation, Governor Gilmer said : 

"So far as concerns the exercise of the power which belongs to the Executive 
Department, orders received from the Supreme Court, for the purpose of staying, 
or in any manner interfering with the decisions of the courts of the State, in the 
exercise of their constitutional jurisdiction, will be disregarded ; and any attempt 
to enforce such order will be resisted with whatever force the laws have placed 
at my command. 

" If the judicial power thus attempted to be exercised by the courts of the Uni- 
ted States is submitted to, or sustained, it must eventuate in the utter annihila- 
tion of the State governments, or in other consequences, not less fatal to the peace 
and prosperity of our present highly favoured country." 

The Governor's communication was referred to a Select Committee, 
who made the following report, viz. 



138 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

"Whereas, it appears by a communication made by his Excellency the Gov- 
ernor to the General Assembly, that the Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of 
the United States has sanctioned a writ of error, and cited the State of Georgia, 
through her Chief Magistrate, to appear before the Supreme Court of the United 
States, to defend said State against said writ of error, at the instance of one 
George Tassels, recently convicted in Hall Superior Court ; 

" And whereas, the right to punish crimes against the peace and good order of 
this State, in accordance with the existing laws of this State, is an original and 
a necessary part of sovereignty which the State of Georgia has never parted 
with : — 

" Be it therefore resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives, fyc, That they 
view with feelings of deep regret the interference, by the Chief-Justice of the 
Supreme Court, of the United States, in the administration of the criminal laws 
of this State, and that such an interference is a flagrant violation of her rights. 

" Resolved further, That his Excellency the Governor be, and he, and every 
other officer of this State, is hereby requested and enjoined to disregard any and 
every mandate and process that has been or shall be served upon him or them, 
purporting to proceed from the Chief-Justice / or any associate Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States, for the purpose of arresting the execution of any 
of the criminal laws of this State. 

" And be it further resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be, and he is 
hereby authorized and required, with all the force and means placed at his com- 
mand, by the Constitution and laws of this State, to resist and repel any and 
every invasion, from whatever quarter, upon the administration of the criminal 
laws of this State. 

" Resolved, That the State of Georgia will never so far compromit her sover- 
eignty, as an independent State, as to become a party to the case sought to be 
made before the Supreme Court of the United States by the writ in question. 

" Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby authorized, 
to communicate to the Sheriff of Hall County, by express, so much of the fore- 
going resolutions, and such orders, as are necessary to insure the full execution of 
the laws, in the case of George Tassels, convicted of murder in Hall County." 

The resolution relative to the execution of Tassels was enforced a 
few days after its passage, and gave rise to much excitement among 
the Cherokees, as well as among the citizens of certain portions of the 
United States. 

Many severe charges were brought against the State of Georgia 
by her enemies, in reference to this matter, and numerous public 
meetings were held, and petitions forwarded to Congress. 

On the 27th of December, 1830, and the 1st of January, 1831, a 
notice was served on the Governor and Attorney-General of Georgia, 
signed by John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, that on 
the 5th of March, 1831, at the City of Washington, the Cherokee 
Nation would, by their counsel, move the Supreme Court of the Uni- 
ted States for an injunction to restrain the State of Georgia from 
executing her laws within the Cherokee territory. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 139 

With this notice there was also sent to the Governor and Attorney- 
General a copy of the bill containing the grounds upon which the 
said motion would be made. 

On the day named the case came before the Supreme Court, John 
Sargeant and William Wirt, Esquires, being counsel for the Chero- 
kees. The State of Georgia did not appear. 

The bill was very long, and recited with much particularity the 
grounds of complaint which the Cherokees had against the State of 
Georgia, and was supported by Mr. Sargeant and Mr. Wirt with 
much learning and eloquence. 

Chief- Justice Marshall, Judge Johnson, and Judge Baldwin, voted 
against granting the injunction, and Judge Thompson and Judge 
Story in favour of it. 

At the session of the Legislature of Georgia, 1831, Mr. Lumpkin, 
who was then Governor, was requested by that body to communicate 
any information in his possession, together with his views in relation 
to the Cherokee Nation, and the immediate survey and occupancy of 
the Cherokee lands. To this request he responded, recommending 
an immediate survey of the Cherokee territory ; and after the com- 
pletion of the survey, he further recommended that Georgia should 
pause for a time and endeavour to maintain her present unpleasant, 
expensive, and embarrassing situation, in the hope that better coun- 
sels might then prevail among the Indians, and that those who gov- 
erned them, might yield to such measures as would promote their real 
and lasting interest. Should circumstances, however, render it indis- 
pensable, he further recommended to take possession of the unoccu- 
pied territory. 

The Legislature authorized the survey, and the Governor accord- 
ingly, in April, 1831, ordered it to be made. Great excitement fol- 
lowed, but the survey was made and completed before the meeting of 
the next Legislature. During this year a majority of the judges of the 
Supreme Court of the United States issued a mandate to the Su- 
perior Court of Gwinnett County, ordering a reversal of the decree 
under whirh the Rev. Messrs. Worcester and Butler were imprisoned 
in the penitentiary. These gentlemen, with nine others, were con- 
victed of illegal residence among the Cherokees, and sentenced to im- 
prisonment for four years, at hard labour, in the penitentiary. The 
influence of the missionaries was considered by many persons in 
Georgia a serious obstacle in the way of the arrangements proposed 
to be made with the Cherokees. 

The missionaries were accused of giving advice on political ques- 
tions. On the 29th of December, 1830, they held a meeting at New 
Echota, at which, among other resolutions, they adopted the follow- 
ing, viz. : " That the frequent insinuations which have been publicly 
made, that missionaries have used an influence in directing the politi- 
cal affairs of this nation, demand from us an explicit and public dis- 
avowal of the charge ; and we therefore solemnly affirm, that, in re- 
gard to ourselves at least, every such insinuation is entirely unfound- 
ed." They also expressed their opinion, that the establishment of 



140 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the jurisdiction of Georgia over the Cherokee people, against their will, 
would be an immense and irreparable injury. Such sentiments served 
to inflame the people of Georgia against the missionaries. A law was 
passed by Georgia, which enacted that all white men who should be 
found residing on the Cherokee lands after a certain time, without 
having taken an oath of allegiance to the State, should be imprison- 
ed in the penitentiary, at hard labour, for not less than four years. 
The missionaries determined to disregard this law, and Mr. Proctor, 
Mr. Worcester, and Mr. Thompson were arrested by the Georgia 
Guard. Worcester and Thompson were afterwards. taken, by a writ 
of habeas corpus, before the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, 
where their counsel moved for their release, on the ground that the 
law was unconstitutional and void. Judge Clayton overruled this 
motion, but he decided that, as Mr. Worcester was a postmaster, 
and as all the missionaries had been employed in ' expending the 
United States fund for civilizing the Indians, the law did not apply 
to them. They were therefore discharged. On the 16th of May, 
Governor Gilmer wrote to the missionaries, informing them that 
sufficient evidence had been obtained from the Government of the 
United States that they were not its agents, and requiring them to 
leave the country with as little delay as possible, under penalty of 
another arrest. The missionaries refused to obey the order. They 
were again arrested and brought before the Inferior Court of 
Gwinnett County, and gave bonds to appear for trial before the 
Superior Court. On the 15th of September, the trial came on, and 
thev were found guilty, and sentenced to the penitentiary, but recom- 
mended to Executive clemency, if they would promise to take the oath 
of allegiance, or leave the Cherokee country. On their arrival at the 
penitentiary, Governor Gilmer directed the proper officers to ascer- 
tain whether they would leave the State and accept pardon. Messrs. 
Worcester and Butler refusing to do so, were committed to prison ac- 
cording to their sentence. It may be well to state here, that upon the 
receipt of a mandate of the Supreme Court of the United States, re- 
lating to the case of the missionaries, their counsel moved in the Supe- 
rior Court of Georgia that the mandate be received and recorded, 
and the missionaries discharged, but the Court refused to do so. 
These gentlemen were afterwards pardoned by Gov. Lumpkin. It 
was said that, by pardoning them, he had compromitted the rights of 
Georgia ; that he solicited them to ask for their pardon. Persons 
whose connection with the Government at that time gave them the 
best opportunities of knowing the truth, positively denied this. We 
believe the facts in the case were these : 

The missionaries were advised by their friends to change their 
course. They inquired of the keeper of the penitentiary whether 
the Governor would release them if they removed their suit then 
pending in the Supreme Court. Their inquiries were submitted to 
the Governor, who replied, that whenever they yielded to the autho- 
rity of Georgia, they should be pardoned. This was communicated to 
them, and they immediately addressed a letter to the Prudential Com- 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 141 

mittee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 
asking their advice in the matter. The Secretary replied, that the 
Board were of the opinion that they ought not to avail themselves 
of the offer of a pardon. 

Early, however, in January, 1833, the Secretary of the Board ad- 
dressed a letter to them, in which he said, that a due regard to pub- 
lic opinion, and the cause of religion, required! that they should with- 
draw their suit. This letter was received on the evening of the 
8th of January, 1833, and the same evening, Messrs. Worcester and 
Butler instructed their attorney, Mr. Wirt, to prosecute their suit 
no further, and communicated the fact to the Governor and Attor- 
ney-General of the State. In their communication to the Governor, 
they remarked, that "we have not been led to the adoption of this 
measure by any change of views in regard to the principles on which 
we have acted." The Governor considered this communication dis- 
respectful, and " determined, that as long as they regarded the ' prin- 
ciples on which they had acted' so highly, they might stand by them 
in the penitentiary.'''' They were informed the next day what recep- 
tion their communication had met with, upon which they asked 
Colonel Cuthbert to request the Governor to permit them to with- 
draw the communication, in order to correct it in its objectionable 
parts ; this the Governor refused, and they then addressed to him 
the following- note : 



Penitentiary, Milledgeville, Jan. 9th, 1833. 

To His Excellency Wilson Lumpkin, 

Governor of the State of Georgia : 

Sir, — We are sorry to be informed that some expressions in oui 
communication of yesterday were regarded by your Excellency as an 
indignity offered to the State, or its authorities. Nothing could be 
further from our design. In the course we have now taken, it has 
been our intention simply to forbear the prosecution of our case, and 
to leave the question of the continuance in confinement to the mag- 
nanimity of the State. 

We are respectfully yours, 

S. A. Worcester. 
Elizur Butler. 



Soon after the adjournment of the Legislature of 1831, Gov. 
Lumpkin communicated to the President of the United States the 
views of Georgia on the subject of the unoccupied lands in the 
Cherokee country. The President manifested a disposition to effect 
an amicable adjustment of difficulties. He proposed to the Chero- 
kees terms, but they were rejected. 

In obedience to the resolution of the Legislature of Georgia, the 
Justices of the Inferior Courts were directed to receive and return 



142 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the names of persons entitled to draws in the lottery. This was done, 
and the lottery commenced on the 22d of October, 1832. 

In his message to the Legislature of 1833, Gov. Lumpkin an- 
nounced that the lotteries were completed, and that the act of the 
Legislature providing for the organization of ten counties from the 
territory thus disposed of, had been carried into effect. In the early 
part of this year, renewed efforts were made by the President of the 
United States to effect a treaty with the Cherokees, but it was sup- 
posed that these were defeated by a few of the half-breeds. They were, 
however, continued, with a hope that the day was near when Georgia 
would be relieved from the perplexities under which she laboured, by 
having an Indian population within her limits. 

The act of the Legislature passed this year, more effectually to 
provide for the government and protection of the Cherokees, &c, 
met with considerable opposition. Various petitions for bills of in- 
junction were made to the proper authority. Gov. Lumpkin, acting 
under an act of the Legislature, had appointed William G. Springer, 
Esq., agent for carrying into effect the provisions of the act in refer- 
ence to Indian improvements. In consequence of this act, many bills 
of injunction were filed, and sanctioned by Judge Hooper. 

The judicial conduct of this gentleman was animadverted upon by 
Gov. Lumpkin in his message to the Legislature. He charged 
him with ob, f .* rusting the policy of the State upon the Cherokee 
subject, &c. 

The House of Representatives resolved "that a committee be ap- 
pointed to investigate the entire judicial conduct of Judge Hooper ; 
that said committee have power to send for persons and papers, and 
should they deem it expedient, to report by articles of impeachment, 
by address or otherwise." 

The Committee met on the 8th of December, and ordered some 
sixty persons to be subpoenaed. In consequence of the multitude of 
witnesses, and the amount of testimony, the Committee was unable 
to complete its examination during the session, and no further notice 
was taken of the matter. 

In 1832, the Hon. Lewis Cass addressed a communication to the 
Cherokees, in which he stated that the President of the United States 
had been informed that a change had probably taken place in the 
sentiments they had heretofore entertained on the subject of a re- 
moval, and that propositions in reference to this matter would be 
favourably received ; that the President was convinced that a re- 
moval would lay a sure foundation for their future improvement and 
civilization. Mr. Cass also stated that the President would enter 
into an arrangement with them, upon certain general principles, &c, 
but his overtures were rejected. 

In 1834, a treaty was entered into by a delegation of the Cherokees, 
at Washington ; but the Senate of the United States declined acting 
upon it. 

In the course of this year, considerable alarm was felt among the 
citizens of Georgia residing in the Cherokee territory, on account of 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 143 

various acts of violence on the part of the Cherokee Indians. Several 
distinguished natives were shot, because it was thought they were 
favourable to the policy of the General Government upon the subject 
of emigration. In some sections, such was the alarm, that the citi- 
zens met and adopted the most stringent resolutions, and requested 
Governor Lumpkin to cause troops to be stationed at suitable points to 
protect the people ; with which requesc he complied. 

A body of men called the Georgia Guard had been organized 
agreeably to an act of the Legislature. It was their duty to protect 
the citizens of Georgia and the friendly Cherokees. 

The arrest and confinement of John Howard Payne, who was 
travelling among the Cherokees for information, as was said, was con- 
sidered as an act of oppression on the part of the Georgia Guard. 

Mr. Payne was suspected of writing papers of an improper 
character. Col. William N. Bishop, the commander of the Georgia 
Guard, represented to the Governor that he had examined some 
of Payne's papers, and found some very improper and indiscreet 
statements in relation to the President, our Government and State 
authorities, and many bitter remarks concerning Cherokee matters, 
but finally concluded that they were not of such a nature as would 
justify his being bound over to answer for his offence in our courts. 
He, therefore, discharged him. This arrest took place in the State 
of Tennessee, the Governor of which addressed a letter Jo the Execu- 
tive of Georgia in relation to it. Anterior, however, to the receipt of 
this letter, the conduct of the Georgia Guard had been expressly 
condemned by a resolution of the General Assembly of Georgia. 

In February, 1835, two deputations from the Cherokees repaired 
to the City of Washington. At the head of one was John Ross, op- 
posed to removal ; and at the head of the other, John Ridge, favourable 
to removal, 

Ross and his party submitted a proposition for the cession of their 
claims in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, founded 
upon the basis of allowing them $20,000,000 for their rights, and 
also the payment of certain claims. An answer to this was prepared, 
repelling the proposition, and declining further negotiation with them ; 
but before it was sent, Judge Underwood, their counsel, intimated 
that they would be willing to submit the question of value to the 
Senate, and abide their decision. 

In the meantime, Ridge's party requested that an arrangement 
might be made with them for submission to their people, and instruc- 
tions were prepared for Mr. Schermerhorn, authorizing a meeting 
with Ridge's party, and ascertaining on what terms an arrangement 
could be made. Before Mr. Schermerhorn commenced the negotia 
tion, Ross and his party requested to submit a proposal to the Presi 
dent for his approval. Assurances were given that their propositions 
would be considered, and orders were given to Mr. Schermerhorn to 
suspend his operations ; but so much time had elapsed before any- 
thing was heard from Ross's party, that he was directed to open the 
discussion with Ridge and his party, which terminated in a general 



144 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

understanding in regard to the basis of the arrangement which it was 
understood should be explained to a meeting of the Cherokee people 
by a Commissioner sent for this purpose, and after it had received 
their approval, to lay it before the Senate for their action. 

The Secretary of War, the Hon. Lewis Cass, received a letter dated 
9th of March, 1835, from the Ross party, in which they protested 
against any arrangements being entered into with the Ridge party , 
that if their people would consent to treat and accept of the sum 
offered, then they were willing that the wishes of their nation, in re- 
gard to the application of the money, should be consulted and adopt- 
ed, a just regard being had to individual rights. 

Under the arrangements made at Washington between the Chero- 
kees and the United States Government, the President appointed 
Governor Carroll and the Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn Commissioners 
of the treaty, and a programme of a treaty was furnished them, with 
instructions by the War Department. 

A council of the Cherokees was held in 1835, at Running Waters, 
to ascertain in what manner they desired their annuity to be paid. 
Major Benjamin F. Currey, special agent, after explaining the object 
of the meeting, introduced Mr. Schermerhorn as one of the Commis- 
sioners to negotiate a treaty. 

The compiler thinks that a short account of the proceedings of this 
meeting will be interesting to his readers. 

Mr. Schermerhorn delivered his opening speech thus : 

" It is not my intention to submit the proposed treaty for your final action upon 
it at this time, because the council has not been convened for that purpose, and 
therefore Governor Carroll is not present. I am extremely gratified, however, 
that I have an opportunity to meet so many of you ; and, with your permission, I 
will address you to-morrow morning, and state to you the views of the govern- 
ment, and the advantages offered to you by the proposed treaty, in order that you 
may think of it until we meet again, to finally act upon the subject. 

"If any article of the treaty, in its details, can be altered for the better in your 
opinion, the Commissioners have power to make such alterations, and I assure 
you. it will afford them much pleasure to make such as you can convince them 
will be for your best interest as a people. I regret to find, however, one great 
difficulty in the way of a friendly and united action on this subject, and this ari- 
ses from the party divisions and dissensions among yourselves. For your own 
interest, and prosperity, and happiness, I desire to see a reconciliation between 
your leading men. I believe Mr. Ross and Mr. Ridge, and the leading men on 
both sides, are the friends of their country and people ; and if ever men ought to 
make sacrifices for the public good, you ought all to do so now. Ever since I 
have been among you I have laboured to effect this object, and I hope it will be 
met by both parties in the same spirit in which it will be proposed.' 7 

Mr. Ross arose and replied as follows : 

" I assure you, sir, and this council, that I am not a party man — that in what I 
have done, I have been actuated by a desire to promote the best interest of my 



DIFFICULTIES "WITH THE CHEROKEES. 145 

people. I have no enmity to Mr. Ridge, nor unfriendly feelings towards any of 
his friends. I would be happy to have him act with us to promote the good of 
our nation. lam not disposed to encourage party views, and feelings, and names ; 
neither am I disposed to quarrel with any man, for an honest expression of his 
opinion with regard to what is best for the interest of the people ; and if gentle- 
men are honest in the expression of their benevolence, I will cordially co-operate 
with them for the public good. I must, however, observe to the Commissioners, 
that however much we should desire to hear him, it will be, I fear, impossible, 
because the people have not come prepared to stay more than one day, and many 
are now without provisions. / ' , 

Here Mr. Ridge arose and said, in substance : — 

' : I arise, sir, to express my gratitude to hear such words drop from the lips of 
one of our chiefs. It is long since I have been accustomed to hear such language 
from him, and if they are the words of sincerity and truth, my heart cheer- 
fully responds to such feelings. I acknowledge I have acted different from Mr. 
Ross and his friends. I have been driven from a sense of love for our nation, and 
an honest conviction of duty, to take the course I have adopted, as the only 
means for the preservation of our afflicted and distressed people ; and if Mr. 
Ross will only go forward now, and act at once to bring our difficulties to an end. 
and have them settled in any better manner than the government now proposes, 
and I and my friends have agreed to accept, I am ready to acknowledge him 
as my principal chief. I am at all times open to conviction. I shall willinglj 
unite with my nation in any measure to promote their peace and prosperity.'' 

On this Mr. Schermerhorn again rose and said : — 

"It affords me the highest satisfaction to hear and see the disposition mani 
fested by the leading men of both parties among you ; and they have done 
themselves great honour, and I earnestly hope that this disposition may be 
cherished by all on both sides ; and I trust the plan I shall propose to-morrow, 
to settle your difficulties and to bring you to an act of unison and harmony, will 
be cordially acceded to, by both parties ; and if so, it will be the happiest and 
best day you have long seen as a people. 

" If you conclude to hear me to-morrow morning, I will immediately issue a 
tequisition for twenty-five hundred rations to supply the people another day." 

This proposition was agreed to, and the people concluded to hear him. 

On the next morning, when Mr. S. was about to address the Cherokee people, 
Mr. Ross and some of his leading men endeavoured to prevent it, pretending that 
their understanding was that Mr. S. was not to address them until they had 
finished the business for which they were assembled for the disposing of the 
annuity. He stated to them that their principal chief had told him that the 
people had agreed to hear him, according to his request, and that he was re- 
solved they should not make their chief lie to him ; but that he should stand by 
his word; and if the officers of government, who presided at this meeting, 
would permit him to proceed, he would now address them. And he had the 
satisfaction to say, that Maj. Currey and Lieut. Bateman, who presided, afforded 
him every facility and support he could ask. The people now drew near, and 
he addressed them as follows : 

10 



146 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

" Mr Friends — I informed you yesterday of my having been sent here as a 
Commissioner, with Governor Carroll, of Tennessee, to settle the differences which 
exist between the Cherokees and the United States. This is a subject of the 
deepest interest to you, and of the heaviest responsibility upon us; for it involves 
your future destiny and happiness, if not your very existence as a distinct peo- 
ple. This, then, is a business which we ought to enter upon without the unholy 
feelings of passion or prejudice, or misrepresentation, which are only calculated to 
blind and mislead us. For my part, I desire to enter upon it with calm and cool 
deliberation — to look at the state of things as they really are, and to help you to 
devise the best means for your future peace and prosperity ; and I hope I shall 
find a correspondent feeling on your part. I must, however, say, I regret to hear 
that some evil birds have been flying about among you to prejudice you against 
me, before even you saw me and knew what I would say to you. I was told by 
a man whose word I cannot doubt, that it is reported among you that I am the 
person who after the battle of the Horse Shoe, with a company of Tennesseeans, 
fell upon a party of friendly Creeks, and massacred them and their women and 
children. I would ask warriors who signalized themselves by deeds of noble 
daring, whether they ever saw me, or knew me, in those days of blood and car- 
nage. Ask Going Snake, Major Ridge, White Path, and Reese. Did you ever 
know me in those days ? No ! Did you ever see me there 1 If so, speak out. Did 
you see me there, Mr. Reese ? [Reese being at hand, answered no !] You see, 
then, it is false. I care not for these things on my own account, but on yours. 
I mention it for fear such lies will shut your ears and harden your hearts against 
me. This is the design of circulating such stories among you. I will, however, 
tell you what I have done for you in former days." 

He then explained the treaty proposed to be made. 
The President's letter to the Cherokee people was then read and 
interpreted to them. 

"I am authorized by the President to say to you. that, if you reject these propo- 
sitions for a treaty, and come to no final arrangement with the Commissioners 
now appointed to treat with you, he will enter into no further negotiations during 
his administration. You know him well; he never deceived you, by saying one 
thing and meaning another. He will make no children's play of it. If you re- 
ject the present overture, you must abide the consequences, whatever they may 
be. And let me ask you, what have you to gain by delaying this matter? Cer- 
tainly nothing. You have tried various ways, for seven years past, and every 
year your situation has been growing worse : every overture for negotiation has 
been rejected by you, and every exertion on your part to be reinstated in your 
former rights and privileges, and to expel the whites from among you, and to es- 
cape the force of the laws of the State over you, have not only failed to 
bring you the relief promised you by your lawyers, and counsellors, and chiefs, 
but they have been followed by new and more insupportable laws and measures. 
Your principal men have all been turned out of their possessions, or have be- 
come tenants at will to the citizens of Georgia. If you continue to cast away 
from you the very liberal and generous offers of the Government now made to 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 147 

you. you will lose the sympathies of some of your best friends. You cannot 
mistake the policy of Georgia • she is determined to get rid of her Indian popu- 
lation, and will soon legislate you out of the country, by granting possession to 
her own citizens, who claim the free use of your lands; and then where will 
you go ? To Alabama and Tennessee ? You know the whites are already as 
thick there on your lands as they are in Georgia, and every place surrounded by 
emigrants is accompanied by white men as well as here. 

"You need not be surprised if, in such case, they were to pass laws that they 
would not permit the Indians from other States to settle within their bounds. 
Be not deceived : the citizens of Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina are as 
anxious to get rid of you as Georgia; and they only lie still and hold back be- 
cause Georgia is fighting their battles, as well as her own, with you; and this 
you will find when the crisis arrives to which I have alluded, for they have, all 
of them, extended their laws over you. 

" Let me tell you, these evils are now at the door. If you reject these overtures, 
you may look for them soon. 

"And now, to bring this subject to a close, let me advise and entreat you to ap- 
point a committee at this Council, composed of the best and most intelligent 
men among you, of both parties, to see if you can settle the difficulties that ex- 
ist among yourselves, and which, I believe, are the principal obstacles in the way 
of a treaty at this time. Why should you suffer your private jealousies and ani- 
mosities to operate to the injury and ruin of your people ? They are unworthy a 
place in the bosom of a friend of his people, and who has their interest at heart. 
At the head of this committee place John Ross and John Ridge, (I believe both 
of whom have the interest of the Cherokee people at heart,) and add to them ten 
or twelve other judicious men, and settle all your difficulties. The Commission- 
ers will meet you on the next week, at the Agency, on the 29th instant, when 
Governor Carroll will be there. Here the Commissioners will examine, with 
you, the provisions of the proposed treaty, and hear your objections to them, and 
the alterations you wish to have made ; and agree with you upon some terms of 
a treaty, to be submitted to the nation when they shall be assembled for that 
purpose. I have done." 

At this meeting, arrangements were made for a meeting to be held 
at Red Clay, October, 1835. At this time, much angry feeling existed 
between those of the Cherokees who were in favour of a treaty, and 
those who were opposed to it. Messrs. Major Ridge, John Ridge, 
and David Vann, were impeached for holding opinions considered as 
contrary to those entertained by the Cherokee authorities. Many of 
the treaty party assembled, and adopted resolutions, in which they 
declared that it was their opinion that their people could not exist 
amidst a white population ; that they had come to the conclusion 
that their nation cannot be reinstated in its present location ; that 
although they loved the land of their fathers, and would leave the 
place of their nativity with as much regret as any of their citizens, 
they considered the lot of the exile immeasurably more to be pre- 
ferred than a submission to the laws of a State. 



148 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

At the time appointed, the meeting at Red Clay was held, where 
a conference took place between the representatives of the two parties, 
for the purpose of coming to some friendly understanding upon the 
subject. 

The treaty party, by their representatives, John Martin, George 
M. Waters, Richard Taylor, John F. Balridge, and John Benge, on 
the one part, and George Chambers, Charles Vann, John Ridge, 
Elias Boudinot, and John Gunter, on the other part, recommended 
the following resolutions to the consideration of the Cherokee 
people : — 

Resolved, That the Cherokees cannot be relieved from their peculiar diffi- 
culties and afflicted condition by a continued application to the General Govern- 
ment for redress under the treaties and laws of the United States. 

Resolved. That an arrangement with the Government by a general treaty is 
the only remedy that can be applied to relieve the Cherokees. 

Resolved, That a treaty ought to be made upon the basis of preserving the 
Cherokee people as a distinct and separate community • and that, in a convention 
to make the arrangements, all parties, and all interests, ought to be fairly and 
fully represented. 

Resolved, That the increasing difficulties of our people demand a speedy remedy. 

Resolved, That an arrangement with the Government ought to be made within 
the limits of the Cherokee country. 

Red Clay, October 21st, 1835. 

At this meeting the following propositions were offered by the Ross 
party :— 

The undersigned persons being selected by the principal chief of the Chero- 
kee Nation to confer with certain other persons of the Treaty or Ridge party for 
the purpose of an endeavour to unite the two parties in a course that may even- 
tuate in the general good of their common country, propose, — 1st. The present 
provisional arrangement will have to be disposed of by a general vote of the 
people. 2d. Should the Commissioners have full powers to make a treaty, there 
is no doubt the authorities of the nation will receive them with respect and at- 
tention. 3d. Should no proposition be received from the Commissioners for a 
treaty upon just and liberal terms, it is presumed the recommendation of the 
principal chief to the National Council will be acted upon — that is to say, the 
appointment of another delegation to Washington for the purpose of effecting a 
final adjustment of our difficulties ; it is also presumed that the delegation will 
have power to act upon any matter in relation to a treaty, &c, that may be sub- 
mitted to them before their departure for Washington. 

In conclusion, the undersigned will, in good feeling, say to the conferees of 
the opposite party, that they will recommend one of their party to the principal 
chief as a delegate, which they have na doubt will be received with attention. — 
George M. Waters, John Martin, R. Taylor, John Benge, John Balridge. 

Red Clay, October 21st, 1835. 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 149 

To this instrument the treaty party refused to agree, and shortly 
afterwards they came to a compromise, which accompanied the pro- 
test which Ross afterwards made against the treaty, as follows : — 

The Committee of Conference on the subject of uniting the parties of the 
nation into one, and harmonizing and associating together as one people in any 
treaty which may take place between the United States and the Cherokee 
Nation, in order to relieve the last from its distressed and afflicted condition, have 
agreed : that is to say, Major George M. Waters, Judge John Martin, Richard 
Taylor, John Balridge, and John Benge, acting under the instructions of John 
Ross, Principal Chief on the one part; and George Chambers, John Gunter, John 
Ridge, Charles Vann, and Elias Boudinot on the other, acting under the instruc- 
tions of Major Ridge, and others of the treaty party, have agreed to bury in 
oblivion all unfriendly feelings, and act unitedly in [any] treaty [arrangement] 
with the United States for the relief of their nation — that the number of delegates 
to be chosen by the [General Council and] people [here present] shall consist of 
nineteen members, to act for the nation, with full powers. That of this number 
there shall be three chosen by the treaty party, and nominated and appointed in 
the same way as the others, their authority to be joint and equal, to be confirmed 
by the people [here present.] This agreement then and in that case only to be 
binding at once upon the parties. The Cherokee press is the property of the 
nation, and as we have become friends, no more publications shall be made 
either against the one or the other of the parties, because they are now united, 
[and should be surrendered to the proper authorities of the nation.] In conclud- 
ing, speeches of peace and reconciliation shall be made of a prudent and judicious 
character to the people, in order to do away any unpleasant feelings which may 
exist. Given under our hands and seals, this the 24th October, at Red Clay, in 
the Cherokee Nation. 

(Signed) George M. Waters. 

John Ridge. 
John Martin. 
Charles Vann. 

his 
John x Balridge, 
mark, 
his 
George fxj Chambers, 
mark, 
his 

John X Benge, 
mark. 

John Gunter. 

R. Taylor. 

Elias Boudinot. 

The treaty party were charged by Ross with having violated the 
above arrangement. The anti-treaty party were accused of the same 



150 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

act ; that the foregoing document was not the compromise which the 
treaty party signed at Red Clay ; that certain sentences included in 
brackets were afterwards added by Ross, without consulting the con- 
ferees, &c. 

All the preliminary arrangements for negotiations being made on 
the part of the Cherokees, the delegation appointed, and powers 
conferred upon them, the Commissioner of the United States was 
accordingly informed of it, and requested to state what time he would 
wish to confer with the delegation. He appointed a certain hour of 
the day, at which time the first conference took place. The Com- 
missioner presented his letter of appointment from the Secretary of 
War. He said he was authorized by the President of the United 
States to enter into a treaty with the Cherokees east, for all their 
lands, under the basis awarded by the Senate at its last session. He 
then went into a particular history of the circumstances which 
brought about that award. So far as the amount was concerned, it 
was a settled question — it was settled by the Senate at the request 
of Mr. Ross — of course the President could not transcend that 
amount. He was therefore instructed to go just so far as the Senate 
had permitted the President to go, and now he stood ready to negoti- 
ate with the Cherokees to the extent of his powers, and a little beyond. 

Doubts were now suggested whether they could treat with the 
Commissioner, from the fact that he was acting under a letter of the 
Secretary of War, and not under a commission from the President ! 
"We are authorized," said Mr. Ross and his friends, " to treat with 
a Commissioner having full powers — but certainly this man has not 
full powers, because he has no commission from the President. How- 
ever, this objection may be waived. Yet we cannot treat with him, 
because he proposes to negotiate only upon the basis and principles 
which the people have already rejected, in the declaration that they 
never will consent to a treaty made upon the basis of the five millions 
of dollars." Upon these two positions they planted themselves, and 
proved .impregnable to the assaults of the Commissioner. 

Without offering any propositions themselves, it was decided to 
put an end to the negotiations, and to proceed as speedily as possible 
to Washington City. The treaty party attended at New Echota, on 
the 21st of December, 1835, as appointed by the United States 
Commissioner, and on the 29th of the same month the treaty was 
concluded. It was ratified May 23d, 1836. The principal articles 
of the treaty which was made were as follows : — 

The Cherokee Nation relinquished all lands which they claimed 
east of the Mississippi River, in consideration of the sum of $5,000,000. 
In addition to a certain territory embracing 7,000,000 of acres west 
of the Mississippi River, the United States guarantee to the Cherokees 
a perpetual outlet west, &c. That should the territory thus granted 
to the Cherokees be found insufficient for their accommodation, the 
United States, in consideration of $500,000, will convey to them an 
additional tract of land ; that the land thus granted to the Cherokees 
shall in no future time be included within the limits of any State 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 151 

or Territory ; the United States will protect the Cherokees from 
domestic strife and foreign enemies ; that the Cherokees, whenever 
Congress shall make provision for the same, shall be entitled to a 
delegate in the House of Representatives ; the United States to re- 
move the Cherokees to their new homes, and to subsist them one 
year after their arrival there ; the United States to appoint agents to 
value the improvements of the Cherokees, and their just debts to be 
paid from any money due them for improvements ; the President of the 
United States to invest in some productive stocks certain sums, the 
proceeds of which shall be paid to the Cherokees, &c. ; individuals 
and families of the Cherokees averse to a removal, and desirous of 
becoming citizens of the United States, shall receive their due portion 
of all the personal benefits accruing under this treaty for their claims, 
&c; certain persons named to be a Committee on the part of the 
Cherokees to recommend persons for the privilege of pre-emption rights. 
$100,000 to be expended by the Commissioners for the benefit of the 
poorer classes of the Cherokees ; certain reservations granted under 
former treaties to constitute a just claim against the United States ; 
warriors of the Cherokee Nation who were engaged on the side of the 
United States in the late war with Great Britain and with Southern 
tribes of Indians to be entitled to pensions ; the Cherokees to remove 
within two years from the ratification of this treaty. 

Supplemental articles were afterwards added, among the most im- 
portant of which was, that the sum of $600,000 be allowed to the 
Cherokees, to include the expense of their removal, &c. 

In February, 1836, John Ross and others visited Washington, 
where they received a communication from Major Ridge, James 
Foster, and Long Share, informing them of the negotiation of the 
treaty at New Echota. 

No reply was made to this communication. Ross renewed his 
efforts to negotiate a new treaty, but was informed that he could not 
be received to make a treaty. 

Very soon after the ratification of the treaty, an apprehension was 
entertained by many citizens in Georgia that the party who had op- 
posed the treaty would become hostile, and petitions for arms, troops, 
and ammunition were presented to the Executive, and granted. Orders 
were issued to Brigadier-General James Hemphill to raise a battalion 
of militia and place them at Lashley's Ferry, on the Coosa River, for 
the purpose not only of keeping the Cherokees in check, but also of 
preventing the Creeks from coming into Georgia, which orders were 
executed, and the battalion was organized under the command of 
Major Charles H. Nelson. A part of the Cherokees were disarmed, 
and five hundred muskets and accoutrements were ordered and sent 
to Cherokee County, in case of any hostile movements on the part of 
the Indians. 

These preparations on the part of Georgia, together with the ap- 
pearance of the Tennessee troops under Brigadier-General Wool, of 
the United States army, quieted the fears of the citizens. 

An unpleasant circumstance, however, occurred between a com- 



152 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

pany of Georgia volunteers, under command of Captain Absalom 
Bishop, forming a part of Major Nelson's battalion, and a portion of 
the Tennessee troops. Capt. Bishop, in obedience to orders, had 
arrested a number of Creek Indians for the purpose of conveying 
them to Alabama, to be delivered to the proper officer having charge 
of the Creek emigration ; but before his object was effected, Capt. 
Vernon, with a company of Tennessee volunteers, demanded these 
Indians, and threatened to take them from his possession, and to take 
him and his company if he resisted. Before, however, any collision 
took place, Gen. Dunlap, commanding the Tennessee brigade, arrived, 
and a compromise was made, by which Capt. Bishop kept possession 
of a part of the Indians, and surrendered a part on the claim of their 
being Cherokees. 

On the 24th day of May, 1 838, the State of Georgia was to take 
possession of the territory ceded by the treaty. The military were 
put in requisition for the purpose of removing the Indians. Gen. 
Scott called upon the Governor of Georgia for two regiments, to 
which call there was an immediate response. On Friday, the 18th 
of May, 1838, a sufficiency of troops had arrived at New Echota, the 
place of rendezvous, to organize a regiment and warrant the election 
of officers. On the morning of the 24th of May, the regiment took 
up the line of march for the purpose of collecting the Indians. Five 
companies — viz.: Capt. Stell's, Daniels', Bowman's, Hamilton's, 
Ellis' — were destined to Sixes Town, in Cherokee County ; two 
companies, Capt. Story and Campbell, to Rome ; Capt. Vincent's, 
to Cedar Town ; two companies, Capt. Horton's and Capt. Brew- 
ster's, to Fort Gilmer. The collecting of the Indians continued until 
the 3d of June, 1838, when they started for Ross's Landing, on the 
Tennessee River, numbering about 1,560, under the immediate com- 
mand of Capt. Stell. They arrived at Ross's Landing at 10 o'clock, 
the 10th of June. The Georgia troops returned, and were afterwards 
regularly dismissed from the service of the United States. Both 
regiments were commanded by General Charles Floyd. 

In small detachments, the army began its operations, making pris- 
oners of one family after another, and gathering them into camps. 
No one has ever complained of the manner in which the work was 
performed. Through the good disposition of the army and the pro- 
vident arrangements of its commander, less injury was done by acci- 
dents or mistakes than could reasonably have been expected. By 
the end of June, nearly the whole nation were gathered into camps, 
and some thousands commenced their march for the West — the heat 
of the season preventing any further emigration till September, when 
14,000 were on their march. The journey of six hundred or seven 
hundred miles was performed in four or five months. The best arrange- 
ments were made for their comfort ; but from the time — May 23d — 
when their removal commenced, to the time when the last company 
completed its journey, more than 4,000 persons sunk under their suffer- 
ings and died. On the 22d of June, 1839, Major Ridge, his son John 
Ridge, and Elias Boudinot, were assassinated. The first was waylaid 



DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHEROKEES. 153 

on the road forty or fifty miles from home, and shot. His son was 
taken from his bed early in the morning, and nearly cut in pieces with 
knives. Mr. Boudinot was decoyed away from a house which he 
was erecting a short distance from his residence, and then set upon 
with knives and hatchets. These three Cherokees took an active 
part in negotiating the treaty with the Government at New Echota. 



154 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

OF 

DISTINGUISHED INDIANS 



GENERAL ALEXANDER McGILLIVRAY. 

This remarkable man was the son of Lachlan McGillivray, a native 
of Scotland, who came to South Carolina in the year 1735 and en- 
gaged in the Indian trade, at that time a very lucrative business. 

In the course of a few years, by his address and industry, he 
amassed a large property. 

During the Revolutionary War, he associated himself with the royal- 
ists, and when Savannah was evacuated by the enemy, he left 
Georgia, with a hope that his son might be permitted to take posses- 
sion of his valuable estate ; but in this he was disappointed ; for, with 
the exception of a few negroes, it was confiscated by the State of 
Georgia. 

The mother of Alexander McGillivray was the daughter Of a full- 
blooded Creek woman, of high rank in her nation. Her father, Capt. 
Marchand, was a French gentleman who was killed by his own sol- 
diers at Fort Toulouse, in August, 1722. Her name was Sehoy. 
She is represented as having been, at the time when Lachlan Mc 
Gillivray formed her acquaintance, " a maiden of sixteen, cheerful in 
countenance, bewitching in looks, and graceful in form." 

Of the early age of Alexander little is known. When he was 
ten years old, his father sent him to the city of New-York, and 
placed him under the care of a relative. Here he went to school to 
Mr. George Sheed, an eminent English teacher, and afterwards to 
Mr. Henderson, to learn the Latin language. When he was seven- 
teen years old, he came to Savannah and entered the counting-house 
of Samuel Elbert ; and afterwards, he remained a short time in the 
establishment of Alexander Ingliss & Company. His father, discov- 
ering that he had no relish for commercial pursuits, directed him to 
return to the Creek Nation. The British had stationed at the Hickory 
Ground, the site of the lower suburbs of the present Wetumpka, in 
Alabama, Col, Tait, for the purpose of inducing the Creeks to take 
sides with the King of England. Here McGillivray became ac- 
quainted with Col. Tait, and, operated upon by his advice, he attached 
himself to the cause of the royalists. Over the Creeks he acquired a 
powerful ascendency, and when about thirty years of age, he presided 
at a Grand National Council at the town of Coweta, upon the Chat- 
tahoochee. The British conferred upon him the rank and pay of a 
colonel. During the war of the Revolution, he used all his exertions 
to exasperate the Creeks against the Whigs, and led several expedi- 



ALEXANDER McGILLIVRAY. 155 

tions against them. With the notorious Col. Daniel McGirth and his 
adherents McGillivray often co-operated, and gave the citizens re- 
siding in the southern portions of Georgia much trouble by his well- 
directed movements. 

After the termination of hostilities between Great Britain and the 
United States, McGillivray still cherished resentments against the 
latter, and particularly against Georgia. In 1784, as the representa- 
tive of the Creek and Seminole Nations, he formed a treaty of alli- 
ance with Spain, in which, among other things, it was agreed that 
the Creeks and Seminoles should defend the cause of the King of 
Spain ; that no white person should be admitted into their country 
without a Spanish permit, &c. Upon his signing the treaty, he was 
made a Spanish commissary, with the rank and pay of a colonel. 
The Spaniards knowing that much dissatisfaction existed among the 
Indians, on account of the treaty at Augusta and the occupation of 
their territory, employed the most indefatigable exertions to foment 
discords between them and the Georgians, and McGillivray united 
with them, endeavouring to prevent any kind of negotiation. 

Commissioners had been appointed to treat with the Southern In- 
dians, one of whom, Andrew Pickens, Esq., addressed a letter to 
McGillivray, requesting him to meet them at a convenient place to 
enter into a treaty. 

To this invitation he sent a reply, in which he stated that he was 
surprised that the proposition for a treaty had not been made before ; 
that the Indians had expected, when American independence was 
confirmed by the peace, measures would be taken to settle the differ- 
ences between them and the Indians ; that the Georgians had pur- 
sued a contrary course ; that they had sought and obtained the friend- 
ship and protection of Spain ; that the Indians wanted nothing but 
justice ; their hunting-grounds to be preserved from encroachments, 
&c. The letter closes with a promise to meet the Commissioners 
whenever the Indians shall receive notice. 

Encouraged by this reply, the Commissioners came to Galphinton, 
but to their surprise, McGillivray had failed to appear. Chiefs from 
two towns only, together with sixty warriors, met the Commissioners, 
with which small number they declined making a treaty ; explaining, 
however, the intended policy of the United States. After the Com- 
missioners departed, the Georgia Commissioners made a treaty with 
the few Indians present, and laid before the General Assembly a copy 
of the articles intended to have been proposed by the United States 
Commissioners, which that body declared to be a violation of the 
rights of Georgia. 

In December, 1787, Dr. James White was appointed by Congress 
a superintendent of the Creeks, who, upon his arrival at Cusseta, 
addressed a letter to McGillivray, to which he replied, that he was 
pleased to learn of the doctor's appointment for the purpose of in- 
quiring into and settling the differences then subsisting between his 
nation and the Georgians. The causes of these differences and the 
discontents of the Creeks he states in the following words : — 



156 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

" There are chiefs of two towns in this nation, who, during the late war, were 
friendly to the State of Georgia, and had gone at different times among those 
people, and once, after the general peace, to Augusta. 

" They there demanded of them a grant of lands belonging and enjoyed as hunt- 
ing-grounds by the Indians of this nation in common, on the east of the Oconee 
River. The chiefs rejected the demand, on the plea that these lands were the 
hunting-grounds of the nation, and could not be granted by two individuals; but 
in a few days, a promise was extorted from them, that on their return to their 
country, they would use their influence to get a grant confirmed. 

" Upon their return a general convention was held at Tookabatcha, when these 
two chiefs were severely censured, and the chiefs of ninety-eight towns agreed 
upon a talk to be sent to Savannah, disapproving, in the strongest manner, of the 
demand made upon their nation, and denying the right of any two of their coun- 
trymen to make cession of land, which could be only valid by the unanimous voice 
of the whole, as joint proprietors in common. Yet these two chiefs, regardless 
of the voice of the nation, continued to go to Augusta, and other places within 
the State of Georgia. 

" They received presents and made promises ; but our customs did not permit 
us to punish them for the crime. 

" We warned the Georgians of the dangerous consequences that would certainly 
attend the settling of the lands in question. Our just remonstrances were treated 
with contempt, and these lands were soon filled with settlers. The nation, 
justly alarmed at the encroachments, resolved to use force to maintain their 
rights ; yet, being averse to the shedding of the blood of a people whom we would 
rather consider as friends, we made another effort to awaken in them a sense of 
justice and equity. But we found, from experience, that entreaty could not pre- 
vail, and parties of warriors were sent to drive off the intruders, but were in- 
structed to shed blood only where self-preservation made it necessary. 

" This was in May, 1786. In October following, we were invited by Commis- 
sioners of the State of Georgia to meet them in conference at the Oconee, pro- 
fessing a sincere desire for an amicable adjustment of our disputes, and pledging 
their sacred honours for the safety and good treatment of all those that should at- 
tend and meet them. It not being convenient for many of us to go to the pro- 
posed conference, a few, from motives of curiosity, attended. They were sur- 
prised to find an armed body of men, prepared for and professing hostile intentions. 
Apprehensions for personal safety induced those chiefs to subscribe to every de- 
mand that was asked by the army and the Commissioners. Lands were again 
demanded, and the lives of some of our chiefs were required, as well as those of 
some innocent traders, as a sacrifice, to appease their anger. Assassins have been 
employed to effect some part of their atrocious purposes. If I fall by the hand of 
such. I shall fall the victim of the noblest of causes, that of maintaining the just 
rights of my country. I aspire to the honest ambition of meriting the appella- 
tion of the preserver of my country, equally with the chiefs among you, whom, 
from acting on such principles, you have exalted to the highest pitch of glory. 
And if, after every peaceable mode of obtaining a redress of grievances proved 
fruitless, a recourse to arms to obtain it be a mark of the savage, and not of the 
soldier, what savages must the Americans be, and how much undeserved ap- 



ALEXANDER MCGILLIVRAY. 157 

plause have your Cincinnatus, your Fabius, obtained ! If a war name had been 
necessary to distinguish that chief, in such a case, the Man-Killer, the Great 
Destroyer, would have been the proper appellation. 

"I had appointed the Cussetas for all the chiefs of the Lower Creeks to meet 
in convention. I shall be down in a few days, when, from your timely arrival, 
you will meet the chiefs, and learn their sentiments, and I sincerely hope that 
the propositions which you shall offer us will be such as we can safely accede 
to. The talks of the former commissioners, at Galphinton, were much approved 
of, and your coming from the White Town (seat of Congress) has raised great 
expectations that you will remove the principal and almost only cause of our 
dispute, that is, by securing to us our hunting-grounds and possessions, free from 
all encroachments. When we meet, we shall talk these matters over. 

" Meantime, I remain, 

" With regard, your obedient servant, 

"Alexander McGillivray." 

Dr. White met McGillivray at Cusseta, with a large number of 
Lower Creeks, when he desired them to ratify the treaties of Augusta, 
Galphinton, and Shoulder Bone. The chiefs answered "that their 
lands were their life and breath, and if they parted with them, they 
parted with their blood." 

The two chiefs who granted these lands declared that the Geor- 
gians compelled them to do so by threats and the flourish of long 
knives. A new proposition was made to the superintendent by 
McGillivray, the substance of which was, " that if Congress could 
form a government south of Alatamaha, he would be the first to take 
the oath of allegiance, and in return to Georgia for giving up that 
claim, he would obtain a grant of the lands on the Oconee. Here the 
conference ended. 

It is due to Georgia to state that she always denied that the dele- 
gation of Indians was insufficient to make the grants, and insisted 
that they had been obtained without threats or violence. The 
Georgians, however, acknowledged that they had troops present at 
the treaty of Shoulder Bone, but only to suppress any apparent hosti- 
lities ; and that they had carried hostages to Augusta for enforcing a 
compliance with the treaty, a custom sanctioned in all former negotia- 
tions with Indians. 

The Creeks continued to make incursions upon the frontiers of 
Georgia. Congress, in 1788, appointed Commissioners to renew ne- 
gotiations with McGillivray, but he refused to have an interview 
with them unless the settlers upon the Oconee lands were first re- 
moved. About this time Governor Thomas Pinckney, of South Ca- 
rolina, opened a correspondence with McGillivray, but it resulted as 
all former efforts. In 1789, the Government of the United States 
embraced every opportunity to gain the friendship of McGillivray. 
Commissioners requested him to meet them with a delegation 
from the whole of the Creek Nation, at Rock Landing, to settle all 



158 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

difficulties. He agreed to go, and just before the time appointed to 
meet them, he addressed a letter to William Panton, an extensive 
Indian merchant, then in high favour with the Spanish Government. 
This letter is too long to be inserted in this sketch, but some 
extracts from it will enable the reader to form an idea of the charac- 
ter and talents of the writer. 

" Galphin, whom I sent to the Rock Landing with a talk, declining the treaty 
of June last, returned about a fortnight since, and I find that they are resolved 
upon making a treaty. In order to accommodate us, the Commissioners are 
complaisant enough to postpone it till the 15th of next month, and one of them, 
the late Chief-Justice Osborne, remains all the time at Rock Landing. Pickens 
returned for the Cherokee treaty; but in this I took measures to disappoint him, 
for those chiefs would not meet. In this do you not see my cause of triumph, 
in bringing these conquerors of the Old, and masters of the New World, as they 
call themselves, to bend and supplicate for peace, at the feet of a people whom, 
shortly before, they despised and marked out for destruction ? 

" My people being all at home, and the grand ceremony of kindling the new 
fire being just over, I deem it the fittest time to meet these Commissioners, and 
have accordingly made the broken days, of which nine are left, to set out in. In 
conducting the business of the treaty, I will, as you observe, confine it tcthe fix- 
ing our limits and the acknowledgment of the independence of my nation. This 
I deem very necessary, as the Americans pretend to a territorial claim and 
sovereignty over us, in virtue of the late peace made with England. This being 
settled, will, in a great measure, be doing away with any cause of future quarrel 
between us. You well know how customary it is in all treaties with theTudians 
to agree to a commercial one also; it being absolutely necessary, as it more 
firmly attaches them to friendships formed. * # # # However, in 
this instance I will agree to none, as you have a prospect of being able, by the 
favour of the Spanish Government, to supply this trade on as moderate terms as 
the Georgians can do. * * If I find that the Commissioners insist upon 
stipulations that will clash with those of Spain, I shall not hesitate to cut short the 
negotiation. * * * But at the same time I must insist upon an equal 
resolution in our friends, the Spaniards, to afford to us their decided support. 
* * # # I repeat to you what I have frequently done to Governor 
Miro — that if we are obliged, for want of support, to conclude an unconditional 
peace with the Americans, it will prove essentially hurtful to the king : s interest. 

" Now let me talk a little upon my private affairs. I wish I could lay my 
hand on that last letter, to send you, and a very curious, and, to you, not an unin- 
teresting Carolina newspaper, just received ; but they are both swallowed up in 
a multitude of papers. You know how it is with me in the paper way. The 
Commissioners of the United States say, it would give them great pleasure to 
have a private conversation previous to our entering into the business of the 
treaty, as it would tend to make it go on agreeably, and with more ease. I 
need not interpret this paragraph to you, when you already know that I have, 
for some time past, been endeavouring to recover my house and lands, with my 



ALEXANDER McGILLIVRAY. 159 

family estate, which, to your knowledge, is more than £30,000 sterling, the offer 
of which is now, I expect, to be pressed upon me. And there has, since I saw 
you last, arisen considerable conflict in my mind, in revolving these matters 
over. Here am I, an absolute heavy tax upon you, for years, and, in fact, not 
only for my private support, but for all the extra expenses of this department ; 
and although, my dear sir, I know that I can still depend upon your generosity 
and in your friendship, that you overlook the heavy expense that I put you to, 
yet you well know how hurtful it is to the feeling heart to be beholden to sub- 
sist on the bounty of private friendship. Thus situated, I ask — I wish you to 
give me your opinion. On the one hand, I am offered the restoration of my 
property, of more than one hundred thousand dollars, at the least valuation ; and 
on the other, not wherewithal to pay an interpreter. And I find that letters are 
still addressed to me, as agent for his Catholic Majesty, when I have some time 
ago renounced the pittance that was allowed, as being a consideration dis- 
graceful to my station. If they want my services, why is not a regular estab- 
lishment made, as was done by the English, with a competent salary affixed, 
and allowance for two interpreters, one among the Tipper and one among the 
Lower towns ? for hitherto, I have had to maintain them myself. Or shall I have 
recourse to my American estate to maintain them and myself? I wish you to 
advise me what I had best do. 

"Although I have no solid ground to hope for a complete adjustment of our dis- 
pute with the Americans, I am resolved to go. if it is only to wipe off the sugges- 
tion made to me by our friends, that I am actuated by unjust motives and an un- 
reasonable prejudice against the Americans, as the ground of hostility 
against them. But if they, on the other hand, should find a body of people 
approaching their mines, would not they say, What business have you 
here 1 Do you know that there are grounds from which we draw the chief 
source of our conveniences and happiness, and we cannot suffer you to partici- 
pate in, or deprive us of them ? And should these encroachers refuse to withdraw, 
would they not commence and support an inveterate hostility, until they should 
expel them ? 

u The fellow, Romain, whom Madame Villar writes of, was a great liar. He 
came here from the Choctaws with a quantity of silver ware and a few goods, 
and wanted Nick White to join him in purchasing negroes, to carry and sell in 
New-Orleans. After roving about for some time, he had a difference with 
Milfort,* who threatened to send him in irons to New-Orleans, which terrified 
him, apparently, and he went off to the Creek Town, Chehaw, and from thence 
either to Detroit or to the States. 

"A copy of this letter you can send to the ***** Miro, as I intended the 
former one. 

" I expect our treaty will be over by the middle of September. If we return 
safe, expect a visit early in October from, 

" Dear sir, yours most truly, 

" Alexander McGillivray. 

u To William Panto n, Pensacola." 

* A French officer who lived in the nation. 



160 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

On the 20th of Sept., 1789, Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, David Hum- 
phreys, Cyrus Griffin, Commissioners associated with Gen. Pickens, 
arrived at the Rock Landing on the Oconee, on the western bank of 
which McGillivray, with 2,000 warriors, had been encamped for more 
than a week. The arrival of the Commissioners was communicated 
to McGillivray, and at the time appointed, they attended to the 
ceremony of the black drink, and were conducted to the great square 
of the encampment by all the kings, chiefs, and warriors. 

After a talk by the Commissioners, a copy of the draft of a treaty 
was presented to them, after which McGillivray and his chiefs had a 
private council, and the next day the Commissioners were informed 
by him that the treaty proposed was not satisfactory, and that the 
Indians were resolved to return home. Efforts were made to induce 
him to remain ; but he refused to do so, broke up his encampment, 
and retired to the Ocmulgee, from whence he addressed the Com- 
missioners a letter, in which he stated " that his retreat was entirely 
owing to the want of food for the horses of the Indians ; that, finding 
that a restitution of territory and hunting-grounds was not the basis 
of a treaty, he resolved to return to his nation, deferring the matter 
in full peace until next spring." 

When Washington heard of this result, at first he felt a disposition 
to wage war against the Creeks ; but upon ascertaining that such a 
war would cost an immense sum, he abandoned this idea, and deter- 
mined, if possible, to induce McGillivray to visit him, believing that 
a negotiation in this way might be effected. 

Accordingly, he dispatched Col. Marinus Willett as a secret agent 
to the Creeks, and to return, if possible, with McGillivray to the Seat 
of Government. Col. Willett left New- York, arrived in Charleston, 
and after a few days, set out for the residence of Gen. Pickens. Ob- 
taining from this gentleman an Indian guide, he started upon his 
mission, and, after a fatiguing journey, he met McGillivray, to whom 
he delivered the letters of Washington. He spent several days with 
him, and then met the chiefs, to whom he announced his mission, 
and requested McGillivray, and such chiefs as might be selected, to 
accompany him to New-York, where Washington would make a 
treaty with them " as strong as the hills, and lasting as the rivers." 
In an hour after this council, Col. Willett was informed that the In- 
dians had agreed that McGillivray and other chiefs should accompany 
him to New- York. 

On the 1st of June, 1790, Col. McGillivray, with his nephew and 
two servants, with Col. Willett, departed for the seat of the Federal 
Government. Afterwards they were joined by the Tallase King, 
Chinnobe, and twenty-six warriors. 

When the company arrived at Guilford Court-House, in North 
Carolina, Mrs. Brown, whose husband had a few years before been 
killed by the Creeks, and herself and children carried to their nation, 
and whose ransom had been effected by McGillivray, and to whose 
support he had contributed for more than a year, learning his arrival, 
rushed through the crowd assembled to see the Great Chief, and with 



ALEXANDER MCGILLIVRAY. 161 

tears expressed to him her gratitude for the preservation of her life and 
that of her children. In the different places through which they 
passed, the cavalcade was treated with much attention. When they 
reached New- York, the Tammany Society received them, and es- 
corted them to the house of Washington, by whom they were enter- 
tained with much pomp and ceremony. 

Learning that McGillivray was willing to make a treaty, Hon. 
Henry Knox was appointed to negotiate with him, and the treaty 
was concluded. 

There was, however, a secret treaty between McGillivray and 
Washington, which has recently come to light. It provided that, 
after two years from date, the commerce of the Creek Nation should 
be carried on through the ports of the United States, and, in the 
meantime, through the present channels ; that the chiefs of the 
Ocfuskees, Tookabatchas, Tallases, Cowetas, Cussetas, and the 
Seminole Nation, should be paid annually by the United States one 
hundred dollars each, and be furnished with handsome medals ; that 
Alexander McGillivray should be constituted agent of the United States, 
with the rank of brigadier-general, and the pay of twelve hundred 
dollars per annum ! that the United States should feed, clothe, and 
educate Creek youth at the North, not exceeding four at one 
time.* t 

In 1791, McGillivray began to lose his popularity among the 
Creeks. William Augustus Bowles, whose history is given on pages 
163, 164, of this work, denounced McGillivray as a traitor. Aided 
by his emissaries, Bowles persuaded many of the Creeks to believe 
that he had sold them first to the Spanish Government, and after- 
wards to the Federal Government. His situation became embar- 
rassing. The Spanish Government was displeased with him, the In- 
dians were dissatisfied with the treaty at New-York, and the Federal 
Government called upon him to observe the articles of the 
treaty. 

In November, he made frequent visits to New-Orleans, Mobile, 
and Pensacola, and, before he returned to the nation, he succeeded in 
having Bowles captured, and sent to Madrid. 

At this time, the Government of the United States began to lose 
confidence in him. Many believed that he was acting secretly against 
the American interest. It was proved that the King of Spain had 
made him Superintendent-General of the Creeks, with a salary of 
two thousand dollars per annum, and that this amount was afterwards 
increased with fifteen hundred dollars. He was at this time, with a 
salary of thirty-five hundred dollars, the agent of the United States ; the 
agent of Spain, with a salary of twelve hundred dollars ; the co-partner 
of Panton, and the emperor of the Creek and Seminole Nations. 

* Mr. Pickett says that among a file of papers placed in his hands, he found the Secret 
Treaty, written upon sheep-skin, and signed by Washington, Knox, McGillivray, and 
the chiefs. 

t Many of the facts stated in the above article are from Pickett's History of Alabama 
and Georgia, and American State Papers. 

11 



102 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

During the summer and fall of 1792, General McGillivray secretly 
caused large meetings to be held over the Creek and Cherokee Na- 
tions, at which he appeared to be only a visitor, while Panton and 
Captain Oliver, in speeches, forbid the running of the line between 
them and the Georgians, in the name of the King of Spain, and de- 
creed that no American trader should enter the nation. Governor 
Carondelct was also active in endeavouring to defeat the provisions 
of the New-York treaty. He sent to the Creek Nation a large body 
of bloody Shawnees, armed and equipped, who took up their abode at 
Souvanoga, upon the Tallapoosa. McGillivray moved his negroes to 
Little River, gave up his house to Captain Oliver, whom he had so well 
established in the affections of his people. The Spaniards not only 
had in view the prevention of the advancement of the Americans on 
the east, but determined to oppose the settlements upon the Missis- 
sippi ; to effect all of which, they attempted to unite the four nations 
of Indians on their side. They strengthened all their forts, and au- 
thorized Captain John Linder, of Tensaw, and other active partisans, 
to raise volunteers. Carondelet gave Richard Finnelson and Joseph 
Durque passports, to go through the Spanish posts, to the Cherokee 
Nation, as emissaries, to incite those Indians to make war upon the 
Cumberland people. There was, suddenly, great excitement pro- 
duced over the whole Indian country. One chief declared, at Wills- 
town, that he had taken the lives of three hundred Americans, but 
that now he intended to drink his fill of blood. During all this time, 
McGillivray, and the federal authorities at Rock Landing, were en- 
gaged in fruitless correspondence, and every thing conspired to de- 
feat the hopes of Washington. 

McGillivray's career was, however, drawing to a close. He had 
been in bad health for several years, and on the 17th of February, 
1793, he departed this life, leaving considerable property. He was 
interred with Masonic honours, in the city of Pensacola. His death 
produced deep sorrow and regret among the Indians. The great 
chieftain, who had so long been their pride, and who had elevated 
their nation, and sustained it in its trials, now lay buried in the sands 
of the Seminoles. 

General McGillivray was six feet high, spare made, and remark- 
ably erect in person and carriage. His eyes were large, dark, and 
piercing. His forehead was so peculiarly shaped, that the old Indian 
countrymen often spoke of it : it commenced expanding at his eyes, 
and widened considerably at the top of his head. It was a bold and 
lofty forehead. His fingers were long and tapering, and he wielded 
a pen with the greatest rapidity. His face was handsome, and indi- 
cative of quick thought and much sagacity. Unless interested in 
conversation, he was disposed to be taciturn, but, even then, was 
polite and respectful. When a British colonel, he dressed in the 
British uniform ; and when in the Spanish service, he wore the mili- 
tary dress of that country. When Washington appointed him a 
brigadier-general, he sometimes wore the uniform of the American 
army, but never when in the presence of the Spaniards. His usual 



GENERAL WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BOWLES. 163 

dress was a mixture of the Indian and American garb. He always 
travelled with two servants, David Francis, a half-breed, and Paro, 
a negro, who saved the lives of over a hundred royalists, in 1781. 
He had good houses at the Hickory Ground, and at Little Tallase, 
where he entertained, free of charge, distinguished government agents, 
and persons travelling through his extensive dominions.* 



GENERAL WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BOWLES. 

As much of the embarrassments which Georgia experienced in 
settling the difficulties connected with the Creek Indians, imme- 
diately after the Revolution, arose from the interference of the man 
whose name is placed at the head of this article, we have concluded 
to give our readers a short account of his life, chiefly derived from a 
pamphlet published many years since. 

General William Augustus Bowles was born in Frederick County, 
Maryland, in the year 1764. During the American Revolution, he 
joined the British army, in which he soon obtained a commission. 
After the battle of Monmouth, he sailed, with his regiment, to Ja- 
maica, and from thence to Pensacola. At the latter place, in conse- 
quence of some neglect, he w T as deprived of his commission, and dis- 
missed from the army. 

A party of Creeks having come to Pensacola for the purpose of 
receiving their annual presents, being on their return to their nation, 
Bowles concluded to join them, and accordingly accompanied them 
to their home. Here he resided for some time, during which he 
made great proficiency in the Indian language, and married the 
daughter of one of the chiefs. On the 9th of May, 1781, when Pen- 
sacola surrendered to the arms of Spain, Bowles commanded the 
Creek Indians, whom he had brought there to assist the English. 
His services upon that occasion were acknowledged by the com- 
mander of the British army, and he was reinstated in his former rank. 
After the surrender of West Florida to Spain, he was allowed to 
retire with the garrison to New- York, where he joined a company of 
players, and then sailed for the Bahama Islands. Here he remained 
some months, following the profession of a comedian, as well as that 
of a portrait painter, thus exhibiting the versatility of his talents. 
The Governor of the Bahamas, Lord Dunmore, appointed Bowles as 
an agent to establish a trading house among the Creeks. He returned 
to the nation, and established a commercial house upon the Chattahoo- 
chee ; but it was of short duration, for Colonel McGillivray sent him 
word to abandon the enterprise, and leave the country in twenty-four 
hours, on pain of being deprived of his ears. He fled to New Provi- 
dence, and from thence was sent to England, for the purpose of asking 
aid to enable him to repel the aggressions of the Americans. His 

* Pickett. 



164 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

applications were successful, and he returned to America; and having 
taught his warriors the art of navigating the Gulf of Mexico, he 
began a system of piracy upon the vessels of Panton, an Indian 
merchant, against whom he had long entertained the most inveterate 
hostility. His success in piratical enterprises, and other circum- 
stances, gained him great popularity among the Creeks, and he was 
elected commander-in-chief of their armies. For along time Bowles 
continued to annoy Georgia, doing every thing in his power to pre- 
vent the settlement of her difficulties with the Indians. He denounced 
Colonel McGillivray as a traitor, and exerted his utmost power to 
prejudice the Indians against him. In 1792 he was taken prisoner 
by the Spaniards, and sent to Madrid. The Spanish government 
endeavoured to conciliate him, but was unsuccessful, and he was finally 
sent to the island of Manilla, from whence he made his escape, and, 
after various fortunes, obtained a schooner, in which he navigated the 
Gulf and seized many Spanish vessels. After this he proceeded to 
the Creek Nation, interfered seriously with the policy of Colonel 
Hawkins, and captured the fort at St. Marks. At a feast given by 
the Indians, to which he had been invited, he was made a prisoner, 
according to a preconcerted plan, by Colonel Hawkins and the 
Spanish authorities, who placed him in a canoe full of armed war- 
riors. They then rapidly rowed down the river. Col. Hawkins and 
John Forbes, of Pensacola, were in the town, but were concealed, until 
Sam McNac, a half-breed, had caused Bowles to be made a prisoner. 
Arriving at a point in the present Dallas County, Alabama, the canoe 
w T as tied up, the prisoner conducted upon the bank, and a guard set 
over him. In the night the guard fell asleep, when Bowles gnawed his 
ropes apart, crept down the bank, got into the canoe, quietly paddled 
across the river, entered a thick cane swamp, and fled. At the break 
of day, the astonished Indians arose in great confusion, but fortunately 
saw the canoe on the opposite side, which Bowles had foolishly neg- 
lected to shove off. Swimming over to that point, they got upon his 
track, and by the middle of the day once more made him a prisoner. 
He was conveyed to Mobile, and from thence to Havana, wiiere, 
after a few years, he died in the dungeons of Moro Castle.* 

* Pickett. 



HO-I'O-ETH-LE-YO-HO-LO. 



165 



HO-PO-ETH-LE-YO-HO-LO, 



A CREEK CHIEF. 



The Creek Nation was 
divided into the upper and 
lower towns, over which 
ihe Big Warrior was chief, 
under whom Ho-po-eth- 
le-yo-ho-lo held the rank 
of principal councillor, or 
speaker of the councils. 
His influence was so great, 
that the questions submit- 
ted to the council were gen- 
erally decided according to 
his will. The great coun- 
cil-house of the upper towns 
was at Tuckabatchee, 
where the Big Warrior re- 
sided, and near which was 
the residence of Ho-po-eth- 
le-yo-ho-lo. 

Of the youth of Ho- 
po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo little is 
known, except that he was 
regarded as a youth of 
promise. The first public 
service which he rendered 
was at the council at the 
Indian Springs, to which he 
was sent to counteract the 

influence of Mcintosh. It is said he executed his mission with great 
fidelity. 

During the contest between the United States and the Seminoles, in 
1836, Saugahatchee, one of the towns of Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo district, 
was the first to revolt. The warriors rushed out and murdered all the 
travellers who fell in their way. Upon hearing this intelligence, Ho- 
po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo immediately placed himself at the head of the war- 
riors of his own town, marched upon the insurgents, burned their 
village, and having captured some of their men, delivered them over 
to the military, by whom they were imprisoned ; at the request of 
Governor Clay, of Alabama, he called a council of his warriors, and 
proposed to lead them against the hostile Creeks. Within five days 
they were encamped at Tallahassee, the then head-quarters of Major- 
General Jesup, to whom a formal tender of their services was made, 
which were accepted, and Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo appointed com- 
mander of the w T hole Indian force, with the rank of colonel. 




166 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



The army was marched to Hatcheehubbee, but the hostiles sur- 
rendered. He continued to be opposed to the last to emigration. In 
1834 or '35 he went to Texas, and purchased a large tract of land for 
$80,000; but the Mexicans being jealous of him, and some doubts as 
to the validity of the title existing, his intention was abandoned, with 
the loss of $20,000. It is believed that he had but one wife. Two 
of his daughters are said to have been beautiful. 



TIMPOOCHEE BARNARD, 



A UCHEE WARRIOR, 



Was the son of an 
Uchee woman. His fa- 
ther was Timothy Bar- 
nard, a Scotchman, first 
known in public life in 
1814, when he took part 
with the Americans a- 
gainst the hostile Creeks, 
and commanded one hun- 
dred Uchees, with the 
commission of major. — 
He was in the battle at 
Callabee under General 
Floyd, and distinguished 
himself for his bravery. 
He took part in several 
engagements, and was 
twice wounded. On the 
return of peace he re- 
joined his family near the 
Creek agency on Flint 
River. His children were 
considered the handsomest in the Creek Nation. 




MAJOR RIDGE. 



167 



MAJOR RIDGE. 




In infancy, the subject 
of this notice was called 
Nung-noh-hut-tar-hee, or 
he who slays the enemy in 
the path. After attaining 
the age of a hunter, he was 
asked," Which way did you 
come into camp ?" and he 
answered, " I came along 
the top of the mountain." 
This answer being often 
repeated, he was called 
Kah-nung-da-ha-geh, or 
the man who walks on the 
mountain's top. We are 
not able to state precisely . 
the date of his birth, pro- 
bably about 1771, at a town 
called Highwassee. His 
father was a full-blooded Cherokee, and his mother a Cherokee 
woman, of half-breed. From his earliest infancy, he was inured 
to patience, fatigue, and self-denial, and upon his reaching the re 
quired age, was initiated into the duties of a warrior, with proper 
solemnities. When fourteen years old, he joined a war party 
against the Americans, at Cheestooyee, and afterwards a large party' 
against Knoxville, in Tennessee. At the age of twenty-one, he was 
selected as a member of the Cherokee Council. At this time he had 
no property but the clothes he wore, some silver ornaments, and a 
white pony, stunted, old and ugly, on which he rode to the Council ; 
the members of which observing his mean appearance, ridiculed 
him, and proposed to exclude him from their deliberations. At first, 
he merely listened ; but at the second Council he proposed many use- 
ful laws. He gradually won the confidence of the Cherokees, and 
finally became one of the first men in the nation. At the battle of 
the Horse Shoe, under Gen. Jackson, he greatly distinguished him- 
self. He emigrated to the West with his tribe, and was afterwards 
murdered, as it was believed, by the emissaries of that portion of tbe 
Cherokees opposed to emigration. 



168 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



JOHN RIDGE, A CHEROKEE CHIEF, 




Was the son of Major Ridge, and the second, of five children. 
He was first put to school to the Rev. Mr. Gambold. and lady, 
Moravian missionaries at Spring Place ; afterwards he was sent to 
Brainard, then to Knoxville, Tennessee, and finally to the Foreign 
Mission School in Connecticut, where he acquired the essential parts 
of a good education. After an engagement of two years, he married 
Miss Northrop. 

On his return home, he commenced his career as a public man. 
At this time the Cherokees were attempting to form an independent 
government, and to the promotion of this object, Mr. Ridge employed 
all his energies. He accompanied various delegations to Washington, 
and acted as interpreter, secretary, agent, &c. The particulars of 
his death are given on a previous page. '^lj 



PADDY CARR. 



161 



PADDY CARR, A CREEK INTERPRETER, 




Was the son of an Irishman, who married a Creek woman, and 
was born near Fort Mitchell. In his infancy he was taken into the 
family of Colonel Crowell, and brought up in the habits of civilized 
life. In 1826, he accompanied the delegation headed by Ho-po-eth~ 
le-yo-ho-lo to Washington City, in the capacity of interpreter. He is 
said to have been a most excellent interpreter. 

Soon after his return from Washington, he married the daughter 
of Colonel Lovett, a respectable half-breed, and engaged in trade. 
In 1836, he took the side of the United States Government, and at- 
tended General Jesup as guide and interpreter. With the army he 
was a great favourite. When the Creeks revolted, he marched to 
Florida at the head of five hundred warriors. 

Can* delighted in fine horses, and had a great passion for racing. 
In 1837, he owned seventy or eighty slaves, besides landed property. 
He had three wives, one of whom was the daughter of General 
William Mcintosh. The two first born of his children were girls ; 
and Capt. Crowell, the son of his early benefactor, having a daughter 
named Ariadne, he called one of his daughters A?i, and the other 
A dne. 



170 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



GENERAL WILLIAM McINTOSH. 



General William McIntosh 
was a half-breed of the Mus- 
cogee or Creek Nation, and was 
born at Coweta. 

His father was Capt. William 
Mcintosh, a Scotchman ; his 
mother a native, of unmixed 
blood. 

Of the early life of Mcintosh 
very little is known. He was 
intelligent and brave. In per- 
son he was tall, finely formed, 
and of graceful and commanding 
manners. 

The first notice we have of 
him is after his junction with 
the American forces in 1812. 
Gen. Floyd speaks highly of 
him in his report of the battle of 
Autossee. Gen, Jackson speaks 
of him as Major Mcintosh. He 
distinguished himself in the 
battle of the Horse Shoe. He 
also signalized himself in the 
Florida campaign by various acts 
of gallantry. His connection 
with the treaty at the Indian 
Springs is given in our article on 
the Creek difficulties, beginning 
on page 128. 

We are indebted to Colonel 

Alfred J. Pickett, author of the 

History of Alabama and Georgia, 

for the following interesting 

particulars connected with the death of Gen. Mcintosh : 

"Montgomery, Sept. 13^, 1853. 

"Dear Sir, — In September, 1847,1 arrived at the town of Dudley- 
ville, in the county of Tallapoosa, State of Alabama. I found in that 
place an aged person named James Moore, whom the Creek Indians, 
among whom he had lived for the period of fifty years, familiarly 
called Jimmy Tawny, on account of his sallow complexion. I de- 
sired to consult him in relation to the killing of General William Mc- 
intosh, having heard that his son-in-law, James Hutton, had accom- 
panied the Indians who committed the deed. 




GENERAL WILLIAM M'lNTOSH. 171 

" The memory of James Moore was good, although he had reached 
the age of seventy-eight, and the following is the account he gave me, 
having a perfect knowledge of all the facts, for a portion of the Indians 
who killed Mcintosh marched from the Indian village in which he was 
then living. He saw them when they started on the expedition, and 
on their return from it. 

" He stated that the Ocfuskees* and the Tookabatchast had become 
indignant in consequence of the sale of much of the Creek territory, 
which General William Mcintosh had made with the Georgians, and 
they had determined to make him answer for his treachery by the 
forfeiture of his life At that time, the Big Warrior was the chief of 
the Great Muscogee Confederacy, and one of his chief counsellors was 
the gifted Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo. A secret council resulted in the selec- 
tion of the bravest warriors of the nation to consummate the killing. 
Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo gave them minute instructions how they were to 
march, where they were to camp, and how they were to take the life 
of Mcintosh. The party consisted of one hundred and seventy men, 
one half of whom were from the town of Ocfuskee, led by Manowa, 
an old fighter who had encountered Jackson at the battle of the Horse 
Shoe, and the other half from the town of Tookatacha, commande'd 
by Tuskehadjo, with whom went Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo, ostensibly as a 
private. They marched on foot, one before the other, in the most cau- 
tious and noiseless manner. The route lay across the country from the 
Tallapoosa River to the Chattahoochee, and their destination was the 
residence of General Mcintosh, situated upon the bank of the latter 
stream. Arriving within the neighbourhood of that place towards the. 
close of the second day, the party observed, from a concealed position 
two persons, riding along a trail. One of these proved to be Genera- 
Mcintosh, and the other his son-in-law, Hawkins. They could have- 
been easily killed, but their lives were spared for the moment to pre 
serve a consistency so common in all the plans of the Indians. They 
had determined to'kill Mcintosh in his own yard, in the presence of 
his family, and to let his blood run upon the soil of that ' Reserva- 
tion' which the Georgians had secured to him in the treaty which he 
had made with them. 

" Pursuing their way for a short distance, but still in view of the 
party, Mcintosh bid Hawkins good evening, wheeled his horse round, 
and rode back on the trail towards his residence ; and, although then 
alone, the Indians declined to kill him. Hawkins, who had been to 
pay his father-in-law a visit, continued to ride homeward. The un- 
conscious and ill-fated Mcintosh rode on to his own residence, and as 
he disappeared from the observation of his murderers, smiles and 
frowns alternately played upon their savage faces, knowing that they 
had him in their power. The first duty was to secure a supply of fat 
lightwood, which, being nicely split, and tied in bundles, was placed 
upon the backs of three stout warriors. 

* Ofuskee. a Creek town on the Tallapoosa River. 

■f Tookabatcha, the capital of the Creek Confederacy, also situated on the Tallapoost 
River- 



172 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

" The expedition remained in the woods until the hour of three 
o'clock in the morning, secreted within half a mile of the house. I 
have mentioned that James Hutton, the son-in-law of the person who 
gave me this account, was one of this expedition, and he was taken along 
as an interpreter to converse with any Americans who might be at Mcin- 
tosh's house. He was instructed to assure them that neither their 
persons nor property would be disturbed ; a wise arrangement, for as 
this was a public house, it was usually filled with American travellers, 
who were exploring the new lands, or who roamed over the nation to 
gratify a curiosity not then uncommon. Travellers were usual lv 
lodged in an outhouse in the yard, and thither Hutton and two Indi- 
ans repaired. 

"They found a pedler in one bed, and Chilly Mcintosh, the son of 
the General, in another. The latter instantly sprang to his feet, 
jumped out at a window, and, as he ran off, several guns were dis- 
charged at him without effect. He made his way to the river, in 
which he plunged, and, gaining the opposite side, effected his escape. 
The pedler, who was operated upon by the double fear of losing his 
life and his wares, was a most wretched man, until assured by Hut- 
ton that neither would be disturbed. His goods were removed into 
the yard, and the house in which he had slept was soon in flames 
In the meantime, the principal body of the assailants had surrounded 
the main building, and the light wood being immediately kindled, 
torches were applied to the sides, and under it. The flames threw a 
bright light over the yard, and exhibited to the astonished family of 
Mcintosh the approaching conflagration of the houses, and the hide- 
ous forms of those who were to murder him. They frequently 
shouted with much exultation, ' Mcintosh, we have come, we have 
come. We told you, if you sold the land to the Georgians, we would 
come.' 

"Mcintosh, upon the first discovery of the assailants, had barricaded 
his front door, and stood near it when it was forced. He fired on 
them, and, at that moment, one of his steadfast friends, Toma Tusti- 
nugee, fell lifeless upon the threshold. His body was riddled with 
balls. Mcintosh then retreated to the second story, with four guns 
in his hand, which he continued to discharge from a window. He 
fought with great courage, and, aware that his end was near, deter- 
mined to sell his life as dear as possible. He was at this time the 
only occupant of the burning house, for his two wives, Peggy and 
Susannah, who had been dragged into the yard, were heard implor- 
ing the savages not to burn him up, but to get him out of the house, 
and shoot him, as he was a brave man, and an Indian like them- 
selves. Mcintosh now came down to the first story, and was received 
with salutes of the rifle, until, being pierced with many balls, he fell 
to the floor, was seized by the legs, and dragged down the steps to 
the ground. While lying in the yard, and while the blood was gush- 
ing from his wounds, he raised himself on one arm, and surveyed his 
murderers with looks of defiance. At that moment, an Ocfuskee 
Ijiidian plunged a long knife, to the hilt, in the direction of his heart. 



GENERAL WILLIAM M'INTOSH. 1/3 

He brought a long breath, and expired. The party, after this, 
plundered the houses, killed the stock, and committed other depreda- 
tions, as described in the public papers of that day. 

"On the evening when Mcintosh took leave of Hawkins upon the 
trail, the latter continued to his residence, as related. He was fol- 
lowed by chosen warriors, who were instructed to make him a pri- 
soner that night. His house was on one of the branches of the Tal- 
lapoosa, which the Indians surrounded just before the break of day. 
They ordered him to come out. He refused ; but, after defending 
himself to no purpose, was secured with ropes, and kept alive until 
the fate of Mcintosh became known ; then he was killed, and his 
body thrown into the river. The Indians marched back to the Tal- 
lapoosa with the scalps of these men. 

" That of Mcintosh, which was suspended upon a pole in the public 
square of Ocfuskee, was the spectacle for old and young, who danced 
around it, with shouts of joy. 

" In the second volume of the History of Alabama, a chapter of 
which has been devoted to incidents in the lives of the Mcintosh fam- 
ily, I have stated, that General William Mcintosh was the son of 
'Old Rory' Mcintosh. When 1 wrote the chapter, I had some 
doubts upon that point, and corresponded with Governor Troup, who 
is a cousin of the Indian Mcintosh, to know if I was correct. His 
reply, unfortunately, reached me not in time to make the correction, 
and the book was published with the error. Governor Troup had an 
uncle, Captain William Mcintosh, a British officer, who, before the 
Revolutionary War, was frequently upon the Chattahoochee. This 
gentleman was the father of General William Mcintosh.* Having 
been thrown into the society of the more polished of our people, and 
having been the associate of our officers in the war of our Southern 
borders, he had acquired all the manners, and much of the polish, of 
a gentleman. At his death, he was perhaps over forty years of age. 
" Very respectfully, 

"A.J. Pickett." 

* See History of the Indian Tribes of North America, by Thomas L. M'Kenney, late 
of the Indian Department, Washington, and James Hall, of Cincinnati, from which 
many of the facts related in our Indian sketches have been derived. 



174 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEOKiJIA. 



TUSTENNUGGEE EMATHLA, 



A CREEK WARRIOR, 




Was a full-blooded Creek, and was born on the Tallapoosa River 
about the year iTiW. He was familiarly known by the name of Jim 
Boy, bul was properly entitled to thai which we have placed at the 
head of this article — Tustennuggee, meaning warrior, and Emathla, 

which signifies next to the warrior. \\ hen the war broke out, in 
1 81 1 , between the Creeks and Americans, he was too young to wield 
the tomahawk, but was permitted to follow the warriors. When the 
Creeks became divided into two parties, one of whom was friendly 
to the Americans, and the other hostile, and unwilling to emigrate, 
Tustennuggee Emathla attached himself to the former party. In 
the Florida war. he rendered important services. His family, con- 
sisting oi a wife and nine children, were among the unfortunate per- 
sons who were on board the steamboat Monmouth when that vessel 
sunk, and two hundred and thirty-six oi the Creeks, including four 
of the children of Tustennuggee Emathla, were drowned. 



kpnfal Sketches 




GOVERNORS OF GEORGIA, 



FROM 1733 TO 1855. 




GEN. O G L E T II O R V E . 



GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 177 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GENERAL JAMES EDWARD OGLETHORPE. 

In this work the reader will find, many particulars connected with 
the life of Oglethorpe, and therefore in the present article a few items 
only are given. 

The founder of the Colony of Georgia was the son of Sir Theo- 
philus Oglethorpe, and was born in London, on the 21st of December, 
1688. At the age of sixteen he was admitted a student of Corpus 
Christi College, but he did not finish his studies, the military pro- 
fession having more charms for him than literary pursuits. His first 
commission was that of Ensign. After the death of Queen Anne, he 
entered into the service of Prince Eugene. When twenty-four years 
of age he was brought into Parliament, and continued a member for 
thirty-two years. In November, 1732, Oglethorpe, with one hundred 
and sixteen settlers, embarked for Georgia, and on the 13th of January, 
1733, the ship dropped anchor outside of the bar at the port of Charles- 
town, South Carolina. By the Governor he was received with the 
greatest kindness. A few days afterwards he proceeded on his 
voyage, and arrived at Yamacraw, where he marked out a town, 
and called it Savannah. After he had placed his colony in as good 
a situation as circumstances would allow, he secured the good-will of 
the Indians. He continued to take a deep interest in the prosperity 
of the Colony for many years. In 1743 he left Georgia for England, 
to answer charges brought against him by Lieutenant-Colonel Cook. 
A court-martial declared the charges groundless and malicious, and 
Cook was dismissed from the service. In 1744 he was appointed one 
of the field-officers under Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, to oppose 
the expected invasion of France. General Oglethorpe died on the 
1st of July, 1785. On a mural tablet of white marble, in the chancel 
of Cranham Church, is the following inscription : 

Near this place lie the remains of 
JAMES EDWARD OGLETHORPE, Esq., 

who served under Prince Eugene, 

and in 1714 was Captain Lieutenant in the 

first troop of the Queen's Guards. 

In 1740 he was appointed Colonel of a Regiment 

to be raised for Georgia. 

In 1745 he was appointed Major-General; 

in 1747, Lieutenant-General; and 

in 1760, General of His Majesty's forces. 

12 



178 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

In his civil station, 

he was very early conspicuous. 

He was chosen Member of Parliament 

for Haslemere, in Surrey, in 1722, 
and continued to represent it till 1754. 

In the Committee of Parliament, 

for inquiring into the state of the jails, 

formed 25th of February, 1728, 

and of which he was Chairman, 

the active and persevering zeal of his benevolence 

found a truly suitable employment, 

by visiting, with his colleagues of that generous body, 

the dark and pestilential dungeons of the Prisons, 

which at that time dishonoured the metropolis; 

detecting the most enormous oppressions; 

obtaining exemplary punishment on those who had been 

guilty of such outrage against humanity and justice ; 

and redressing multitudes from extreme misery 

to light and freedom. 

Of these, about seven hundred, rendered, by long confinement for debt, strangers 

and helpless in the country of their birth, and desirous of seeking an asylum in 

the wilds of America, were by him conducted thither in 1732. 

He willingly encountered in their behalf 

a variety of fatigue and danger, 

and thus became the founder of 

the Colony of Georgia; 

a Colony which afterwards set the noble example 

of prohibiting the importation of slaves. 

This new establishment 

he strenuously and successfully defended 

against a powerful attack of the Spaniards. 

In the year in which he quitted England 

to found this settlement, 

he nobly strove to secure 

our true national defence by sea and land 

— a free navy — 

without impressing a constitutional militia. 

But his social affections were more enlarged 

than even the term Patriotism can express : 

he was the friend of the oppressed negro, — 

no part of the globe was too remote, — 

no interest too unconnected, — 

or too much opposed to his own, 

to prevent the immediate succour of suffering humanity. 

For such qualities he received, 

from the ever memorable John, Duke of Argyle, 



GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 179 

a full testimony, in the British Senate, 
to his military character, 
his natural generosity, 
his contempt of danger, 
and regard for the Public. 
A similar encomium is perpetuated in a foreign language j* 
and. by one of our most celebrated Poets, 
his remembrance is transmitted to posterity 
in lines justly expressive of 
the purity, the ardour, and the extent of his benevolence. 
He lived till the 1st of July, 1785; 
a venerable instance to what a duration 
a life of temperance and virtuous labour 
is capable of being protracted. 
His widow, Elisabeth, 
daughter of Sir Nathan Wright, of Cranham Hall, Bart., 
and only sister and heiress of Sir Samuel Wright, Bart., 
of the same place, 
surviving, with regret, 
but with due submission to Divine Providence, 
an affectionate husband, 
after an union of more than forty years, 
hath inscribed to his memory 
these faint traces of his excellent character. 
"Religion watches e'er his urn, 
And all the virtues bending mourn, 
Humanity, with languid eye, 
Melting for others 7 misery ; 
Prudence, whose hands a measure hold, 
And Temperance, with a chain of gold ; 
Fidelity's triumphant vest, 
And Fortitude in armour drest; 
Wisdom's gray locks, and Freedom, join 
The moral train to bless his shrine, 
And pensive all, around his ashes holy, 
Their last sad honours pay in order melancholy.'' -f 

* Referring to the encomium of the Abbe Raynal, in his Histoire Philosophique et 
Politique. 

t Spalding's Life of Oglethorpe, and Harris's Memorials of Oglethorpe, maybe consulted 
by those desirous of having a full account of the founder of Georgia. 



180 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



WILLIAM STEPHENS. 

William Stephens was the son of Sir William Stephens, Baronet, 
Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle-of- Wight, at which place he was 
born, January 28th, 1671, 0. S. When a boy, he was remarkable for 
his amiable disposition. The rudiments of education he obtained at 
Winchester School, from which he was sent to King's College, Cam- 
bridge ; and after his graduation he was entered at the Middle Temple, 
in London, although he was never called to the Bar. In his twenty- 
fifth year he married a daughter of Sir Richard Newdigate. About 
a year after his marriage he represented the town of Newport in 
Parliament. At this time he held several offices, was highly esteemed 
among his neighbours, and was often called to decide their differences. 
In 1712 he was appointed a Commissioner of the Victualling. After 
this, Colonel Horsey made him an offer of going to South Carolina to 
survey a barony of land. Upon his arrival in Charlestown, he was 
received very courteously. Here he became acquainted with General 
Oglethorpe, at whose recommendation, in August, 1737, he was 
appointed Secretary to the Trustees in Georgia, and arrived in Sa- 
vannah the following November. His office was to take a general 
oversight of affairs. In religion he was opposed to Wesley and 
Whitefield, and often commented on their doings and preaching with 
great severity. In 1741 he was made President of the county of 
Savannah, and in 1743 President of the whole Colony. He was over 
seventy years when he entered upon this office ; and the infirmities 
of age, hastened upon him by private misfortunes and domestic be- 
reavements, soon incapacitated him for his duties. He was called 
upon in 1750 by his assistants, who frankly stated the difficulties 
under which they laboured, resulting from his age and incapacity. 
The venerable President immediately comprehended their intentions, 
and told them to proceed without him ; " that he would soon retire 
into the country, where he should be at liberty to mind the more 
weighty things of a future state ; not doubting but the Trustees would 
enable him to end his few remaining days without care and anxiety." 
He died in August, 1753, at the age of fourscore years.* 

The compiler of this work has had the pleasure of examining a 
journal of Colonel Stephens, which commences on the 20th of Octo- 
ber, 1737, and comes down to October 28, 1741. Of this journal, the 
Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, in his biography of General Oglethorpe, 
thus speaks : "It gives a minute account of everything which oc- 
curred, and bears throughout the marks of correctness, of ingenuous- 
ness, and frankness in the narrative of transactions and events, and of 
integrity, strict justice, and unflinching fidelity in the discharge of 
his very responsible office. As exhibiting ' the form and pressure of 
the times,' it is of essential importance to the historian of Georgia, 
and, happily, it was printed, making three octavo volumes. But the 

* Stevens's History of Georgia. 



HENRY PARKER. 181 

work is exceedingly rare, especially the third volume. A complete 
set is among the EBELING books in Harvard College Library." In 
the library of the Georgia Historical Society, there is a book called 
"The Castle Builders; or, the History of William Stephens" — a very 
rare work, written by his son. 



HENRY PARKER 

As early as the year 1734, this gentleman held the office of Bailiff 
in Savannah, regarded at that time as quite dignified and trustworthy. 
Bailiffs then acted as magistrates, and when on the bench wore a 
purple gown, edged with fur. At an early period, Mr. Parker made 
a settlement on the Isle of Hope, near Savannah, which we believe 
now remains in the possession of some of his connections. In 1741, 
when the Province of Georgia was divided into two counties, viz., 
Savannah and Frederica, he was made one of the assistants of 
William Stephens, President of the former. Ill health compelled Mr. 
Stephens to resign in 1750, and Mr. Parker became his successor. 
About this time a Colonial Assembly was authorized by the Trustees, 
and they instructed Mr. Parker to call one, which he accordingly did. 
This Assembly convened on the 15th of January, 1751 ; " and upon 
this occasion the customary formalities of being addressed by the 
Executive and replied to by the Assembly were for the first time gone 
through in Georgia."* Mr. Parker continued to discharge the duties 
of the Executive of the Province of Georgia until the surrender of 
the charter. After the arrival of Governor Reynolds, Mr. Parker 
retired to the Isle of Hope, where he departed this life, at an advanced 
age.t 

* ADDRESS OF ASSEMBLY. 

"Assembly Room, 25th January, 1751. 
"Sir — We, the deputies of the several districts, in General Assembly met, desire to 
return you our sincere thanks for your speech to us ; and we assure you, we shall en- 
deavour, with all concord and unanimity, to go through the business appointed for us to 
do ; and we also beg leave to embrace this opportunity of heartily congratulating you 
on your being appointed Vice-President of the Province, which we look upon as no more 
than a just reward for your long and faithful .services in it ; and we have no doubt but 
the same steadiness, justice, and candour, which have formerly guided you in the execu- 
tion of other offices, will direct and govern you in this. 

" Francis Harris, Speaker. 
" Henry Parker, Esquire, Vice-President 
of the Colony of Georgia." 

The Vice-President returned the following answer : 

"Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly — I heartily thank you for your 
kind and flattering address, and will always make it my study and endeavour to promote 
anything which may tend to the service and advantage of the Colony. 

" Henry Parker, 
" Vice-President of the Colony of Georg'a." 

I Stevens's History of Georgia. 



182 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



JOHN 'REYNOLDS. 

After the surrender of their charter by the Trustees to the crown, 
the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations were directed to 
lay before the Privy Council a plan of government for the Colony of 
Georgia, which they accordingly did on the 5th of March, 1754. The 
plan recommended was approved, and Captain John Reynolds was 
appointed by the King of England Governor of Georgia, with the title 
of " Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of His Majesty's Province 
of Georgia, and Vice-Admiral of the same." A few days after the 
date of his commission, (6th of August, 1754,) he embarked for the 
colony, and on the 29th of October of the same year landed at Sa- 
vannah. A new system of government now commenced, entirely dif- 
ferent from that which existed under the supervision of the Trustees, 
but similar to that which prevailed in the other colonies. The 
Governor had authority to call an Assembly, to pass laws, to erect 
courts of judicature, to grant lands, &c, &c. A Council of twelve per- 
sons was also appointed to advise and assist the Governor. Officers 
were also appointed to collect the customs and duties, to manage the 
quit-rents and grants of land, besides others, such as Secretary, Provost- 
Marshalj and Attorney-General. The seal of the Colony was changed,* 
and the following persons appointed Councillors : Patrick Graham, 
Sir Patrick Houstoun, Bart., James Habersham, Alexander Kellett, 
William Clifton, Noble Jones, Pickering Robinson, Francis Harris, 
Jonathan Bryan, William Russell, James Habersham, Secretary of 
the Province; William Clifton, Attorney-General ; Alexander Kellett, 
Provost-Marshal; William Russell, Naval Officer; Thomas Young, 
William Brahm, Surveyors ; Sir Patrick Houstoun, Bart., Register 

* Approval of the King and Council of the Draught of a Colonial Seal. 

Order of Council at the Court of Kensington, 21st of June, 1754. 

Present, the King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council. 

Upon reading at the Board a representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade 
and Plantations, setting forth that his Majesty, having been graciously pleased to ap- 
prove of a plan for the establishment of a civil government in his Majesty's Colony of 
Georgia, in America, and it appearing necessary that a public Seal should be prepared 
for sealing all public documents there, according to the method practised in all his Ma- 
jesty's colonies in America, the said Commissioners have therefore prepared the draught 
of such a Seal as to them seems to be proper for the said Colony of Georgia, whereon a 
figure, representing the Genius of the Colony, is described, offering a skein of silk to his 
Majesty, with the motto, " Hinc laudem sperate Coloni," and around the circumference, 
" Sigillum Provincise nostra Georgice in America;" and on the obverse are his Ma- 
jesty s arms, crown, garter, supporters, and motto, with the inscription, " Georgius II. 
Dei Gratia Magnse Britannia Fr. et Hib. Rex Fidei Defensor, Brunswici et Lunenbergi 
Dux, Sacri Romani Imperii Archi Thesaurarius et Elector." 

His Majesty, in Council, took the same into consideration, and was pleased to approve 
of the same draught, and to order that his Majesty's Chief Engraver of Seals do forthwith 
engrave one Silver Seal for the use of his Majesty's Culony of Georgia, according to the 
said draught, and of the same size with those sent to his Majesty's Provinces of South 
and North Carolina ; and the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations are to 
prepare a warrant for his Majesty's royal signature to the said engraver, as usual upon 
the like occasions, and to direct him to lay the said Seal before his Majesty at this Board 
for his royal approbation. (Signed) W. Sharpe. 



JOHN REYNOLDS. 183 

of Grants. One among the first acts of Governor Reynolds was to 
secure the friendship of the Indians, for which purpose he wrote let- 
ters to the head men of the Upper and Lower Creeks, assuring them 
of his amicable feelings, and promising some tokens of his Majesty's 
regard. The establishing of proper courts of judicature being of 
great importance to the prosperity of the Province, Governor Rey- 
nolds, as early as circumstances would permit, brought this subject 
before the Council, and on the 12th of December a General Court was 
established, besides a Court of Chancery, a Court of Oyer and Ter- 
miner, and a Court of Admiralty. 

After the arrangement of the Courts, the Governor called a Gene- 
ral Assembly to meet in Savannah on the 7th of January, 1755, and 
accordingly the first Legislature of Georgia, consisting of three 
branches, the Governor, Council, and Commons, met upon the day 
appointed. With the exception of some interruptions, originating 
with Edmund Gray, a pretended Quaker, one of fche members of the 
Assembly, business was conducted with harmony. Twelve acts were 
passed, and received the assent of the Governor. After the adjourn- 
ment of the Assembly, Reynolds made a tour through the southern 
parts of the Province. It was on this tour that he laid out a town on 
the Ogeechee River, which he named Hardwick. In a letter addressed 
to the Board of Trade, he expresses the opinion, " that Hardwick 
will become a fit place for the seat of government." The necessity 
of having the southern boundaries of the Province clearly defined 
struck the Governor as highly important, and he proposed to the 
Council in England to extend his authority to 30 cleg. 20 min. north 
latitude, and thence in a straight line westward to the Pacific, but no 
definite action was taken upon the subject. In his efforts to protect 
the colony, by proper military defences, the Governor exhibited much 
zeal, and sent to the Board of Trade a representation upon the sub- 
ject. Wishing to maintain peaceful relations with the Indians, he re- 
solved, accompanied by some of the Council, to meet them at Au- 
gusta. A day was appointed, but the Indians failing to attend, he 
returned to Savannah, leaving William Little as his agent to deliver 
his speeches and presents. It was just about this time that two 
transports from Nova Scotia, with four hundred French Papists, ar- 
rived at Savannah. It was one of the express conditions on which 
Georgia was settled, that no Papist should be allowed in it, and conse- 
quently the Governor was placed in an awkward position. These 
new-comers brought letters to Reynolds from Lieut. -Governor Law- 
rence, of Nova Scotia, acquainting him " that for the better security 
of that province, and in consequence of a resolution of his Council, 
he had sent these people to Georgia, and he did not doubt of his con- 
currence."* To the honour of the Governor, he treated them with 
kindness. The season of the year not admitting of their going north, and 
their provisions being nearly exhausted, they were distributed about the 
Province in small parties, and maintained at the public expense until 
the following spring, when the greater part of them left. In 1756, 
* Board of Trade, vol. vi., p. 39. 



184 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

misunderstandings began between the Assembly and the Governor. 
These arose from the Assembly refusing to admit to their seats three 
new members, on account of which, it w T as adjourned from the 5th to 
the 12th of February, 1756. So determined was the Assembly to 
disregard the instructions of the Governor, that they ordered a mes- 
sage of adjournment, sent by him, to lie on the table, confined the 
Speaker to his chair, forced him to sign a paper, while some private 
members seized upon the minutes, made such alterations as they 
pleased, and refused to deliver them to his written order. Of these 
proceedings he complained to the Board of Trade. With the Coun- 
cil, also, the Governor had difficulties. In a letter to the Board of 
Trade, he informs them " that a great majority of the Council have 
all along appeared to be extremely greedy of power, and would fain 
have all things determined by vote, desiring even his official corres- 
pondence with the Board of Trade to pass under their approval." 
Representations w%re made to the Board of Trade, that a sad decline 
of the colony had taken place, which was attributed to the Governor, 
and to William Little, his Secretary. This man had served with Rey- 
nolds in the navy as a surgeon, and had accompanied him to Georgia, 
and by him was advanced to some of the most responsible posts. In 
consequence of his conduct, he became very unpopular, and in Sept., 

1755, all the Council except one presented to the Governor a memorial, 
in which they charged Little with forgery, illegal commitments, and 
arbitrary conduct, and desired his removal from office. The Governor 
refused to remove him. Various representations were sent to Eng- 
land against the Governor and Little ; and although active measures 
were taken to contradict these representations, the Lords of Trade 
felt it to be their duty to attend to the complaints, and accordinglv 
Reynolds was recalled. On the 17th of February, 1757, the Governor 
received a letter from the Board of Trade, dated 5th of August, 

1756, signifying his Majesty's pleasure il that he should return to 
England, to the end that an account of the present situation and cir- 
cumstances of the Province, and of his conduct in the administration 
of the Government there, might be laid before his Majesty for his 
further directions, and to resign the Government of the colony into 
the hands of Henry Ellis, Esq." Immediately upon the receipt of 
this letter Governor Reynolds resigned, and in a few days embarked 
for England, having previously furnished himself with such neces- 
sary documents and papers as he thought would enable him to obey 
the commands of his Majesty. The vessel in which he embarked 
was taken by a French privateer, and carried into the port of Bayonne, 
from whence he procured a passage home, having been stripped by 
the enemy of his journal, papers, and every thing of value belong- 
ing to him. On the 7th of July, 1757, he arrived in London, and 
it "was not until the 6th of March of the next year that the Board of 
Trade furnished him with a statement of complaints. To these 
complaints he responded, but the Board of Trade were not satisfied 
with his explanations. He now resumed his rank in the navy. He 
was finally made Rear- Admiral of the Blue, and died in January, 1776. 



HENRY ELLIS. 185 



HENRY ELLIS. 



This gentleman was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Georgia on 
the 15th of August, 1756. He was born in 1720. His devotion to 
the natural sciences, and his fondness for geographical discoveries, 
induced a committee of Parliament to constitute him their agent to 
take charge of an expedition which was fitted out to find a new pas- 
sage to the Pacific. The expedition left England on the 24th of 
May, 1746, and after twelve months employed in persevering but in- 
effectual efforts to find the wished- for passage, returned. Ellis pub- 
lished a narrative of his voyage, the merits of which were so highly 
esteemed that he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. At 
Savannah, where he arrived on the 16th of February, 1757, he was 
received with demonstrations of respect and joy by all classes of the 
people Before Governor Ellis had taken the reins of Government, he 
had learned that the task he was about to undertake would be a difficult 
one — that the colony was not only in a defenceless state, but much dis- 
tracted by factions, and he therefore addressed a memorial to the pro- 
per authorities, in which he solicited "five hundred stand of arms for 
the inhabitants, a ship of war to defend the coast, and presents for 
the Indians," all of which was granted. The situation of things re- 
quired firmness and decision, and Ellis possessed these qualities in 
an eminent degree. To the interests of the colony he appears to have 
devoted himself with Zealand judgment. The state of the judiciary, 
the importance of keeping up friendly relations with the Indians, and 
other subjects highly conducive to the welfare of the Province, were 
strongly presented to the consideration of the Lords Commissioners. 
In a letter dated May 5, 1757, which he addressed to the Board of 
Trade, he informed them that he had made a visit to the southern 
parts of the Province, examined minutely the principal rivers, and 
described the Great Ogeechee " as possessing advantages much supe- 
rior to any of the others," and expressed the opinion, " that Hard- 
wick was the most eligible place for the seat of government." In 
his journey he met with many Indians, whose friendly feelings he en- 
deavoured to cultivate. On the 16th of June, 1757, the Assembly of 
the Province met agreeably to his call. In his speech to them, he 
says — " I can with unfeigned sincerity declare, that I enter upon this 
station with the most disinterested views, without prejudice to any 
man or body of men, or retrospect to past transactions or disputes, 
but animated with the warmest zeal for whatever concerns your hap- 
piness or the public utility, sincerely inclined to concur with you in 
every just and necessary measure, and fully resolved, that if unfortu- 
nately my wishes and endeavours prove fruitless, to be the first to so- 
licit my recall."* 

In reply to this address, he was assured by the Council " that they 

* Minutes of Council in Assembly, 164. 



186 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



congratulated him upon his arrival into the Province, and that they 
promised themselves, from his distinguished abilities, acknowledged 
probity, and unwearied application, that the day of his arrival will 
prove the era of the prosperity of this colony." A feeble effort was 
made by Little, to whom we have referred in our memoir of Rey- 
nolds, to disturb the Government, but it was completely defeated by 
the mild, but decided, measures of Ellis. This Assembly w r as pro- 
rogued on the 28th of July, after which, Governor Ellis applied him- 
self to the preservation of amity with the Spanish Governor, in St. 
Augustine, and securing the friendship of the Indians. His correspond- 
ence with the Spanish Governor is to be found in volume viii., Book 
of Trade, Colonial Documents. We have perused it carefully, and 
think it affords evidence of the great talents of Mr. Ellis, and if our 
limits allowed we would insert the whole of it. At this time war 
existed between France and England, and letters were addressed to 
the colonial Governors, by Pitt, then the Prime Minister of England, 
communicating the resolution of his Majesty to prosecute the war in 
the most vigorous manner, and calling upon them to raise troops for 
their defence. Governor Ellis laid the letter sent to him before the 
Assembly, but such was the state of the colony, that it could not re- 
spond to the call of the mother country. On the 25th of October, 
1757, a conference was held by Governor Ellis and the Council with 
the Upper and Lower Creeks, From the minutes of Council, dated 
29th of October, 1757, we make the following extracts in regard to 
this conference : — 

" The Indians were escorted by Captain Milledge, with his troop of Rangers, 
and approached the town. They were met in an open savanna, about a mile 
distant, by Captain Bryan, with the principal inhabitants of the town, on horse- 
back, who welcomed them in his honor's, the Governor's, name, and regaled them 
in a tent pitched for that purpose. This being ended, the cavalcade resumed 
their march ; Captain Bryan, at the head of the gentlemen, led the way, the In- 
dians followed according to their rank, and the Rangers brought up the rear. 
They advanced in this order until they were in sight of the town, where they 
halted, and were saluted with three cannon from the King's, from the Prince's 
five, from the Halifax five, and five from Loudon's bastions. They then moved 
on to the gate, when Captain Bryan, and the horse that were with him, filing to 
the right and left, formed two lines, through which the Indians marched. They 
were then next received by Colonel Jones, at the head of the regiment of Foot 
Militia, who conducted them with great regularity towards the Council-Cham- 
ber. As they passed the Governor's house they were saluted with seven cannon 
at the water side, and from vessels in the river. A little short of the Council- 
Chamber, the Foot Militia divided in good order to the right and left. The In- 
dians marched through, and were again received by a company of the Virginia 
Regiment of Blues, drawn up in a line in front, who, first saluting them with a 
volley, by a particular evolution, formed two lines, extending to the Council- 
House, where the Indians were conducted to the Council, and were introduced 
to his honor, the Governor, who, holding out his hand, addressed them in the fol- 



HENRY ELLIS. 187 

lowing manner : — ' My friends and brothers ! behold my hands and arms. Our 
common enemies, the French, have told you that they are red to the elbows ; 
view them — do they speak the truth? Let your own eyes witness. You see 
they are white ; and could you see my heart, you would find it as pure, but very 
warm, and true to you, my friends. The French tell you, whoever shakes my 
hands will be immediately struck by disease, and die. If you believe this lying, 
foolish talk, don't touch me. If you do not, I am ready to embrace you.' Where- 
upon they all approached his Honor, and shook hands, declaring.the French had 
often deceived them in this manner. These ceremonies being over, and the In- 
dians seated, his Honor addressed himself to them again, to which the Wolf 
King Mico, of the Upper Creeks, made a suitable reply. His Honor then invited 
the head men to dine with him at his own house, where they were entertained 
in the kindest manner. The conference lasted several days, and resulted in a 
treaty of peace and friendship." 

At the opening of 1758, Governor Ellis assured the Board of Trade, 
that notwithstanding the calamities of the times, the Province was in 
the enjoyment of a large share of happiness and prosperity. The 
second General Assembly met in Savannah, 11th of January, 1758. 
Among the laws enacted by this body, was one dividing the Province 
into parishes, regulating Indian affairs, prohibiting slaves from being 
taught handicrafts, &c. Upon the adjournment of the Assembly, 
Governor Ellis made a second tour through the southern parts of the 
Province, and proceeded as far as the south end of Cumberland 
Island. Important points he discovered to be in a defenceless situa- 
tion, and in his communications to the Board of Trade, he earnestly 
entreats them to make provision to have these points defended ; but 
other matters occupied their attention, and he was compelled to fit 
out a suitable vessel for the defence of the Province. 

The Governor's services were not unnoticed by the mother country, 
and he was appointed on the 17th of May, 1758, Governor-in-Chief 
of the colony. 

Soon after he was made Governor-in-Chief, he received an order 
from Government to remove certain persons, numbering over three 
hundred, who had settled on lands between the Alatamaha and the 
St. John's, and who had called their settlement New Hanover. The 
reasons for this order were many, but the principal one urged was, 
that it might become a " rendezvous for fugitives and outlaws." Com- 
missioners were appointed to break up the settlement. 

It was under the administration of Governor Ellis that the long 
disputed claim of the Bosomworths was settled. We have already 
given a full account of this dispute, and we deem it unnecessary 
to say any thing here in regard to it. The climate of Georgia had a 
very injurious effect upon the health of Mr. Ellis, and in November, 
1759, he solicited a recall, which was granted, and he took his de- 
parture from Georgia on the 2d of November, 1760, amidst the sin- 
cere regrets of the people. He was afterwards appointed Governor 



188 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

of Nova Scotia, which station he held for two years and a half. Ill 
health compelled him to visit France, and afterwards Naples. He 
died in 1805, over eighty-five years of age. Dr. Stevens, in his His- 
tory of Georgia, says — " The period of his connection with Georgia 
will ever be in her history like the calm hour of sunshine, after a 
tempest has blackened the sky." 



SIR JAMES WRIGHT 

Was descended from an ancient family. His father was Robert 
Wright, Esq., of Sedgefield, in Durham, England, who removed to 
South Carolina, and settled in Charleston. He was appointed Chief- 
Justice of South Carolina, the duties of which office he continued to 
discharge until his death. In Charleston, he married a widow lady 
by the name of Pitts, by whom he had James Wright, the subject of 
this memoir.* 

As it was customary at this period for gentlemen to have their sons 
educated in Europe, it is probable that Mr. Wright received his educa- 
tion in England. He practised law in Charleston, and was afterwards 
appointed agent of the Province of South Carolina in Great Britain. 

On the 13th of May, 1760, he was appointed Governor of Georgia, 
and arrived at Savannah in the following October. It is impossible 
to compress within the limits allotted for our sketches a full account 
of the administration of this gentleman. Our readers must be satis- 
fied with brief statements of the events which occurred during the 
time he held the reins of Government. 

Governor Wright found Georgia in a languishing condition, and he 
lost no time in endeavouring to correct abuses. In a short period the 
colony gave signs of prosperity. Soon after his arrival, he issued 
writs of election for members of the Assembly. At the time desig- 
nated, the Assembly met at Savannah, and, at the suggestion of the 
Governor, adopted many regulations, the utility of which was soon 
manifested in the progress which the colony made in agriculture and 
commerce. Governor Wright feeling the importance of cultivating 
friendly relations with the Indians, took every precaution to guard 
them against oppression, and prevent any rupture with them. The 
Province felt the happy effects of the Governor's energy, and it bid fair 
to become one among the most important of his Majesty's colonies. 
The Governor being a firm advocate of what he considered the rights 
of the colony over which he presided, he never would permit them to 
be violated with impunity. In 1763, Governor Boone, of South Caro- 
lina, issued grants for many thousand acres of land situated south of 
the Alatamaha River, to several persons. Governor Wright regarded 
this proceeding as contrary to the spirit and intention of his Majesty's 

* Burke's Peerage and Baronetage. 



SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 189 

orders, as well as highly detrimental to the welfare of Georgia, and 
accordingly sent an agent to Charleston with a protest and caveat 
against the proceedings of the Governor of South Carolina. To the 
agent, the Governor's protest and caveat, Boone paid no attention, 
upon which Governor Wright forwarded an account of the matter to 
the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. Their Lordships, in 
a short time afterwards, ordered Boone's grants to be discontinued.* 
For some time everything seemed to go on well in Georgia, but the 
passage of the Stamp Act by the mother country produced a spirit 
of discontent. As soon as it was known that the Stamp Act had re- 
ceived the royal assent, the American colonies adopted resolutions 
expressive of their abhorrence of the Act. Georgia was not back- 
ward in declaring her sentiments in regard to this obnoxious measure. 
At this time William Knox, Esq., was the agent of the Province of 
Georgia in Great Britain. This gentleman had written a letter to a 
friend in America, in which he defended the Stamp Act. This gave 
great offence to the people of Georgia, and the General Assembly, at 
their meeting November 15, 1765, " resolved to give instructions to 
the Committee of Correspondence to acquaint Mr. Knox, agent of 
this Province, that the Province has no further occasion for his ser- 
vices;" and at a subsequent Assembly, Charles Garth was appointed 
agent. Governor Wright objected to this appointment, and desired 
the Assembly to appoint another person ; but they adhered to their 
first nomination, and sent it up to the Council, with an article of 
£100, as the estimate for his salary. The Council disagreed to the 
ordinance, upon the ground that Mr. Garth being the agent of South 
Carolina, he could not exercise those functions for Georgia, but were 
willing to concur in the nomination of any other unexceptionable per- 
son, of which they informed the Assembly ; but this body insisted 
upon their first appointment, and declared, if the ordinance was re- 
jected, they would appoint him themselves, which they accordingly 
did on the 26th of March, 1767. This gave great umbrage to the 
Governor ; and in a letter addressed to Secretary Conway, he says, 
" The nomination of a provincial agent by the Assembly alone is a 
thing, I believe, never before attempted in any province on the Con- 
tinent of America, unless very lately, when they have been seized with 
their strange enthusiastic ideas of liberty and power." In another 
letter written about this time, he complains "that a large proportion 
of the people of Georgia are sons of liberty, and that the same spirit 
of sedition which first appeared in Boston had reached Georgia." 
With his usual energy, Governor Wright laboured to convince the 
people of the propriety of submitting to the King's authority. He 
represented, in the strongest manner possible, the dangerous conse- 
quences of following the example of their Northern brethren, but to 
no purpose. The people became alarmed at beholding an attack upon 
their constitutional liberties, and they determined, as far as circum- 
stances would permit, to resist such attack. In a variety of ways did 

* American State Papers. 



190 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

they manifest their opposition to the Stamp Act. " On the 26th of 
October, 1765, the day of his Majesty's accession, Governor Wright 
had ordered a general muster, and in the evening of which there 
was a very great tumult in the streets, and some effigies were burnt, 
and two or three days afterwards several incendiary letters were 
written."* 

These exhibitions of violence drew from the Governor a proclama- 
tion, which, however, instead of awing the people, only exasperated 
them, and led to the formation of an association to oppose and pre- 
vent the distribution of the stamped papers. The difficulties and dis- 
turbances prevailing at this time were attributed by the Governor 
" to the inflammatory papers, letters, and messages continually sent 
to Georgia from the Sons of Liberty, as they call themselves in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina." On the 5th of December, 1766, his Majes- 
ty's ship Speedwell arrived in the Savannah River, having on board 
the stamped papers. The Governor used every precaution to prevent 
either the papers or officers from falling into the hands of the Sons 
of Liberty. As sqon as it was known that the vessels with the 
papers were in the. river, several of the citizens waited upon the 
Governor, and informed him that there was no intention to seize upon 
and destroy the papers. The papers were landed and lodged in the 
Kingston or Warehouse, under the care of the Commissary ; but not- 
withstanding the assurances given to the Governor, he soon dis- 
covered much discontent among the people. On the 2d of January 
he received information that the Liberty Boys in town had assem- 
bled, to the number of about two hundred, and that some of them had 
declared they were determined to go to the fort and break open the 
store, take out the stamped papers, and destroy them. This induced 
the Governor to order the officers to collect their men, and make other 
arrangements which he conceived would prevent a seizure of the 
papers. On the 3d of January, Mr. Agnus, the distributor of the stamps 
for the Province of Georgia, arrived in the river, upon which the 
Governor sent a scout boat with an officer and a party of men to pro- 
tect him. He was guarded to the Governor's house, where he remain- 
ed two weeks ; but such was the excitement of the people, that it was 
deemed necessary to send him into the country. Some time after 
this six hundred men assembled near Savannah, and threatened, if 
Governor Wright did not promise that he would issue no more 
stamps until the King's pleasure was known, they would surround 
his dwelling, seize and destroy the papers, and commit other acts of 
violence. The Governor, upon hearing this, had the papers removed 
to Fort George, on Cockspur Island, where they were protected by 
a captain, two subalterns, and fifty men. On the 4th of February the 
town was again alarmed by the appearance on the commons of be- 
tween two and three hundred men, clamorous for the redress of their 
grievances. The Governor ordered out the company of Rangers, 
and all the regulars and volunteers, together with a party of marines 

* Wright's Letter to Secretary Cunway, in Colonial Documents 



SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 191 

and seamen from the Speedwell. The most daring of the Sons of 
Liberty were in favour of attacking the Governor's soldiers, but the 
more prudent thought differently, and after a parley with the Governor, 
they retired without coming to any settled purpose.* On the arrival of 
the stamps, says Dr. Stevens, "there were between sixty and seventy 
sail of vessels in port waiting for clearance. The whole exporting pro- 
duce of the Province was shipped on board these vessels, and the 
necessities of the case seemed so urgent, that though the people re- 
fused to use stamps for any other purpose, they consented to employ 
them to clear out their ships, by which means the port was opened, 
though the courts remained closed, and every species of judicial busi- 
ness was suspended. Such a course gave much umbrage to the other 
colonies, and particularly to South Carolina. Governor Wright was 
termed by the Carolinians ' a parricide,' and Georgia ' a pensioned 
Government, which had sold her birthright for a mess of pottage, and 
whose inhabitants should be treated as slaves, without ceremony.' 
They resolved, ' that no provisions should be shipped to that infamous 
colony, Georgia ; that every vessel trading there should be burnt, 
and whosoever should traffic with them should be put to death.' 
But the injustice of these measures towards Georgia will be evident, 
when it is remembered that through the irresolution of Governor 
Bull, the port of Charleston itself was opened, under pretence that no 
stamped papers were to be had, when, in fact, they were lodged by 
his authority in Fort Johnston, whence, overawed by the populace, 
he dared not remove or use them. Charleston, also, was a city of 
many thousand inhabitants, and its Governor hesitating and timorous, 
while Savannah had hardly as many hundreds, controlled by a Chief 
Magistrate whose energy and decision could neither be wearied by 
importunity, nor daunted by danger. Georgia did not deserve this 
reproach, for every thing which a Province similarly situated could 
do, was done, and she rested not from her efforts till a repeal of the 
Act and a change of Ministry brought with them a temporary quiet 
and repose." 

The repeal of the Stamp Act was followed by others equally op- 
pressive. In 1767, Governor Wright received an application for 
barracks to accommodate a company of British soldiers, of which 
he gave the Assembly information; but this body refused to make 
the necessary arrangements for their accommodation, declaring "that 
they humbly conceive their complying with the requisition would 
be a violation of the trust reposed in them by their constituents, 
and founding a precedent they by no means think themselves justifi- 
able in introducing." In 1768, Governor Wright received a letter 
from the Earl of Hillsborough, enclosing a copy of a letter from the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Colony of Massa- 
chusetts Bay to the Speaker of the Assembly of Georgia. On ac- 
count of the Assembly not sitting, they had no opportunity of con- 
sidering the same; but the late Speaker, Alexander Wyley, Esq., 
wrote a letter to the Speaker of the Boston Assembly, informing him 
* See Dr. Stevens's Discourse before the Georgia Historical Society. 



192 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

of the Governor's having prorogued the Assembly, which prevented 
its being answered in a public way, and assuring him that when the 
Assembly meets, he would lay it before the House, and that such 
measures will be pursued as will manifest their regard for constitu- 
tional liberty, and their respect for the House of Representatives of 
the Province of Massachusetts Bay, whose wise and spirited conduct 
is so justly admired ; and also informed him that they had instructed 
Dr. Franklin, their agent, to join the other colonies' agents in solicit- 
ing a repeal of sundry laws.* When these facts were communicated 
by Governor Wright to the Earl of Hillsborough, that nobleman 
directed, "if Wyley should be elected Speaker of the next Assembly, 
the Governor should put a negative upon such a choice." 

In the Commons House of Assembly, 24th of December, 1768, 
Mr. Alexander Wyley presented the letter to which we have just re- 
ferred ; and also one signed by Peyton Randolph, Esq., Speaker of 
the House of Burgesses of the Colony of Virginia, which were read, 
and the following. resolutions adopted : — 

" Resolved, That from the inherent right of the subject to petition the throne 
for redress of grievances, a right allowed and confirmed by the act of William 
and Mary, the said letters do not appear to this House of a dangerous or factious 
tendency, but on the contrary, in the opinion of this House, only tend to a justi- 
fiable union of subjects aggrieved, in lawful and laudable endeavours to obtain 
redress by an application founded upon, and expressive of, duty and loyalty to 
the best of Kings, a becoming respect for the Parliament of Great Britain, and 
an equitable and natural affection for our mother country, and arises from the 
tender and commendable attention of those Colonies to the natural rights and 
liberties of British subjects in America, and to which they are undeniably enti- 
tled upon the happy principles of the Constitution. 

" Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent by the Speaker of the House 
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts Bay, and the 
Speaker of the House of Burgesses in Virginia ; and that they be acquainted by 
him that this House approves of the measures by them pursued to obtain redress 
of our common grievances, also of the method by them taken of enunciating 
these measures to the other Provinces on the Continent/'" 

These resolutions were offensive to Governor Wright, who charged 
the Assembly with revolutionary conduct, and dissolved that body; 
informing the members, that "if America w r as to become independent 
of the mother country, from that day you may date the foundation of 
your ruin and misery." 

In 1770, instructions were sent to Governor Wright from the Board 
of Trade, to consent to an act for electing representatives in the four 
parishes south of the Alatamaha. The Deputy-Secretary of State 
had been required to give evidence before the House of Representa- 
tives ; but having doubt as to certain powers exercised by the House, 
he refused to answer the questions proposed to him, and in conse- 
quence of which he was committed to prison. The Governor refused 

* Governor Wright's Letters to the Earl of Hillsborough, dated August 6, 1768. 



SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 193 

to notice the proceedings of the House, upon the ground of their being 
illegal, declaring that he had not sanctioned a representation from 
these parishes, and he was highly displeased with the power which had 
been assumed by them in the imprisonment of the Deputy-Secretary. 
These circumstances, together with the evident disposition of a large 
majority of the members to support the resolutions entered into at the 
preceding session, induced the Governor to dissolve the Assembly. 

il The General Assembly met at Savannah on the 23d of April, 1771. On the 
24th, the new-elected Commons House of Assembly unanimously re-chose the 
Hon. Noble Wymberley Jones their Speaker: but, being disapproved of by the 
Governor, they, the same day, unanimously chose Archibald Bulloch, Esq. He 
was approved of, and the session opened with a speech by the Governor, in which 
his Excellency informed the Assembly, that on his representation with respect to 
the Election Bill formerly presented to him, and which he then rejected, his Ma- 
jesty had been pleased to assent to one for the purposes therein proposed, except 
for limiting the duration of the Assembly; and his Excellency concluded with 
recommending to them to confine their views to such things as are only essential. 

" On the 25th, the House resolved, That the rejecting the Speaker elected by 
their unanimous, consent was a high breach of the privilege of the House, and 
tended to subvert the most valuable rights and liberties of the people and their 
representatives ; and that the members, being unwilling to delay the necessary 
business of the Province, did proceed to choose another member as Speaker; 
nevertheless, declaring that it ought at no time to be admitted as a precedent. 

"The 26th, an address was drawn up; and, while two members were ordered 
to wait on the Governor, to know his pleasure when he would be attended with 
the said address, his Excellency commanded the immediate attendance of the 
House, and delivered to them the following speech, viz. : — 

" Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly : 

" When I met you, I was hopeful that you would have entered upon such 
business as appeared most essential to the public welfare, with a proper disposi- 
tion, in which case, I conceive it might have been gone through in a very short 
time : but am sorry to find, by the proceedings entered on your journals, that, 
instead of paying any attention to my recommendation, a spirit of a very dif- 
ferent kind prevails among you, and that you have been hardy enough not only 
to call in question, but absolutely to deny his Majesty's undoubted right to 
approve or disapprove of a Speaker, and which power is particularly delegated 
to me; — I say, when I see you have committed such an insult and attack on 
his Majesty's authority, it totally puts it out of my power to enter upon any busi- 
ness with you, or suffer you to sit any longer; and however unwilling you may 
pretend to be to delay the necessary business of the Province, yet I doubt not 
but all discerning and unprejudiced persons will clearly see that the obstruction 
to public business proceeds from your conduct^ and not from mine. And I do; by 
and with the unanimous opinion and advice of his Majesty's honourable Council, 
dissolve this Assembly, and the same is hereby dissolved. 

"Savannah, Council Chambkr, "James Wrioht. 

"April 26, mi." 

13 



194 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

An address was sent by this Assembly to the King, in which they 
represented the grievances the Province laboured under, by the late 
acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, for raising a revenue in 
America — assured his Majesty, that whilst they were equally at- 
tached by interest, and principle, and affection to the mother country, 
at the same time they lamented that by the imposition of internal 
taxes, they were deprived of privileges which they apprehended to be 
their indubitable right. That from his Majesty's equity, wisdom, and 
regard for the rights and liberties of his subjects, upon which they 
relied, they flattered themselves that the grievances would be removed, 
and that none of his subjects could, or did, more ardently desire and 
pray for a continuance of his Majesty's most auspicious reign, than 
his faithful Commons in Georgia. 

This address was signed by N. W. Jones, Speaker. It was sent 
to Dr. Franklin, and by him placed in the hands of the Earl of Hills- 
borough, who presented it to the King ; but it was coldly received 
by his Majesty, for in a letter written by the Earl of Hillsborough 
to Governor Wright, dated March 23, 1769, he remarks — "The 
transmission of this address by any other channel than by the Go- 
vernor, is irregular and disrespectful, but he had not weighed the 
contents with the less attention ; but finding that it does both in the 
letter and spirit deny, and draw in question the authority of Parlia- 
ment to enact laws binding upon the colonies, in all cases whatso- 
ever, his Majesty disapproved of the address, and firmly resolved to 
support the Constitution as by law established, and not to counte- 
nance any claims inconsistent with its true principles." 

In 1774, the people of Georgia, by various public meetings, gave 
utterance to their feelings in regard to the questions then at issue. 
On the 24th of July of this year, a meeting of the inhabitants was 
held, to take into consideration their grievances. Governor Wright 
issued a proclamation, declaring it unlawful ; and in a letter, dated 
the 24th of August, of the same year, addressed to the Earl of Dart- 
mouth, he says — 

"Every thing was done that could be done to frustrate them, but this did not 
totally prevent it. They have been strongly invited by the Carolina Sons of 
Liberty, who have been suffered to do whatever they pleased, without the least 
mark of disapprobation, or attempt to check them, tbat I have heard of; and now 
again, my Lord, as in the time of the Stamp Act, I am to be reflected upon 
and abused, for opposing the licentiousness of the poople, and it is thrown out — 
'Why should our Governor do so, and, too, when the people of Carolina have 
gone greater lengths than we have, and the Governor has not taken any notice 
of it V In short, at such times as these, if a man had resolution and integrity 
enough to stand forth and attempt to do his duty, it is like being set up as a mark 
to be shot at, and raising the resentments of great numbers against him.'' 

On the 11th of May, a party of patriots, headed by Joseph Haber- 
sham, repaired to the magazine, and removed the powder. The 



SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 195 

Governor issued a proclamation, offering a reward for apprehending 
the offenders, but they were not discovered until the Sons of Liberty- 
had occasion to use this very powder against the enemies of their 
country. 

On the 1st of June, 1775, Governor Wright ordered preparations 
to be made for the celebration of his Majesty's birthday ; but on the 
night of the 2d a number of the citizens assembled, spiked up all the 
cannon, and threw them down the bluff. A few of the spikes were 
drawn with great difficulty, and the guns remounted to perform the 
usual ceremonies. 

In June, 1775, Governor Wright wrote to the Earl of Dartmouth, 
" A few troops, twelve months ago, would have kept all the Southern 
Provinces out of rebellion ;" and, according to the direction of the 
noble Earl, the Governor, that same month, wrote to General Gage 
and Admiral Graves, soliciting immediate assistance, which would 
have been promptly rendered, but for the interception of the letters 
by the Committee of Safety, at Charleston, and their transmitting by 
the post others, stating that Georgia was quiet, and no occasion ex- 
isted for the troops or vessels which they had been commanded to 
hold subject to his order. The ships and soldiers were consequently 
withheld, and it was not until Sir James Wright, casually meeting 
General Gage in London, some years after, inquired the cause of his 
non-compliance with so pressing a request, that the forgery was re- 
vealed to them.* 

On the 17th of June, several men-of-war arrived at Tybee, and to 
prevent the Governor from holding any communication with them, 
it was determined to secure his person, and, accordingly, Joseph 
Habersham entered the Governor's dwelling, took him prisoner, pa- 
roled him to his own house, and placed a sentinel at his door. The 
Governor, however, made his escape by a back door, and went to 
Bonaventure, about four miles from Savannah, where a boat was 
waiting for him, by which he was conveyed on board the armed ship 
Scarborough, from which he addressed a letter to some members of 
his Council. The Assembly adjourned without giving Governor 
Wright an answer to his letter, and he forced his way up to the town, 
and obtained, by rifling the vessels, the supplies necessary for the 
fleet. 

In 1779 he was dispatched to reassume the government of Georgia. 

* In 1775 the Swallow packet, being just arrived in the port of Charleston, from Eng- 
land, William H. Drayton, Chairman of the Secret Committee, resolved to seize the mail, 
and on his way to the post-office, he met John Neufville and Thomas Corbett, two mem- 
bers of the Committee of Intelligence, who were proceedins thither on the same errand. 
On th^ir arriving at the post-office, then kept by Jervis Henry Stevens, as Secretary to 
George Roupell, the Deputy-Postmaster, they demanded the mail which had just ar- 
rived in the packet, to which a refusal was made. They then informed Stevens they 
would take i' by force, if not speedily delivered ; to which he answered he should not 
deliver it. They then took possession of it, and upon examining it the Secret Committee 
found several despatches, among which were five letters for Governor Wright, of Georgia. 
About the same time the mail was seized, the Secret Committee intercepted two letters 
from Sir James Wright, each of them dated 27th June, 1775 ; one of them directed to 
Admiral Graves, and the other to General Gage. — Drayton. 



196 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Savannah at that time was in the possession of the British. The 
friends of Governor Wright claim, that by his determined zeal and 
spirit, the defence of Savannah was one of the most brilliant events 
in the war at the South. 

This defence, it is said, would not have been made but for his vote 
in the Council of War, as the other members were equally divided.* 

At the close of the war he retired to England. 

He owned a large property in Georgia, which was confiscated. 

In 1783, he was placed at the head of the Board of Agents of the 
American Loyalists, for prosecuting their claims for compensation. 
His own claim occupied the attention of the Commissioners for a long 
time. At length they reported him as having rendered important ser- 
vices to Great Britain, and to have lost real and personal property to 
the value of £33,702, and his office of Governor of Georgia, value 
£1,000 per annum. He was created a Baronet on the 8th of Decem- 
ber, 1772.f 



JAMES HABERSHAM. 

This gentleman was born at Beverly, Yorkshire, in England, in 
1712. Having formed a great friendship for the celebrated White- 
field, he determined, contrary to the wishes of his relatives, to accom- 
pany him to America. The two friends landed in Savannah on the 
7th of May, 1738. Agreeably to a plan resolved upon by Whitefield, 
before he left England, to establish an Orphan House in Georgia, 
Mr. Habersham, in a short time after his arrival, opened a school for 
orphans and destitute children. When Whitefield again left the Pro- 
vince for England, he committed the affairs of the Orphan House to 
Mr. Habersham, whose energy eminently qualified him for such 
a trust. 

The Trustees had granted to Mr. Whitefield five hundred acres of 
land, for the establishment of the Orphan House, and Mr. Haber- 
sham selected a tract, which he considered suitable for such an object, 
about nine miles from the City of Savannah. On the 3d of Novem- 
ber, 1741, he was enabled to remove his orphans to their new resi- 
dence — the buildings having been so far completed as to admit of this 
arrangement. 

Under his management, the Orphan House flourished ; but in 1744, 
he resigned the Presidency of it, and formed a commercial copart- 
nership with Francis Harris. Before this, the business of the colony 
was managed by the storekeeper of the Trustees ; so that this estab- 
lishment of Harris and Habersham may be considered the first com- 
mercial house in Georgia. 

* Sabine's American Loyalists. 

t Governor Wright married, in 1740, Sarah, only daughter and heiress of Captain 
Maidman, of the Army. This lady was drowned on her voyage to England, in 1763. 



JAMES HABERSHAM. 197 

For a few years their trade was mostly confined to Boston, New- 
York, and Philadelphia ; but in 1747, they opened a correspondence 
in London, and began the system of direct importation. These 
gentlemen soon had the satisfaction of knowing that their operations 
afforded great assistance to the colony. 

About this time, the Rev. Mr. Bolzius, Minister at Ebenezer, re- 
quested Mr. Habersham to give him, in a letter, his views in relation 
to agriculture and commerce. With this request he complied ; and 
as, in his letter, he had made some remarks in regard to the promi- 
nent men in the colony, as well as to the plans of the Trustees, he 
begged that it might be considered confidential ; but, finally, he con- 
sented that Mr. Bolzius might furnish a friend of his in Germany 
with a copy, who sent it to the Trustees. 

When Mr. Habersham heard this, he concluded that he would in- 
cur the displeasure of the Trustees ; but his letter, instead of produ- 
cing this effect, gave them a high opinion of his talents, and he 
was appointed an Assistant to the President of the Province of 
Georgia. 

In 1750, Mr. Habersham, in conjunction with Mr. Pickering Rob- 
inson, was appointed a Commissioner to advance the culture of silk 
in the colony ; and although his business demanded much of his at- 
tention, yet he attended to this subject. Copies of his letters upon 
the silk business are to be found among the Colonial Documents, now 
in the keeping of the Georgia Historical Society, and they evince an 
intimate acquaintance with the subject, and an earnest desire that 
the inhabitants of the Province should feel it to be their interest to 
bestow a portion of their labour upon the culture of silk. 

In 1754, under the administration of Governor Reynolds, Mr. Haber- 
sham was appointed by the King, Secretary of the Province, and one 
of the Councillors. In 1767, he was President of the Upper House 
of the General Assembly. 

In the royal commission, by which James Wright was made Go- 
vernor of the Province of Georgia, it was provided " that, upon the 
death or absence of the Governor, the eldest Councillor, whose 
name is first placed in his Majesty's instructions, shall take upon him 
the administration of the Government." In 1769, Governor Wright 
requested leave of absence, and that Mr. Habersham should supply 
his place. He represented him " as being a gentleman of 'property, 
and no Liberty Boy? Permission was granted that Mr. Habersham 
should take the reins of government. Delicate were the duties de- 
volving upon him, but space will not permit anything like a full 
account of the interesting incidents that occurred during the time 
he filled the Executive office. 

The excitement which the measures of the British Government 
produced in Georgia, and the difficulties with the Indians, rendered 
his position unpleasant. In his address delivered to the Assembly 
29th of April, he says, " I am very sensible of the high and important 
post committed to me, which calls for the utmost of my best abilities 
to discharge, so as to approve myself to our most gracious Sovereign, 



198 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

by promoting the true interest and prosperity of his good subjects in 
this Province, to effect which, you may depend on my most sincere 
and unwearied endeavours. My long residence in this Province, and 
the strong attachment I must have for its welfare from motives obvi- 
ous to you, must make it extremely grateful to me to be in the least 
instrumental in furthering its growing prosperity." Although he was 
warmly attached to the mother country, he was not insensible to the 
rights of the Colonies, for in a letter addressed to the Earl of Hills- 
borough, after giving his views in regard to American affairs, and 
expressing his opinion, that according to the present constitution, the 
Parliament had an undoubted right to bind the Colonies, he suggests, 
" whether it would not be expedient to make some alteration in the 
Constitution relative to America." 

In April, 1772, he attempted to make the Assembly sensible of 
their duty to the King, in acknowledging his Majesty's right to nega- 
tive a Speaker. On the day upon which they met, they elected Mr. 
N. W. Jones their Speaker, and sent two of the members to Mr. 
Habersham, to inform him of the election. He replied that he would 
be in the Council Chamber at five o'clock in the afternoon, when 
they should have his answer. At the time appointed they met, and 
the Governor put a negative on the Speaker, and directed them to 
choose another. 

Shortly afterwards he was informed that the Assembly had re- 
elected Mr. Jones, upon whom he put a second negative. 

The following day he went to the Council Chamber with the in- 
tention of dissolving the Assembly, if they persisted in their choice, 
and was informed that they had elected Mr. Archibald Bulloch their 
Speaker, and on his being presented, he approved of him. In the 
evening he sent for their journals, and noticing that immediately be- 
fore the election of Mr. Bulloch, they had re-elected Jones a third 
time, and that, only in consequence of his resigning, they had chosen 
Mr. Bulloch, Mr Habersham sent for him the next morning, and 
informed him that he could not proceed on business with the House 
while that minute was suffered to remain on their journals. After 
considerable parley, Mr. Habersham dissolved the Assembly. 

When South Carolina determined to have no intercourse with 
Georgia on account of the refusal of the latter to accede to the reso- 
lutions of the Continental Association, Mr. Habersham wrote the fol- 
lowing letter to one of his friends in London : 

"Savannah, Ga., April 17, 1775. 

" The fiery patriots in Charleston have stopped all dealings with us, and will not 
suffer any goods to be landed there from Great Britain, and I suppose the 
Northern Provinces will follow the example. 

u The people on this Continent are generally almost in a state of madness and 
desperation ; and should not conciliatory measures take place on your side, I 
know not what may be the consequence. I fear an open rebellion against the 
Parent State, and consequently among ourselves. 



WILLIAM EWEN. 199 

" Some of the inflammatory resolutions and measures taken and published in 
the Northern Colonies, I think, too plainly portend this. 

"However, I do most sincerely upon every occasion declare that I would not 
choose to live here longer than we are in a state of proper subordination to, and 
under Great Britain ; although I cannot altogether approve of the step she has 
lately taken, and do most cordially wish that a permanent line of Government 
was drawn and pursued by the mother country and her children, and may God 
give your Senators wisdom to do it, and heal the breach, otherwise I cannot think 
of the event but with horror and grief — father against son, and son against father, 
and the nearest relatives and friends combating with each other ! I may, perhaps, 
say with truth, cutting each other's throats. Dreadful to think of, much more to 
experience, &c. 

"James Habersham." 

Shortly after writing this letter, Mr. Habersham's ill health ren- 
dered it necessary that he should go to the North, but the change 
did not benefit him, and he departed this life at New-Brunswick, 
New-Jersey, on the 28th of August, 1775. 

The Gazette of the day spoke of him thus : — 

"In the first stations of the Province he conducted himself with ability, honour, 
and integrity, which gained him the love and esteem of his fellow-citizens ; nor 
was he less distinguished in private life by a conscientious discharge of the social 
duties as a tender and affectionate parent, a sincere and warm friend, and a kind 
and indulgent master. Mr. Habersham was married by the Rev. Mr. Whitefield to 
Mary Bolton, at Bethesda, on the 26th of December, 1740, by whom he had ten 
children, three of whom sons, survived him, and were zealous in the cause of 
American liberty." 



WILLIAM EWEN 

Was a native of England, and came to Georgia probably in 1734, 
as an apprentice to the Trustees. In a few years, by his correct be- 
haviour and business habits, he became very popular with his fellow- 
citizens. During the period in which the affairs of the Colony of 
Georgia were managed by William Stephens, Esq., much discontent 
existed among the people. Repeated complaints of grievances had 
been made, which were never effectually redressed ; and a meeting 
of the disaffected citizens was called, at which Thomas Stephens, 
the son of William Stephens, was appointed to represent their in- 
terests in Great Britain ; and a Committee was also appointed to 
correspond with Mr. Stephens, of which Mr. Ewen was an active 
member. In the discharge of his duties, he was frequently brought 
into collision with the President of the Colony, who, judging from 
several portions of his journal, did not award to him much credit for the 
course which he thought proper to adopt. When the struggle between 



200 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Great Britain and her Colonies commenced, he was among the first 
of that " immortal band" who took up arms in defence of American 
liberty. On the 21st of June, 1775, he was appointed a member of 
the Council of Safety, and, shortly afterwards, President of the 
Council, the duties of which were very arduous. At this period 
Georgia occupied a very critical situation. Of all the Colonies, none 
were so illy prepared to dispute the claims of the mother country. 
On the south, she was exposed to the attacks of the Spaniards 
of Florida ; on the east, her coast was at the mercy of the foe ; 
on the north and west, countless tribes of savages, known to be in the 
pay of the British King, were ready to make inroads upon her popula- 
tion. She was destitute of soldiers, and all the means of war. A 
very large proportion of the people, although they felt that they had 
just grounds of complaint against the mother country, were disposed 
to postpone open resistance, with a hope that their grievances would 
be redressed. The Sons of Liberty were indeed few. Says an actor 
in those days, " There are few righteous souls among them ; a panic 
seems to have run among the people ; assistance is wanted from 
Carolina to overawe such men as would sell their birthright for a 
mess of pottage." Happily for Georgia, she had such men as Wil- 
liam Ewen at the head of her Government. The wisdom of the 
arrangements he proposed, and his firmness in executing them, baffled, 
in many instances, the designs of the foe. His letters, his proclama- 
tions, and other official papers, breathe a spirit of determined opposi- 
tion to tyranny. He lived to see the independence of his country 
established, and to receive the plaudits of his grateful fellow-citizens 
for his devoted attachment to her cause. 



ARCHIBALD BULLOCH. 

Mr. Bulloch was a native of Charleston, and upon the commence- 
ment of the difficulties between Great Britain and her Colonies, took a 
decided part in favour of the latter. At that time the friends of liberty 
in Georgia were few, but Mr. Bulloch was not to be dismayed. 
When intelligence of the glorious events of the 4th of July, 1776, 
reached Savannah, Mr. Bulloch read the Declaration of Independence 
to a large audience, being the first man who read this document in 
Georgia.* In 1775 he was appointed a delegate to represent Georgia 
in the Congress at Philadelphia. On the 20th of January, 1776, he 
was elected President of the Executive Council of Georgia. Mr. 

* In the Universal Intelligencer, printed by Timothy Green, in 1776, we find the fol- 
lowing : — 

" Savannah, (in Georgia,) August 10th, 1776. 

" A Declaration being received from the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., by which it 
appeared that the Continental Congress, in the name, and by the authority of their con- 
stituents, had declared that the United Colonies of North America are, and of right 



ARCHIBALD BULLOCH. 201 

Bulloch did not live to see the issue of his country's struggle, for in 
less than twelve months after the Declaration of Independence, his 
fellow-citizens had to mourn his death. Mr. B. Shaffer, the father 
of Jacob Shaffer, of Savannah, used to relate the following incident, 
as illustrating the republican character of Mr. Bulloch. Colonel 
Lachlan Mcintosh, Commander of the Continental troops in Savan- 
nah, upon the election of Mr. Bulloch to the Executive chair, had or- 
dered a sentinel to be posted at his door, which sentinel was Mr. B. 
Shaffer. This did not suit Mr. Bulloch's views, and he requested 
the sentinel to be removed, saying — " I act for a free people, in whom 
I have the most entire confidence, and I wish to avoid, on all occasions, 
the appearance of ostentation." 

ought to be, Free and Independent States, and absolved from all allegiance to the British 
Crown, his Excellency the President, and the Honourable the Council, met in the Coun- 
cil-Chamber, and read the Declaration. 

"They then proceeded to the square before the Assembly House, and read it to a oreat 
concourse of people, when the grenadier and light infantry companies fired a general 
volley. After this they proceeded in the following procession to the Liberty Pole : The 
grenadiers in front — the Provost-Marshal, on horseback, with his sword drawn — the 
Secretary, with the Declaration — His Excellency the President — the Honourable the 
Council and gentlemen attending — then the light infantry, and the rest of the militia of 
the town and district of Savannah, At the Liberty Pole they were met by the Georgia 
battalion, who, after reading of the Declaration, discharged their field-pieces, and fired 
in platoons. Upon this they proceeded to the battery, at the Trustees' gardens, where 
the Declaration was read for the last time, and the cannon of the battery discharged. 
His Excellency and Council, Colonel Lachlan Mcintosh, and other gentlemen, with the 
militia, dined under the cedar trees, and cheerfully drank to the United, Free, and Inde- 
pendent States of America. In the evening the town was illuminated, and there was 
exhibited a very solemn funeral procession, attended by the grenadier and light infan- 
try companies, and other militia, with their drums muffled, and fifes, and a greater num- 
ber of people than ever appeared on any occasion before in this Province, when 
George the Third was interred before the Court-Housc in the following manner : — 

" For as much as George the Third, of Great Britain, hath most flagrantly violated 
his Coronation Oath, and trampled upon the Constitution of our country, and the 
sacred rights of mankind : we, therefore, commit his political existence to the ground — 
corruption to corruption — tyranny to the grave — and oppression to eternal infamy , in 
sure and certain hope that he will never obtain a resurrection to rule again over these 
United States of America. But, my friends and fellow-citizens, let us not be sorry, as 
men without hope, for Tyrants that thus depart — rather let us remember America is 
free and independent ; that she is, and will be, with the blessing of the Almighty, great 
among the nations of the earth. Let this encourage us in well doing, to fight for our 
rights and privileges, for our wives and children, for all that is near and dear unto us. 
May God give us his blessing, and let all the people say Amen." 



202 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



BUTTON GWINNETT. 

The Hon. Button Gwinnett was born in England, came to Georgia 
in 1772, and settled on St. Catherine's Island. For some time after 
the beginning of the Revolutionary difficulties, he was in doubt as to 
the course he would take ; but the arguments of Dr. Lyman Hall, 
with whom he was intimate, convinced him of the justice of the 
American cause, and in 1775 he commenced taking an active part in 
public affairs. In 1776, at the meeting of the General Assembly in 
Savannah, he was appointed a representative to Congress, and 
his name is affixed to the Declaration of American Independence as 
a delegate from Georgia. He was a member of the Convention 
which met in February, 1777, to frame a constitution for the future 
government of the State. Upon the death of Mr. Bulloch, he became 
Governor of Georgia. A delegation from South Carolina called 
upon Mr. Gwinnett during the early stage of the Revolution, for the 
purpose of suggesting to him the expediency of recommending that 
Georgia should place herself under the jurisdiction of the former ; 
but to the praise of Mr. Gwinnett let it be known, that he treated the 
suggestion with contempt. An unfortunate misunderstanding occurred 
between General Lac hi an Mcintosh and Mr. Gwinnett, which re- 
sulted in a dael. The parties fought near Savannah, at the distance 
of twelve paces. Both gentlemen were seriously wounded. Mcin- 
tosh recovered, but Gwinnett died twelve days after the combat — 
27th of May, 1777. 



JOHN ADAM TREUTLEN. 

In regard to the birth and education of this gentleman, we are un- 
able to give our readers any account. He was a member of the As- 
sembly under the administration of Governor Wright, and his name 
appears on the list of those w T ho swore allegiance to the British Gov- 
ernment. When the contest for liberty commenced, he was found 
among the foremost of those who stood up in defence of the rights of 
America. He was a member of the first Provincial Congress of 
Georgia, which met in Savannah on the 4th of July, 1775, acting as 
the representative from the parish of St. Andrew. On the 8th of 
May, 1777, he was elected Governor of Georgia by a large majority 
over his opponent, the Hon. Button Gwinnett. 

In 1780, an Act was passed by the Royal Government of Georgia, 
disqualifying, and rendering incapable, certain persons from holding 
or exercising any office in Georgia, and Mr. Treutlen had the honour 
of being placed upon the list as " Rebel Governor." When Treutlen 



JOHN ADAM TREUTLEN. 203 

was at the head of the administration in Georgia, a proposition was 
made by South Carolina to Georgia, to unite the two States; and 
the Hon. William Henry Drayton was appointed one of the Commis- 
sioners to propose this union. 

For the following highly interesting papers in relation to this affair, 
we are indebted to Robert W. Gibbes, M.D., of Columbia, South 
Carolina. 

Letter from Wm. Henry Drayton to Humphrey Wells, of Augusta, dated 

"Snow Hill, S. C, June 8, 1777. 

" Sir, — In compliance with your request, I do myself the pleasure of commit- 
ting to paper some of the principal circumstances and arguments relative to the 
late proposition of an union between South Carolina and Georgia. 

"By our General Assembly, which is a pretty numerous body, it was unani- 
mously resolved, that an union between the two States would tend effectually to 
promote their strength, wealth, and dignity, and to secure their liberty, indepen- 
dence, and safety. Commissioners were sent to Savannah to treat of an union, 
and I was honoured by being sent upon this business. 

" Immediately after I arrived in Savannah, I found that every gentleman in 
public office, with whom I conversed, was strongly against an union. How 
ever, I had the pleasure to find some gentlemen of fortune, though not in office or 
Convention, who heartily approved the measure. The Convention was adjourned 
when I arrived, the beginning of January last, but upon their meeting, I notified 
that I had important matters to lay before them as Commissioner from South 
Carolina. I then was assured, and I gave full credit to it, that I should fail in my 
application, but I proceeded in the discharge of my duty. 

" Being admitted to an audience in Convention, after a short introduction of 
what I had to say, I stated, that chance had originally placed the present dis- 
tricts of South Carolina and Georgia under one government at Charlestown ; and 
although these districts, then forming but one, had been separated and placed 
under two governments, yet nature pointed out that the two should again form 
but one ; for their climate, soil, productions, and interests were the same. That 
if they continued two States, we had only to recollect the history of mankind, 
and the nature of things, to foresee that from such causes their counsels and con- 
duct would clash; and of course jealousies and rivalship would daily increase 
between them, to the natural prejudice of their internal improvement, common 
production, and foreign commerce. That there might be dangerous disputes 
about boundaries, and the property of Savannah River; since on these sub- 
jects many people in Carolina and Georgia thought very differently ; a natural 
and great obstruction to the rise of the value of property. But that, on the other 
hand, by an union, all such jealousies, rivalship, prejudice, danger, and obstruc- 
tion, would be removed. Improvements of every kind, especially in agriculture, 
inland navigation, and foreign commerce, would be studied and advanced with 
rapidity. The expenses of Government would be lessened, to the great ease of 
the people, because only one establishment of civil officers would be paid in the 
room of two. The public defence would be more powerful, and at a less expense, 



204 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

under one government than under two, which might be jealous of, and, there- 
fore, often desirous to thwart each other, and at any rate certainly liable, unde- 
signedly, to defeat each other's plans, to the ruin of the people concerned. And 
thus, sir, you see many important advantages that would be common to the two 
States by an union. But there are others which would be peculiar to Georgia. 

" By an union, the land in Georgia would rise in value, because the Carolina 
planters would be encouraged to extend their improvements into Georgia, 
and the merchants carry that trade immediately to Georgia, which otherwise 
must continue to be carried on as it always has been, and especially of late, 
through Carolina. The Georgia currency, always hitherto of inferior value to 
that of Carolina, (some more than 20 per cent.,) would be put upon an equal 
footing with that of South Carolina. The town of Savannah, in particular, and 
the adjacent lands, would be of much more importance and value, because Sa- 
vannah River would be immediately cleared, a measure that would encourage 
and occasion an immense increase of agriculture upon all the land within reach 
of its navigation, and hence an amazing increase of produce and river naviga- 
tion, all of which would centre in Savannah. Thus, in a state of separation from 
South Carolina, Savannah could reasonably expect, and that but by slow degrees, 
and at a distant day, only the one-half of the produce of a well-improved culti- 
vation of the lands on that river, but by an union she would, in a very short 
time, receive the whole of that improved cultivation and trade ; and her own 
commerce would be increased almost beyond imagination, although she would 
lose the seat of government. Finally, I may add, that in a state of separation, in 
all probability Savannah will be ruined, because it will be our interest to pre- 
serve our trade to our own people. A town will rise on the Carolina side of Sa- 
vannah River, which will be sure to preserve our half of the trade of that river, 
and by being wisely supported it may draw to it the other half also; and let it 
not be said, we cannot find a situation for a town, because it ought'to be remem- 
bered, that history is full of instances of towns having been built and made to 
flourish in situations that had been deemed impracticable for such purposes. 
Rivers and lands make wealthy towns ; for these are natural causes ; the pre- 
sence and expenses of a few officers of Government are but as drops of water in 
the ocean ; these go but a little way towards filling a Government post with 
loaded ships. The principal materials for the building of such towns are policy 
and opulence ; I thank God, Carolina is known not to be in want of either. 

" In short, sir, it was in vain I declared that Georgia should not be liable to pay 
a shilling of the public debts of South Carolina; that we would not be unwilling 
even to aid Georgia in the discharge of her own ; that we would condition 
against the taking up of great tracts of land south of Savannah River; and that 
we were desirous of granting, in the treaty of union, whatever they could rea- 
sonably ask for in case of an union. It would be the duty and interest of the in- 
habitants north of Savannah River to promote the prosperity of those south of it, 
equally the same, as it was the duty and interest of the people in Georgia, north 
of Ogeechee, to aid those south of that river. Upon the whole, that we sought 
to promote the general welfare, and that we knew such an end would not be ob- 
tained, but by an union having justice and equity for its basis. 



JOHN ADAM TREUTLEN. 205 

"Having discoursed upon such topics about an hour, I delivered a written pro- 
position as a groundwork to proceed upon, and then departed. The Convention 
then determined (as it was said) to consider the subject the next day ; and in the 
meantime, in the evening, I repaired to Dr. Jones, their Speaker, and informed 
him, that as the Public Body of Georgia had heard at large the Carolina reason- 
ings upon the expediency of the union, I thought it equitable that the repre- 
sentatives of Carolina should also hear at large the Georgia reasonings upon the 
same subject, in order that if objections were made, they might, by knowing, 
have an opportunity of endeavouring to obviate them — and I desired he would, 
in the morning, take the sense of the Convention on this subject; he did so, and 
informed me that I was not to be admitted, as a public person, to hear their 
reasonings. Thus, while I found they had shut my mouth, I was made sensible 
that they thought their objections would appear to be more weighty by being 
secured against the possibility of a reply And so Mr. Button Gwinnett appeared 
as the champion against me, when he had taken care to deprive me of an op- 
portunity of exposing the fallacy of his arguments. 

"However, I took notes of his principal answers to what I had said; and in 
an hour after, in presence of an officer of high military rank, and of three or four 
members of the Convention, I produced those notes, and asked if they were just; 
and they agreed with me that what he had said was either gross misrepresen- 
tations of what I had advanced, or no answer to my arguments. In the after- 
noon, the Convention delivered to me a paper containing their rejection of the 
proffered union; founded, as 1 apprehend, upon a reason which does not exist in 
nature. For they declared, they could not treat of an union, because of such a 
particular article (which they specified) in, as they said, the Confederation of the 
United States, to which they had acceded. A confederation, sir, which I do assure 
you never existed as a public act of the general Congress binding upon the 
States ; but which, nevertheless, the Convention were taught to receive as a pub- 
lic act of Congress, and to consider as such. The Convention were certainly 
innocent, but some individual is culpable. I received the paper, and in silenco 
quitted the room. 

" 1 am, Sir, 

" Your most humble servant, 

« W. H. Drayton. 

"Humphrey Wells, Esq., 

" Near Augusta, Ga.'' 



20H HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA.. 

The following is the Proclamation issued by Governor Treutlen 
in regard to the Hon. W. H. Drayton and others :— 

GEORGIA. 

By his Honour John Adam Treutlen, Esquire, Captain-General, Governour, and 
Commander-in-Chief in and over the said State. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas it hath been represented unto me, that William Henry Drayton, 
of the State of South Carolina, Esq., and divers other persons, whose names are 
yet unknown, are UNLAWFULLY endeavouring to POISON the minds of the 
good people of this State against the Government thereof, and for that purpose 
are, by letters, petitions, and otherwise, daily exciting animosities among the 
inhabitants, under the pretence of redressing imaginary grievances, which by the 
said William Henry Drayton it is said this State labours under, the better to 
effect, under such specious pretences, an union between the States of Georgia 
and South Carolina, all which are contrary to the Articles of Confederation, en- 
tered into, ratified, and confirmed by this State as a cement of union between 
the same and the other United and Independent States of America, and also 
against the resolution of the Convention of this State, in that case made and en- 
tered into : THEREFORE, that such pernicious practices may be put an end to, 
and which, if not in due time prevented, may be of the most dangerous conse- 
quences, I HAVE, by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council 
of this State, thought fit to issue this Proclamation, hereby offering a reward of 
ONE HUNDRED POUNDS, lawful money of the said State, to be paid to any 
person or persons who shall apprehend the said William Henry Drayton, or any 
other person or persons aiding and abetting him in such unlawful practices, upon 
his or their conviction : And I DO hereby strictly charge and require all ma- 
gistrates and other persons to be vigilant and active in SUPPRESSING THE 
SAME, and to take all lawful ways and means for the discovering and appre-' 
hending of such offender or offenders, so that he or they may be brought to con- 
dign punishment. 

GIVEN under my Hand and Seal in the Council Chamber at 

Savannah, this fifteenth day of July, one thousand seven 

hundred and seventy-seven. 

John Adam Treutlen. 
By his Honours Command, 

James Whitefield, Secretary. 

GOD SAVE THE CONGRESS. 



JOHN ADAM TREUTLEN. 207 

MR. DRAYTON'S REPLY. 
To his Honour, John Adam Treutlen, Esquire, Captain-General, Governour, and 
Commander-in-Chief of the State of Georgia, and to those Members of his Ex- 
ecutive Council who advised the above Proclamation. 

That terrible performance, which, by the by, most wise and respected rulers, 
was torn down, as it were, from under your noses, almost as soon as it was stuck 
up in Savannah, reached this place only last night; and, with all imaginable 
tenderness, I beg leave to assure you, that it is only to your own handy work you 
are indebted for this public reprehension. 

In plain terms, I tell you your Proclamation is a compound of nonsense and 
falsehoods. It is illegal and void in itself, for your law does not consider that an 
offence which you proclaim to be so. The King of Great Britain's late Proclama- 
tion, even although by advice of the House of Commons, to apprehend VVheble, 
the printer, is a case in point. The party was apprehended, but a magistrate of 
London, knowing that an apprehension under such a Proclamation was illegal, 
discharged him. But to satisfy you how I regard your Proclamation, and the 
people of Georgia what an empty thing it is, I do hereby promise to furnish the 
necessary sums of money to institute and prosecute an action of damages for 
false imprisonment against the party who shall apprehend any one in conse- 
quence of it : And I hint to you, that the famous cases of the journeymen prin- 
ters against the King's messengers are in terrorem. 

The Confederation you speak of is an imposition upon the people of Georgia, 
no other of the States of America but yours having ratified or even considered of 
any such thing, or have had it to consider of. — Pray how did you blunder upon it? 
The Congress never sent it to you — why, they have not even concluded upon 
such a thing themselves. Nor does the resolution you mention warrant your 
assertion relative to "letters, petitions," "animosities." "imaginary grievances," 
about " ALL WHICH," to use your own words, it is absolutely silent. Why you 
really bring yourselves into utter contempt, proclaiming, as you do, to the people, 
things that are not. Let me whisper in your ears, that this Proclamation of yours 
is not the first instance of your doing so. 

You say, I was " daily exciting animosities among the inhabitants, under the 
pretence of redressing imaginary grievances;'' but you cannot prove that I even 
for an hour endeavoured to excite animosities. I was not among your inhabitants 
eight and forty hours. Twelve of these I spent in bed, the others at private en- 
tertainments by invitation, or while I travelled an unavoidable route ; during the 
whole time of which even the subject of an union or your mal-administration was 
scarce mentioned. To some gentlemen of Georgia who applied to me in my 
own State, I spoke in plain terms of the real grievances under which they laboured. 
Upon their desire, I threw the matter into the form of a petition for a redress of 
them; and do you dare to threaten petitioners, or the promoters of petitions, for 
redress of grievances, with imprisonment ? You would deserve to be hanged for 
doing so, but that you know not what you do. 

In the year 1679, Charles the Second issued a Proclamation against petitions 
" for specious purposes relating to the public," " for that they tended to promote 



208 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

discontents among the people, and to raise sedition and rebellion." But when the 
Parliament met they voted that the subject had a right to petition, and "that to 
traduce petitioning as tumultuous, is betraying the liberty of the subject, and tends to 
the introducing of arbitrary power." Lord Chief Justice North drew the Procla- 
mation and the Parliament ordered him to be impeached for it He escaped 
condign punishment, only because of his great caution in the draught of the Pro- 
clamation, in which he only commanded all "magistrates and other officers to 
whom it shall appertain, to take effectual care that all such offenders against the 
laws be prosecuted and punished according to their demerits." These magistrates 
and other officers saw no demerit in petitioning for a redress of grievances ; they 
therefore issued no process against persons promoting such petitions ; but you (as 
traitors or simpletons only would do) traduce petitioning, and order petitioners to 
be apprehended— a. step that Lord Chief Justice North did not even dare to advise. 
As things are situated in Georgia, and as that Government is conducted, I 
think I am bound to proclaim to your people — and turn about^ you know, is but 
fair play— that in my opinion, which, I believe, will go farther with them than 
yours to the contrary, their property is not secure under your Government — a 
disgrace and detriment to the American cause; that the life and liberty of the 
subject are in the greatest danger under your management, or we should not, 
among many other enormities, have seen George M'Intosh, Esq., who I consider as 
an abused gentleman, arbitrarily ordered into a distant State, to be tried by those 
who have no jurisdiction in such a case, and far out of the reach of a jury of his 
vicinage — circumstances of tyranny, and total disregard to the most valuable 
rights of the people, that not only ought to alarm every honest and sensible man 
in Georgia, but fill such with indignation against you; that I highly approve the 
proposed union, and will promote it to the utmost of my power, notwithstanding (as 
you think) your formidable Proclamations ; that now, having the very great honour 
of addressing you, I snatch the opportunity to make even yourselves co-operate in 
advancing my plan of an union, and to make you instruments to convey to the 
inhabitants of Georgia my most friendly and pressing recommendations, that 
while their Assembly shall be sitting, they will redouble their efforts to procure a 
redress of their grievances and an union with this State ; and this my declaration, 
that I am inclined to think you are concealed Tories, or their tools, who have 
clambered up, or have been put into office, in order to burlesque Government — and 
1 never saw a more extravagant burlesque upon the subject than you exhibit — that 
the people might be sick of an American Administration, and strive to return under 
the British domination, merely for the sake of endeavouring to procure something 
like law and order. I respect the people of Georgia ; but, most wise rulers, kiss- 
ing your hands, I cannot but laugh at some folks. Can you guess who they are ? 
A.nd so you would fain use me ill. It is well for you that I am in a most excel- 
lent humour. See how handsomely I will treat you. A good book says, 
" BLESS them that C UESE you." Let me assure you I obey the precept most 
devoutly. Could you have expected such a return ? 

I have now answered your Proclamation, with what, as great folks should use 
great titles, I call a declaration. If you are content, I am satisfied, and we may 
possibly be good friends yet. However, if you have a mind to amuse the public 



JOHN HOUSTOUN. 209 

with any other productions of your masterly pens, and wish to draw me in to con- 
tribute to the entertainment, I have no objection to be of the party j but I warn 
you beforehand, that whatever I contribute shall be entirely at your expense. 
This is but equitable ; so if you are for such a frolic, I am, with all due respect to 
your dignities and compassion to your follies, Tout a vous, 



William Henry Drayton. 



South Carolina, Charlestown, 
August 1, 1777. 



JOHN HOUSTOUN. 

John Houstoun, a son of Sir Patrick Houstoun, was among the 
earliest and most zealous advocates of the Colonies. At a crisis so 
momentous, it was fortunate for Georgia that there were men like 
Mr. Houstoun, willing and able to serve her. On the 15th of July, 
1775, he was appointed one of the representatives of the Province to 
the Congress in Philadelphia ; and the same honour was conferred 
upon him the 2d of February, 1776. His name would have appeared 
on the Declaration of American Independence, had he not been called 
from Congress to counteract the influences of the Rev. Mr Zubly, a 
delegate from Georgia, who had suddenly left Philadelphia for the 
purpose of using his efforts at home against the Declaration. On 
the 8th of May, 1 777, Mr. Houstoun was appointed a member of the 
Executive Council ; and on the 8th of January, 1778, was elected 
Governor of Georgia. The invasion of East Florida had long been a 
favourite object of Mr. Houstoun ; and soon after his elevation to the 
Executive chair, he expressed to Major-General Robert Flowe, then 
in command of the Southern Department, his willingness to co-operate 
with him in this expedition. The force thought necessary for the ex- 
pedition being raised, General Howe, accompanied by Governor 
Houstoun, proceeded against East Florida. Arriving at the St. 
Mary's River, numerous obstacles prevented further progress, and a 
council of war was called to decide whether a retreat would not be 
proper ; and it was determined that, under present circumstances, a 
retreat was not only expedient, but absolutely necessary. Governor 
Houstoun was a man of high spirit, and was unwilling to relinquish 
the command of the Georgia militia to General Howe ; and this mis- 
understanding between the Governor and the General was probably 
one of the principal causes which led to the failure of the expedition. 
In 1784, he was again Governor of Georgia. In 1787, in conjunction 
with John Habersham and Lachlan Mcintosh, he was appointed a 
Commissioner by the General Assembly, on the part and behalf of the 
State of Georgia, for settling disputes respecting boundary with the 
State of South Carolina ; but he differed in opinion from the other 
Commissioners, and protested against their proceedings. His protest 
may be found on page 666, in Marbury and Crawford's Digest. Mr 
Houstoun was by profession a lawyer, comparable to any of his day 
He died at White Bluff, near Savannah, July 20, 1796.. 

14 



210 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



JOHN WERE AT. 

This gentleman took an early and decided part in favour of Ame- 
rican liberty. He was one of the representatives in the first Pro- 
vincial Congress of Georgia, in 1775. He was Speaker of the 
Provincial Congress of 1776, and acted with distinguished patriotism 
during the whole period of the American Revolution. After Savannah 
fell into the hands of the enemy, the Legislature dispersed without 
appointing a Governor for the succeeding year. Mr. Wereat, as 
President of the Executive Council, continued the operation of the 
functions of Government, and issued a proclamation, directing that 
a general election for members of the Assembly should be held.* In 
1782, the people west of- Augusta suffered much for want of food, and 
Mr. Wereat employed his negroes and boats for a considerable time 
in carrying rice up the river to relieve them from want. He was 
remarkable for his financial talents, which he exerted with much use- 
fulness to his country. He was President of the Convention of 
Georgia which ratified the Federal Constitution at Augusta, 2d of 
January, 1788. He died in Bryan County, in 1798. 



GEORGE WALTON 

Like many illustrious men who have adorned the annals of this 
and other countries, Mr. Walton owed the distinction to which he 
attained to his own efforts. He was born in Frederick County, Vir- 
ginia, in 1740, and received no other education except that which he 
acquired during the intervals of labour. He was apprenticed to learn 
the trade of a carpenter ; and such was his thirst for knowledge, that 

* PROCLAMATION. 

Augusta, in the State of Georgia, November 4, 1779. 
Whereas, from the invasion of the State by the enemy, in December last, the absence 
of many of the members elected to represent the different counties in the House of Re- 
presentatives for the present year, with unavoidable causes, several ineffectual attempts 
have been made to convene a Legal House of Representatives ; and whereas, it is es- 
sential to the welfare and happiness of the State, that a Legal and Constitutional House 
of Assembly should be convened : We, therefore, earnestly recommend to such of the citi- 
zens of this State as have preserved their fidelity to the cause of America, and were 
inhabitants of the counties of Chatham, Liberty, Glynn, Camden, and Effingham, prior to 
the reduction of these counties by the British forces, to repair to such place within this 
State as to them shall appear most safe and convenient, on the first Tuesday in 
December next, that being the day appointed by the Constitution for a general election 
throughout the State, in order to elect persons to represent those counties in the General 
Assembly for the ensuing year, that a full, free, and equal representation may be had, to 
proceed on business of the utmost importance to the community ; and it is the opinion 
of this Board, that this town would be the most eligible, in the present situation of affairs, 
for the meeting of the Assembly, which will be the first Tuesday in January next, 
agreeably to the Constitution of the State. 

By order of the Board. 

John Wereat, President. 



RICHARD HOWLEY. 211 

he collected lightwood during the day, by the light of which he would 
pursue his studies, his master not allowing him the use of a candle. 
After his apprenticeship had expired he removed to Georgia, and 
commenced the study of law in the office of Henry Young, Esq. 
About the time that he commenced practice, the Colonies were con- 
tending against the tyranny of Great Britain, and Walton did not 
hesitate to advocate the cause of his injured country. In the first 
call, published in the Georgia Gazette, for a meeting of the friends of 
liberty, to be held at Tondee's Tavern, 27th July, 1774, Mr. Walton's 
name first appears in the history of Georgia. On the 12th of Janu- 
ary, 1775, another meeting was held, and with great earnestness he 
endeavoured to convince those who doubted the propriety of the mea- 
sures which the other colonies had adopted, that further efforts to 
obtain a redress of grievances were wholly useless. At this period 
he acquired the reputation of a determined patriot. In February, 
1776, his talents and patriotism were recognized by the Legislature, 
by appointing him a delegate to Congress. Between February and 
June of this year, he appears to have been in Virginia, exerting him- 
self in behalf of his country. Mr. Walton was six times elected a 
representative to Congress, and the journals of that body show his 
high standing. His name is affixed to the Declaration of American 
Independence. When Savannah was taken by the British troops 
under Colonel Campbell, he commanded a battalion on the right of 
General Howe's army. In this battle he was wounded and taken 
prisoner. He was paroled until he recovered from his wound, and 
then transferred to Sunbury, as a prisoner of war. In 1779 he was ex- 
changed, and in October of this year he was elected Governor of the 
State of Georgia. Many other important offices were conferred upon 
him, among which was that of Judge of the Superior Court, the 
duties of which he discharged for fifteen years, and until the day of 
his death, which took place at Augusta, February 2d, 1801. 



RICHARD HOWLEY. 

We have not had it in our power to collect materials sufficient to 
enable us to furnish our readers with anything like a satisfactory 
memoir of this gentleman. 

The records of the State prove that he filled many responsible ol 
fices. He was a lawyer by profession, and from what we have been 
able to learn, attained to great eminence. He represented Liberty 
County in the Legislature of Georgia, and was elected Governor at 
Augusta, January 4, 1780. When the State was overrun by the 
British, a council of officers was held at McLean's Avenue, near 
Augusta, at which Governor Howley, his Council, his Secretary of 



212 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

State, besides several militia and Continental officers, were present ; 
and after the consideration of various plans, they determined to retreat 
to North Carolina, and narrowly escaped capture on the way. 
McCall says — 

" During the brief administration of Governor Howley, the gay and 
joyous temperament of that gentleman, and of his Secretary of State, 
sustained the spirits of the fugitive Council from sinking into gloom 
and despondency. 

" The value of paper money was at that time so depreciated, that 
the Governor dealt it out by the quire for a night's lodging for his 
party ; and if the fare was anything extraordinary, the landlord was 
compensated with two quires, the Governor gravely signing a draft 
upon the Treasurer, made out in due form, for the delivery of the 
same." 

Mr. Howley was a member of the Continental Congress in 1780-1. 
In the latter year some apprehensions were entertained that it was 
the design of Congress to give up Georgia to the British. The del- 
egation from Georgia, of which Mr. Howley was one, protested 
against any such measure, and published a remonstrance against it. 
Mr. Howley has a daughter residing in Savannah, the venerable Mrs. 
Stebbins, well known as one among the most intelligent and amiable 
ladies in Georgia.* 



STEPHEN HEARD. 

Stephen Heard was one among the most active officers of the Revo- 
lutionary War. He was born in Ireland, and with his father, John 
Heard, emigrated to Virginia, during the period of the French war. 
In those stirring times, education beyond the common branches was 
enjoyed by few, and Mr. Heard was not among that few. He served 
under General Washington, during the French war, as a captain, and 
acquitted himself with honour. In 17 — , when hundreds of the people 
of Virginia were emigrating to other States, Mr. Heard came to Wilkes 
County, Georgia, and settled on Fishing Creek. But little time was 
afforded him to cultivate the soil ; for hostilities having taken place 
between Great Britain and her Colonies, he hastened to the standard 
of liberty, and under Colonel Elijah Clarke, contributed his best 
efforts in defending the western portions of Georgia against the at 

* We copy the following from the Royal Gazette, published in Charleston, on the 24th 
of October, 1781, to show what the enemy thought of the patriots of Georgia : — 

"We hear from Augusta, thai the Rebel Junto there are endeavouring to outdo each other 
in every species of rapine and villany. Even Howley and his associates were gentlemen 
compared to the present set. The mock Governor is led by the nose by young Eustace, 
and Sam Stirk directs the Council, who have got one Meyrick Davis, an old miller, from 
Briar Creek, for their President. When such murdering villains as Dunn, Inman, and 
Mackey are Colonels Councillors, and Assemblymen, it is easy to guess what must be 
the result of their counsels." 



NATHAN BROWNSON. 213 

tacks of a cruel enemy. At the battle of Kettle Creek, he acted a 
distinguished part, not only by encouraging the Americans by his 
patriotic speeches, but also by taking an active part in the engage- 
ment. During a portion of the time in which Georgia was overrun 
by the British, and gloom sat upon the countenances of all, he was 
President of the Executive Council, and in this capacity did all in 
his power to inspire the desponding people with hope. After the 
war he resumed his agricultural pursuits, and was among the most 
influential men in Wilkes. He was Chief Justice of the Inferior 
Court, and a Trustee of the Academy at Washington. He died 15th 
November 1815. 



NATHAN BROWNSON. 

This gentleman was a physician in Liberty County, being intro- 
duced to the citizens of this portion of the State by Dr. Dunwoody,a 
patriot of the Revolution, and the first physician that practised medi- 
cine south of the Ogeechee, before the Revolution. Dr. Brownson was 
an early supporter of the rights of his country. For some time he 
was connected with the Continental Line of the Georgia Brigade, as 
surgeon. His name occurs frequently upon our State records, and 
proves that he was a man of considerable prominency. 

He was Speaker of the Legislature of 1781, and by that body was 
elected Governor of Georgia. The address of the House to him upon 
his election was highly complimentary to his general character. 
After his election he issued the following Proclamation : — 

" Since the present crisis demands the most vigorous exertions on the part of 
each individual to finish the glorious contest in which we are engaged, and jus- 
tice requires that the weight of the difficulties still to be surmounted before we can 
reach that happy period should be equally divided ; and since the present situa- 
tion of Georgia claims the assistance of all her citizens, in consequence of a resolu- 
tion of the Hon. House of Assembly of this State, I publish the present Proclama- 
tion, by which it is decreed that all who consider themselves as citizens, shall 
return hither within the different spaces of time hereafter prescribed — that is to 
say : if they are in South Carolina within thirty days, if in North Carolina in 
sixty, if in Virginia ninety, and if further northward four months; and we as- 
sure by these presents, all those who neglect or refuse to conform to them, that 
in consequence of the aforesaid resolution, their landed property will be charged 
with a treble tax, commencing from the expiration of the time fixed for their 
return. 

" Signed by my hand, and sealed with the great seal of the State, at Augusta, 
24th of August, 1781, in the sixth year of the Independence of America. 

"Nathan Brownsc*)." 



214 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

He was a member of the Continental Congress of 1776 and 1778, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Georgia in 1788, and 
President of the Senate in 1789, '90 and '91, and member of the 
Convention that formed the Constitution of Georgia in 1789. 

He was distinguished for his good sense. He was taciturn and 
dignified. He died at his plantation, in the county of Liberty, in 
November, 1796. " His expiring moments," says one, " were marked 
with that peculiar firmness of mind which distinguished him through 
life ; and his last words, delivered in whispers, were more sublimely 
eloquent than all the studied declamation of the pulpit : ' The scene,' 
said Mr. Brownson, ' is now closing ; the business of life is nearly 
over. I have, like the rest of my fellow-creatures, been guilty of 
foibles, but I trust to the mercy of my God to pardon them, and to his 
justice to reward my good deeds.' " 



JOHN MARTIN, 

During our Revolutionary struggle, was a zealous and active de- 
fender of the liberties of his country. He was a member of the first 
Provincial Congress of Georgia, which assembled in the city of Sa- 
vannah, on the 4th of July, 1775. It will be remembered that the re- 
solutions adopted by this body were of the most spirited character. 
Many of its members afterwards gave unquestionable proofs of the 
sincerity of these resolutions, and of their determination to peril 
everything in behalf of their country. Among these was Mr. Martin. 
He first entered the army as a Captain, in the Continental Line of the 
Georgia Brigade. In 1781 he was a Lieutenant-Colonel, and a mem- 
ber of the Legislature from the county of Chatham. In 1782, he 
was elected Governor of Georgia, and in the communication of the 
Legislature informing him of his election, the integrity and patriotism 
which he evinced from the beginning of the contest are highly praised. 
We think it was when Mr. Martin was Governor that the Legisla- 
ture passed a resolution directing him to purchase, for the use of the 
Executive, Council, and House of Assembly, twenty-three pounds of 
coffee, three hundred and seventy pounds of sugar, sixteen bushels of 
salt, and forty-two gallons of rum ; and a Committee was appointed to 
designate a mode for the distribution of the articles purchased by the 
Governor, viz. : Washington, Bugg, Bonnell, Williamson, and Lewis. 

When Savannah was evacuated by the British in 1783, Mr. Martin 
was Governor of Georgia. General Wayne was requested to procure 
from him assurances that the persons and property of such inhabi- 
tants as thought proper to remain in the town should be protected ; 
but he declined entering into any stipulations, alleging that the Ex- 
ecutive and Judiciary were separate and distinct, and that over the 
latter he had no control.* 

- McCall. 



LYMAN HALL SAMUEL ELBERT. 215 



L YM AN HALL. 

Dr. Lyman Hall was born in Connecticut, in 1731, and was 
graduated at Yale College, 1747. After his collegiate course, he 
studied medicine, removed to Dorchester, South Carolina, and finally 
came to Georgia, and settled in St. John's Parish, now the County 
of Liberty. The inhabitants of this parish sent Dr. Hall as their 
delegate to the Continental Congress. Upon taking his seat, a diffi- 
culty arose as to whether the Parish of St. John should be considered 
as representing the Colony of Georgia. Mr. Hall expressed a wish 
merely to hear and assist in the debates, as he only represented a part 
of Georgia, and to vote only when the sentiments of Congress were 
not taken by colonies. Soon after this, Georgia, by her Provincial 
Assembly, determined to join the other colonies, and Lyman Hall, 
with others, was selected to represent the whole Province. Mr. 
Hall's name appears among the signers of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. When the enemy took possession of Georgia, he was 
compelled to remove his family to the North. In 1782, he returned 
to Georgia, and in the succeeding year was elected Governor of that 
State. He afterwards removed to the County of Burke, where he 
died, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. 



SAMUEL ELBERT. 

This gentleman was born in South Carolina, in the year 1740. At 
an early age he became an orphan, and went to Savannah to seek 
employment. Here he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and con- 
tinued to be so engaged until the commencement of the American 
Revolution. 

A Council of Safety was appointed on the 22d of June, 1775, of 
which he was elected a member. The General Assembly of Georgia 
passed a resolution to raise a battalion of Continental troops ; and on 
the 4th of February, 1776, he was appointed Lieut.-Colonel. On the 
16th of September, 1776, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel ; 
and in May, 1777, he commanded in an expedition intended by Presi- 
dent Gwinnett for the reduction of East Florida. On the 19th of 
April. 1778, Colonel Elbert having heard that some British vessels 
were at anchor at Frederica, obtained the galleys, and manned them 
with some of his own landsmen, and captured them.* The troops 
under his command at the battle at Savannah, 29th of December, 
1779, made a brave but ineffectual resistance. 

* See under the head of " Glynn County." 



216 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The next battle in which Colonel Elbert was engaged was at 
Briar Creek, where General Ashe, of North Carolina, commanded the 
Americans. This was a complete surprise and total defeat.* 

When the Southern States were overrun by the British troops after 
the fall of Charleston, Colonel Elbert having been exchanged, went 
northward, and offered his services to General Washington. They 
were gladly accepted by this excellent judge of human character, and 
at the siege of Yorktown, in Virginia, Colonel Elbert was honoured 
with the command of the grand deposit of arms and military stores, a 
post of great trust and responsibility ; and by his strict adherence to 
his orders, merited and received the approbation of the Commander- 
in-Chief. 

Colonel Elbert was gradually advanced in rank by the Legislature 
of Georgia, and finally made Major-General, the highest military 
rank in the State. In civil offices he was also favoured, having been 
elected Sheriff, an office then considered the most desirable and the 
most profitable in Georgia. In 1785 he was elected Governor, by a vote 
almost unanimous. 

He died in Savannah, on the 2d of November, 1788. 



EDWARD TELFAIR. 

Edward Telfair was born in Scotland, in 1735. He received an 
English education at the grammar school of Kirkcudbright. 

At the age of twenty-three, he came to America as an agent of a 
mercantile house, and resided some time in Virginia. He afterwards 
removed to Halifax, N. C, and subsequently to Georgia, and in 1766 
settled in Savannah, and engaged in commercial pursuits. When the 
storm of the American Revolution began to lower, Mr. Telfair was 
found among the Sons of Liberty. At a meeting of the patriots, held 
in the city of Savannah, on the 27th of July, 1774, he was placed 
upon a committee appointed to draw up resolutions expressive of the 
determination of Georgia to co-operate with the other Colonies in 
defence of their violated rights. About this time the citizens of 
Boston were suffering much inconvenience from the effects of the 
Boston Port Bill, and their distressed condition had excited a feeling 
of commiseration throughout the Colonies. The friends of liberty 
exerted themselves to render every assistance in their power to the 
inhabitants of Boston. Contributions in money and provisions were 
sent to them from various sections ; and although Georgia was weak, 
and incapable of sending much aid, she resolved to do all which her 
means would allow. Accordingly, a committee was appointed to re- 
ceive subscriptions for the relief of the suffering Bostonians, and Mr. 
Telfair had the honour of being placed upon this committee. 

* See under the head of " Screven Countv." 



GEORGE MATTHEWS. 217 

Mr. Telfair was one of the brave band, under the direction of Mr. 
Habersham, who broke open the magazine at Savannah, and removed 
a quantity of powder. 

When the exigency of the times demanded the appointment of a 
Council of Safety, such had been the devotion of Mr. Telfair to the 
cause of freedom, that he was honoured with a seat in this illustrious 
body. 

Throughout the whole Revolutionary struggle he bore a conspicu- 
ous part, and was intrusted by his fellow-citizens with the highest 
offices. 

In February, 1778, he was elected by the House of Assembly of 
Georgia one of the delegates to represent the State in the Continental 
Congress, and took his seat in that body on the 13th of July follow- 
ing, and on the 24th of that month signed the ratification of the Ar- 
ticles of Confederation. In November of that year, he obtained leave 
of absence, returned to his seat on the 15th of May, 1780, and con- 
tinued a member until January, 1783, when his term of office expired. 

Early in this year he was appointed, by the Governor of Georgia, 
one of the Commissioners to form a treaty with the Cherokee chiefs. 

In May, 1785, he was re-elected a member of Congress, but did 
not take his seat. 

He was Governor of Georgia from the 9th of January, 1786, to 
the 9th of January, 1787, and again from the 9th of November, 1790, 
to the 7th of November, 1793. 

During General Washington's visit to Georgia, he was brilliantly 
entertained by Governor Telfair, at his family residence, near 
Augusta, called the Grove. 

He died at Savannah, 17th September, 1807, in the seventy-second 
year of his age. 



GEORGE MATTHEWS 

Was born in Augusta County, Virginia. At an early period of life he 
commanded a company against the Indians at Point Pleasant, on the 
great Kenhawa, and his consummate bravery at this place (10th of 
October, 1774) has long been inscribed in brilliant characters on the 
roll of fame.* At the commencement of the Revolution he was ap- 
pointed a colonel in the 9th Regiment of the Virginia Line, and with 
his command he joined the army of Washington, and was engaged in 
the battles at Germantown and Brandywine. In a skirmish he was 
taken prisoner, and confined on board of a prison-ship in the harbour 
of New- York. After his exchange, he joined the army of General 
Greene as commander of the 3d Virginia Line. In 1785, he pur- 
chased a tract of land called the Goose Pond, on Broad River, in Geor- 

* For a full account of the battle at Point Pleasant, see Historical Collections of Vir- 
ginia, page 361. 



218 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

gia, to which he removed with his family. His military distinction 
soon made him a prominent man, and in 1780 he was elected Governor 
of Georgia, and again in 1794, '95. During the period in which Go- 
vernor Matthews filled the Executive chair, the Indians gave the citi- 
zens much trouble, and his determined spirit contributed in no small 
degree in controlling their violence. In a former work we have given 
a particular account of this gentleman, and to it, for further information, 
we must refer the reader. He died at Augusta, August 30, 1812, aged 
seventy-three years, and was buried in St. Paul's Churchyard. 



GEORGE HANDLEY. 

This patriotic gentleman was the son of Thomas Handley, and 
was born near Sheffield, in Yorkshire, England, on the 9th of February, 
1752. At the period of his arrival at Savannah, which was in May, 
1775, the inhabitants were adopting measures to resist the encroach- 
ments of the British Government. It is not known with certainty at 
what time Mr. Handley joined the ranks of freedom, but it is probable 
he did so the year after his arrival, when the Assembly of Georgia 
passed a resolution to raise a battalion of Continental troops. He first 
entered the army as Captain, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant- 
Colonel. During the whole struggle for liberty, he was actively en- 
gaged in South Carolina and Georgia. In several engagements he dis- 
tinguished himself. After the reduction of Augusta, he was sent to 
Charleston as a prisoner of war. At the close of the war, he married 
Miss Sarah Howe, a niece of General Elbert, and removed to Augusta. 
Here he was highly esteemed. Besides being elected Sheriff of Rich- 
mond County, he was repeatedly chosen a member of the Legisla- 
ture. In 1788 he was elected Governor of Georgia. In 1787 he 
held the office of Inspector-General of Georgia. He was also Com- 
missioner to the State of Franklin. In August, 1789, he was appointed 
Collector of the Port of Brunswick by President Washington. He 
died at Rae's Hall, then the residence of J. Hammond, Esq., on the 
17th of September, 1793. 



JARED IRWIN 

Served his country faithfully many years during the latter part of the 
Revolutionary War, and afterwards in campaigns on the Georgia 
frontiers against the Indians. He at one time commanded a detach- 
ment of Georgia Militia in the Creek country. In early life he lived 
in Burke County ; afterwards he removed to Washington County, 
which he often represented in the Legislature. He was a Brigadier- 
General of the Militia. He was in the Convention for revising our 
State Constitution in 1789 ; in a Convention for the same purpose in 



JAMES JACKSON. 219 

1795, and President of the Convention that formed the present Con- 
stitution in 1798. The Presidency of the Senate was frequently con- 
ferred upon him, at various periods, from 1790 to 1818, when he died. 
As Governor, in 1796, he had the honour of signing the Act rescinding 
the Yazoo Law. He was again Governor from November 7, 1806, 
to November 9, 1809. At the close of the war of Independence, he 
was a member of the first Legislature that convened under our pre- 
sent form of government He died at Union Hill, in Washington 
County, aged sixty-eight years. 



JAMES JACKSON. 

This gentleman was born in England, September 21, 1757. He 
arrived in Savannah when only fifteen years of age, an entire stranger 
to every one except John Wereat, Esq., who had been intimate with 
his father in England. Samuel Farley, Esq., attorney-at-law, re- 
ceived him into his office, and superintended his studies. But the 
times were exciting. People spoke their sentiments freely in regard 
to the differences between Great Britain and her colonies. Jackson 
laid aside his law-books, and associated himself with that portion of 
the citizens who had resolved no longer to wear the chains of slavery. 
The first time he had an opportunity of distinguishing himself was 
when an attack was proposed against Savannah by a fleet of vessels 
commanded by Captain Barclay, aided by land forces under Majors 
M aitland and Grant. This affair gained him the approbation of his 
fellow-citizens, and upon the organization of a company of light in- 
fantry, he was elected Lieutenant, and afterwards Captain, but shortly 
afterwards resigned, from an impression that injustice had been done 
him by his Colonel. In the battle at Midway he commanded a party 
of volunteers, received a wound, and acquired fresh laurels for soldier- 
like conduct. After the fall of Savannah, in 1778, in company with 
his friend Mr. Milledge, he went to South Carolina, and joined the 
command of General Moultrie. During the progress of these sons of 
liberty, barefoot and clothed in rags, they were apprehended as spies 
by some American soldiers, and condemned to be hung. The gal- 
lows was actually prepared, and but for the timely arrival of Major 
Peter Deveaux, who accidentally heard of the transaction, these two 
patriots would have been executed. In 1779, he was at the ill-fated 
siege of Savannah, attached, as it is thought, to the division of troops 
under Colonel Marbury. Georgia being now in possession of the enemy, 
many of its noble defenders were compelled to retreat to South Caro- 
lina, among whom was Major Jackson. In August, 1780, General 
Sumter was attacked at Blackstock's house by Colonel Tarlton. In 
this action, the bravery of Jackson was not surpassed by that of any 
other officer. 



220 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The battle of Cowpens gave Jackson another opportunity of evin 
cing his unconquerable desire to serve his country. Having raised a 
legion, according to General Greene's orders, he received his com- 
mission as Lieutenant-Colonel, which was afterwards confirmed by 
Congress. 

Jackson's arrangements at the beginning of the attack upon Au- 
gusta contributed in a great degree to the success of the American 
arms. He led one of the advance parties, and performed other peril- 
ous duties with great honour to himself. After the surrender of the 
town, he received orders to level the fortifications, to collect as many 
men as possible, and join the army of General Greene ; but having 
marched about thirty miles, he found it impossible to reach the main 
army, and therefore returned to Augusta, of which he had been ap- 
pointed commandant. 

In July he was ordered to advance towards Savannah, and take 
post midway between this town and Augusta. Before Colonel Jack- 
son with his legion reached Ebenezer, he had several skirmishes with 
the foe, in which he was generally victorious. On the 2d of Novem- 
ber, 1781, he determined to surprise the British post at the Ogeechee 
Ferry. His approach to the post was conducted with so much ad- 
dress, that it was not perceived until the demand was made upon it to 
surrender. In consequence of the improper conduct of Captain Pat- 
rick Carr, Jackson was compelled to abandon his enterprise. With his 
force much thinned, he proceeded about a mile, when he attacked a 
house in which were fifteen Loyalists, commanded by Captain How- 
ell ; and the whole party were either killed or taken prisoners. A 
few hours after this affair, he was attacked by a superior force, con- 
sisting of the whole British cavalry from Savannah, under Lieut.- 
Col. Campbell, and compelled to retreat to a swamp ; but not until 
he had killed or disabled as many of the foe as he had men under his 
own command. Efforts were made to dislodge him, but the Colonel 
could not easily be caught. Taking advantage of the night, he re- 
treated towards Ebenezer. Upon reaching Ebenezer, he was order- 
ed by General Twiggs to retreat to Burke County, for the purpose of 
reinforcements. After his force had been considerably augmented, 
he was for some time engaged in cutting off the foraging parties of 
the enemy. 

On the 12th of July, 1782, the British evacuated Savannah, and 
General Wayne honoured Colonel Jackson with the distinction of re- 
ceiving from them the surrender and keys of the town. He entered 
it with his ever-faithful cavalry, having the proud satisfaction of being 
the first American officer who in actual command had been within its 
lines since its fall, in 1778. 

After the war, Colonel Jackson took up his residence in Savan- 
nah, and married Miss Mary Charlotte Young, daughter of William 
Young, Esq., an ardent patriot, and devoted himself to the practice of 
law, in which he soon became eminent. When elected to the Legis- 
lature, with a magnanimity eminently characteristic of him, he laid 
aside his Revolutionary animosity against some of the Tories, who 



DAVID EMANUEL. 221 

were greatly indebted to his exertions in procuring for them a release 
from the penalties of the confiscation acts. 

In 1784 he became Colonel of the First Regiment, and in 1786 he 
received the commission of Brigadier-General ; the duties of which 
were peculiarly arduous, involving the charge of the operations against 
the Indians. When only thirty-one years of age he was elected Go- 
vernor of Georgia, but for reasons which he deemed satisfactory, he 
refused to serve. About this time he was made Grand Master of the 
Grand Lodge of Masons in Georgia, and Honorary Member of the State 
Society of the Cincinnati. In 1789 he was elected to represent the 
Eastern District in the first Congress held under the Federal Consti- 
tution. Between this period and 1806 he held almost every hio-h 
office in Georgia, viz. : member of the Legislature, Major-General, 
member of the Convention that framed the present Constitution of 
the State, of which he wrote the greater part ; Elector for Presi- 
dent and Vice-President ; Governor, and Senator to Congress. In 
1791, General Anthony Wayne, who had become a citizen of Georgia, 
was induced to become a candidatejn opposition to General Jackson for 
the same district in Congress. An animated contest took place. Gene- 
ral Wayne was returned. General Jackson presented himself before the 
House of Representatives in February, 1792, contested the return, 
personally conducted his claim to the seat, and obtained a decision, 
awarded without a dissenting voice, that General Wayne was not en- 
titled to retain it. By the casting vote of the Speaker alone, the 
House refused to declare General Jackson elected. Of Mr. Jackson's 
agency in defeating the Yazoo speculation, the author has spoken 
in a pamphlet recently published by him.* In the establishment of 
the University at Athens, Mr. Jackson cheerfully co-operated with 
Baldwin, Milledge, and other friends of education. In 1802 he was 
associated with Abraham Baldwin and John Milledge in ceding to 
the United States the State territory west of the Chattahoochee. Mr. 
Jackson died in the City of Washington, on the 19lh of March, 
1806, whilst serving as Senator from Georgia. 



DAVID EMANUEL. 

David Emanuel came to Georgia about 1768 or 1770, and settled 
in Burke County. At a very early age he took up arms in defence of 
his country. Burke County was the scene of some severe skirmish- 
es between the Americans and British, in which Emanuel participated. 
On one occasion he was captured by a party of Loyalists commanded 
by Captain Brantley, and conveyed to McBean's Creek, where, after 
consultation, it was determined to shoot him. Brantley ordered a large 
fire to be kindled, and made Emanuel and his fellow-prisoners, Lewis 
and Davis, take off their clothes, with the exception of their shirts 

* History of the Yazoo Fraud. 



222 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

They then designated three men to shoot them, and placed the prison- 
ers between them and the fire. The word " fire" was then given, upon 
which Davis and Lewis received their death-shots ; but the man who 
was directed to dispatch Emanuel missed his aim, upon which our 
hero, with the rapidity of lightning, leaped over the fire and made his 
escape. For many years he was a member of the Legislature from 
Burke County. He was President of the Senate, and for some time 
filled the Executive chair. He is represented to have been a fine- 
looking man, amiable, of good judgment and inflexible integrity. He 
died in 1808, at the age of sixty-four years. 



JOSI AH TATTNALL . 

This gentleman was the son of Colonel Josiah Tattnall, and was 
born at Bonaventure, below Savannah, a place owned by his grand- 
father, Colonel Mullryne. • 

He was sent to Nassau to school, where he remained for eighteen 
months ; after which his uncle placed him on board of a man-of-war 
ship, to prevent his return to Georgia. He was under the patronage 
of the captain, with assurances of rapid promotion if he behaved well. 
The ship was bound for India, 

Having procured a little money from his godfather, a gentleman of 
the name of Elliott, who had lived in Georgia, unknown to his parents 
or uncle, he found his way back to America. 

At the age of eighteen he landed, without a shilling in his pocket, 
on the north side of the Savannah River, and travelling alone on foot 
through the country, arrived at Purysburg, where he crossed into 
Georgia, and then joined the army of General Wayne, at Ebenezer. 
The war was closing, and no opportunity was presented for drawing 
his sword in defence of freedom. On the surrender of Savannah he 
was immediately placed in office. 

In 1792 he had command of the Chatham Artillery. In 1793 he 
became Colonel of the regiment. In 1800 he was elected Brigadier- 
General of the First Brigade of the First Division. In his military 
capacity he rendered important services in 1788 and 1793, in or- 
ganizing detachments of militia sent from Chatham into the counties 
of Bryan, Liberty, and Mcintosh, then much troubled by the Indians. 

In 1797 and 1798, Colonel Tattnall was much engaged, when not 
in attendance upon the sessions of Congress, in the drill of his regi- 
ment. He was frequently sent to the Legislature. He served in the 
year 1796 at Louisville, in the General Assembly that rescinded the 
Yazoo Act of January, 1795. 

He died in the West Indies, in 1804. His dying request was, that his 
body should be removed to his native State. The Hon. Nathaniel Hall, 
of Nassau, to whom the management of his affairs was committed, 
complied with his last wishes, and accompanied his remains to 
Georgia, and deposited them in the burial-ground at Bonaventure. 



JOHN MILLEDGE. 223 



JOHN MILLEDGE 



The ancestors of this gentleman came to Georgia with General 
Oglethorpe. He was born in the city of Savannah, in the year 1757, 
and received the best education which the infant colony then afforded. 
He was placed in the office of the King's Attorney, where he had 
excellent opportunities of becoming acquainted with the forms of 
business. 

At the very beginning of the difficulties between Great Britain and 
the colonies, he espoused the cause of the latter. He was one of the 
party which took Governor Wright prisoner in his own house — the first 
bold Revolutionary act performed in Georgia. When Savannah was 
taken by the British, Mr. Milledge, with his friend Major James 
Jackson, retreated into South Carolina, where they were captured by 
a party of Americans, who took them to be spies, and, notwithstand- 
ing their reiterated denial of the charge, they were about to inflict 
upon them a spy's death, but were prevented by Major Deveaux, an 
American officer, who, fortunately coming up at this time, declared 
the prisoners to be Georgia officers, and ordered them to be released. 

At the unsuccessful attempt, by the combined forces of the Count 
D'Estaing and General Lincoln, to recover Savannah from the 
British, Mr. Milledge was present, and, with his associates, evinced a 
bravery that would have done honour to veterans. In South Caro- 
lina, at the siege of Augusta, and upon various occasions, he con- 
tinued to do everything in his power to advance the cause of liberty. 
Throughout the whole Revolutionary conflict, few made more costly 
sacrifices than Mr. Milledge. After the war he became one of the 
leading men of the day. As a representative of the people in the 
State Legislature — as Governor of Georgia at a period of great poli- 
tical bitterness — as member of both branches of Congress, his course 
gave satisfaction to the people of Georgia. He was the first to ad- 
vocate everything which he thought would promote her interests. 

It is due to the memory of Mr. Milledge to say, that he was one of 
the first with whom the idea of establishing our State University 
originated. He cordially united with the most eminent men in 
Georgia to carry out that important measure. The funds of the 
University, however, were very small, when the Legislature and the 
Trustees determined to commence the institution. No lands belong- 
ing to it were thought suitable for a seat of the College. One was 
selected on the 6th of July, 1801, by a Committee, of which Mr. 
Milledge was a member, and he generously purchased a tract of land, 
at a cost of about $4000, and made it a donation to the College. 
On this land Athens is principally built. President Meigs, in a letter, 
addressed to Mr. Milledge, dated May 11, 1808, says : *' Your institu- 
tion has taken a strong root, and will flourish ; and I feel some degree 
of pride in reflec ting that a century hence, when this nascent village 



224 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

shall embosom a thousand of the Georgian youths, pursuing the paths 
of science, it will now and then be said that you gave this land, and T 
was on the forlorn hope." 

Mr. Milledge distinguished himself by his opposition to the cele- 
brated Yazoo fraud. He resisted with all his influence the vile ma- 
chinations of the speculators, and if he had performed no other* service 
for Georgia, this alone ought to entitle him to the gratitude of her 
citizens. In 1802 he was associated with James Jackson and Abra- 
ham Baldwin, as a Commissioner for ceding to the United States 
Government certain portions of the territory of Georgia. 

Mr. Milledge died at the Sand Hills, near Augusta, on the 9th of 
February, 1818. 



DAVID B. MITCHELL 

Was the son of John Mitchell, and was born in Scotland, on the 22d 
of October, 1766. His uncle, Dr. David Bradie, was present at the 
skirmish near Midway when General Screven was killed, and attended 
that officer in his dying moments. When the British took Savannah, 
he was placed or. board of a prison-ship, close confinement in which 
terminated his life. 

By his will, Dr. Bradie left his property in Georgia to the subject 
of this memoir, who arrived at Savannah in 1783, to take possession 
of it. 

He studied law under the Hon. William Stephens. At this time 
the criminal code of Georgia was undergoing a revision. The gen- 
tlemen appointed to revise it met at the house of Mr. Stephens, and 
Mr. Mitchell was appointed their clerk, and from writing the acts 
over several times, and hearing them discussed, he acquired consider- 
able legal information. In 1795, he was elected Solicitor-General of 
Georgia. In 1796, he was a member of the Legislature which passed 
the Yazoo Law, and voted against it. In 1804 or '5, he was elected 
Major-General of the First Division of Georgia Militia, and on the 9th of 
November, 1809, was elected Governor of Georgia, and on the day 
after took the oath of office. 

During the first year of Governor Mitchell's administration, some 
excesses were committed on the frontiers of Camden County by the 
Indians. The Governor promptly gave the necessary orders to have 
the Indians punished. In his message, he called the attention of the 
Legislature to various important subjects, viz., alterations in regard 
to the law relating to libels, regulations concerning roads, the im- 
provement of the navigation of rivers, the payment of the public 
debt, &c. 

In 1811, the Governor made many efforts to bring to an end the 
difficulties between North Carolina and Georgia relating to bounda- 



DAVID B. MITCHELL. 225 

nes, but was unsuccessful. In 1812, the United States were com- 
pelled, in vindication of their rights, to declare war against Great 
Britain. In his message of this year, the patriotic Governor thus 
speaks : 

" The insolent and arbitrary domination assumed by the British, to control by 
her naval power the rights of this country, and the measures adopted by our 
Government, with a view of bringing the corrupt and corrupting ministry of 
Great Britain to a sense of justice, have been felt by Georgia with as much 
severity as any other State in the Union. Let us, therefore, maintain the char- 
acter we have acquired, and unite heart and hand in support of the Government, 
and the contest in which our country is now engaged. 

"When we contemplate the present situation of this State, our attention is 
irresistibly directed to our extensive frontier. Our sea-coast, from the River Savan- 
nah to that of St. Mary's, inclusive, is indented by numerous inlets, affording 
sufficient depth of water for armed ships of considerable force, to oppose the en- 
trance of which there are few works of defence, the population thin, and a vast 
property to invite the attention and satisfy the cupidity even of British cruisers. 

" From the mouth of the St. Mary's to the termination of our line on the Tu- 
galo River, we have an extent of frontier of between three and four hundred miles, 
the territory immediately beyond which is occupied by numerous tribes of restless 
and warlike savages — some hostile to us. With due preparation, however, the 
State is capable of defending herself against any hostile attempt of British 
cruisers or Indian enemies. Our citizens of the middle and western parts are 
numerous, hardy, and brave, and are not only capable of defending themselves 
against the Indians, but would march at a moment's warning to 'the assistance 
of their fellow-citizens on the sea-board in case of need, who, although equally 
brave, are less numerous, and consequently less able to defend their extensive 
and vulnerable coast. But to do this, the citizens must have arms, and they 
must be taught the use of them, as well as the duties of the camp." 

In view of these considerations, he pressed upon the attention of the 
Legislature a revision of the militia laws, and the encouraging the 
formation of artillery companies. During this year, he was requested 
by the President of the United States, as the Governor of Georgia, 
to act for the General Government in settling some difficulties arising 
from the part taken by the Commissioner of the United States in 
East Florida. He proceeded without delay to St. Mary's. On his 
arrival, he found the progress of the Revolution stopped before St. 
Augustine, the patriots not being able to attack that post. In a few 
days, a correspondence between the person who acted as Governor 
and Mr. Mitchell commenced, which, however, soon terminated, in 
consequence of the Spaniard preferring the application of force to re- 
move the American troops, which experiment, however, failed. 

In his message to the General Assembly, November 1, 1813, the 
Governor, in alluding to the events of the past year, remarked : 

"With a little experience in the art of war, which we are gaining daily, our 
officers and men will soon teach the British legions the difference between the 

15 



226 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

energies of freemen fighting the battles of the Republic, and mercenary slaves 
contending for injustice and oppression under the orders of a despot. But what 
shall be said of our Navy — our infant Navy ? Its achievements, in a relative 
point of view, are unparalleled in the history of any country upon the face of the 
globe. The enemy, with his thousand ships of war, has to boast of but two tri- 
umphs over it, whilst we can claim almost as many as we have ships." 

Governor Mitchell was active in adopting measures to defend the 
State both from the attacks of the British and the incursions of the 
Indians. On the 9th of November, 1815, he was again elected Gov- 
ernor of Georgia. In the commencement of his message, in 1816, he 
remarked : 

"But whilst theorists and the advocates of monarchy are indulging themselves 
in the belief of the weakness of our system, it is both our pride and happiness to 
know that our gallant army and navy, although, as it were, in their infancy, and 
composed of citizens hastily collected from the private walks of life, and unac- 
customed to military discipline, gave the enemy, in our recent contest, such 
proofs of republican energy, as made them glad to withdraw their royal mercena- 
ries from the conflict, under a succession of disasters, which confounded them- 
selves and astonished all Europe." 

His views upon the subject of education may be gathered from the 
following very sensible remarks : 

(i Good morals are all-important in estimating the value of a liberal education. 
A disregard of -moral instruction will have an inevitable tendency to promote 
luxury and vice, and ultimately endanger, if it does not entirely overthrow, our 
present happy Government." 

M . Mitchell was, in 1817, appointed by the President of the United 
States Agent to the Creek Nation of Indians, and on the 4th of No- 
vember of the same year, he resigned the Executive government of 
the State to the Hon. William Rabun, President of the Senate. In 
announcing this fact to the Legislature, he observed : 

"In retiring from the service of the State, I shall carry with me a just sense 
of the obligation which their long-continued confidence has laid me under, 
and my gratitude will be as lasting as my life. In the various and compli- 
cated duties which in the course of my public life I have been called upon to 
perform, I cannot flatter myself that my conduct has been exempt from error; 
but my conscience acquits me of any intentional departure from duty. Devoted 
as I have been to the service of the State, and still ardently desiring to see her 
prosperous and happy, it is a reflection which gives me much pleasure, that the 
duties of the appointment I am about to enter upon are so intimately connected 
with the interest of the State, that by a faithful discharge of the one, the other 
will be promoted." 

On the 22d of January, 1818, he concluded a treaty with the Creek 
Indians at the Creek Agency. Whilst performing the duty of Agent, 



PETER EARLY. 227 

exceptions were taken to his proceedings in regard to some African 
slaves. Mr. Mitchell explained the connection that he had with this 
affair. His statements were denied, and angry discussions occurred. 
He died in the County of Baldwin. In honour of his memory, the 
Legislature of Georgia ordered a slab to be erected, which was accord- 
ingly done. 



PETER EARLY. 

This gentleman was born in Madison County, Virginia, on the 20th 
of June, 1773, and came to Georgia about 1795 or 1796, and com- 
menced the practice of law in Wilkes County. In 1802 he was 
elected to Congress, and soon became a leading member of that body. 
When the impeachment of Judge Chase was before Congress, he 
was associated with Randolph, Rodney, Nicholson, Clark, Campbell, 
and Boyle, in conducting the prosecution. His speech on this occa- 
sion is said to have been the ablest that was delivered on the side of 
the prosecution. He continued in Congress until 1807, when he was 
appointed by the Legislature, Judge of the Superior Court in the Oc- 
mulgee Circuit. For this station he seems to have been eminently 
qualified. In 1813 he was elected Governor of Georgia. This was 
a critical period. Accumulated disasters had nearly broken the spirit 
of the nation, and the howling tempest of war raged with violence. 
Whilst the stoutest hearts trembled for the safety of the country, the 
resolute mind of Governor Early beheld the threatened storm with- 
out dismay, and boldly prepared to avert its fury. His military ar- 
rangements were extremely judicious, and his administration of the 
Government most able and patriotic. 

An officer in the service of the United States being destitute of 
funds, and unable to procure a further supply, in consequence of the 
embarrassed state of the national finances, applied to Governor Early 
for a loan of $80,000, and pledged for its payment the faith of the 
General Government. Rather than the operations of the army should 
languish, the request was readily granted, and a warrant for the 
amount drawn upon the Treasury of the State. It was suggested 
by a gentleman who happened to be present, that as the union of 
the States might not be of very long duration, in which case each 
member of the confederacy must defend itself, it would be well to 
husband our resources. To this hint Governor Early replied, that 
" he hoped such a thing would never happen, but if it should, he had 
no wish that Georgia should survive the general wreck ; he wanted 
to swim or sink together." In 1814, a majority of the Legislature 
desired to continue what was called the Alleviating Law. Governor 
Early considered its continuance inexpedient and unconstitutional, 
and vetoed it, and on this account was not re-elected Governor. 
Some circumstances connected with this event gave him such a dis- 
gust for public life that he resolved to abandon it altogether ; but this 



228 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

determination he relinquished. "His countrymen, to convince the 
world that their confidence in him was undiminished, and perhaps to 
soothe his feelings for the harsh and unmerited treatment he had re- 
ceived, elected him by common consent to the senatorial branch of 
the ensuing Legislature, in which capacity he agreed to serve, because, 
to use his own words, he felt bound to comply with the wishes of his 
constituents, as they had always shown a correspondent disposition 
to oblige him." He died on the 15th of August, 1817. 



WILLIAM RABUN 

Was born in Halifax County, North Carolina, on the 8th of April, 
1771. 

He came to Georgia in 1785, with his father, Matthew Rabun, 
who, after residing in Wilkes for one year, removed to the County 
of Hancock, where he resided for a long period, honoured by his fellow- 
citizens. 

The education of his son was limited ; but still, by reading and 
observation, he acquired considerable information. His popularity in 
Hancock was very great. 

For many years he represented this county in both branches of the 
State Legislature. Being President of the Senate in 1817, upon the 
resignation of Governor Mitchell, he became Governor, and after- 
wards was elected to this office by the Legislature. During his 
administration, a correspondence took place between General Jack- 
son and himself, relative to an attack upon an Indian village called 
Cheha.* Mr. Rabun died, whilst Governor, on the 24th of 
October, 1819. The message which he had prepared for the Legis- 
lature was sent to that body, Matthew Talbot being Governor pro 
tern. 

The Legislature, in honour of his memory, adopted the following 
report : — 

" The joint committee appointed for the purpose of taking into consideration 
the subject of the death of the late Governor Rabun, being deeply affected by 
the afflicting dispensation that has deprived society of an ornament, the State of 
an undeviating and zealous patriot, and humanity of an unwavering friend, de- 
spair of doing justice to worth so seldom equalled. 

" The eulogium of this excellent man is written in the hearts of the people of 
Georgia. Nature had endowed him with a strong and vigorous mind, and a 
lirmness of character which never forsook him. Love of order and love of his 
country were conspicuous in his every action, and justice he regarded not only 
as a civil, but a religious duty. His public life flowed naturally from these prin- 
ciples. Ever obedient and attentive to the admonitions of his conscience, his 

* See under the head of" Lee County." 



MATTHEW TALBOT JOHN CLARKE. 229 

public acts were marked with an integrity which did honour to his station. 
His private virtues were of the highest order. Their remembrance is the me- 
lancholy joy of his family and his friends. Who can estimate the loss of 
society in such a man ? Who can but weep, that he should be cut off in the 
midst of his usefulness, when his heart was dilated with the prospect of soon re- 
tiring to the bosom of his family, to enjoy that bliss which Heaven appeared to 
have spread out to him, in its most generous profusion ? Yet to Rabun death 
was a welcome messenger. How great, how sublime does he appear, when 
calmly resigning the fulness of earthly joy, to the triumphant hope of everlasting 
happiness ! 

" Deeply impressed with these reflections, your committee recommend the 
adoption of the following resolution, which was unanimously agreed to : — 

" Resolved, That the Executive and Judicial officers of this State, together 
with the members of this Legislature, do wear crape on the left arm for sixty 
days, and that the members of both branches do attend at the Baptist Church, on 
Wednesday the 24th inst, at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of hearing a funeral 
sermon, to be delivered by the Rev. Jesse Mercer, on this mournful occasion.'' 



MATTHEW TALBOT. 

Mr. Talbot being President of the Senate at the time of Governor 
Rabun's death, became, by the provisions of the Constitution, Gover- 
nor of Georgia. 

By birth he was a Virginian, settled in Wilkes in 1785, and after- 
wards moved to Oglethorpe. His honesty and firmness made him 
one among the most popular men in Georgia. Whilst a citizen of 
Wilkes, he was often elected a member of the Legislature. When 
he removed to Oglethorpe, he was appointed a delegate to the Con- 
vention which framed the present Constitution of the State of 
Georgia. In 1808 he was elected to the Senate, and was President 
of that body from 1818 to 1823. He died in Wilkes, 17th of 
September, 1827, aged sixty years, leaving behind him the character 
of an honest and patriotic citizen. 



JOHN CLARKE. 

At fourteen years of age this gentleman was sent to school in 
Wake County, North Carolina, where he, however, did not long re- 
main. A scouting party being raised to go against the Tories, he 
joined them. At the age of sixteen, he was appointed Lieutenant, 
and then Captain of Militia. Under the command of his father, 
General Elijah Clarke, he fought at the siege of Augusta ; and at the 
battle of Jack's Creek, in 1787, the particulars of which are given 
under the head of "Walton County," he greatly distinguished himself. 



230 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

He rose rapidly, until he was elected by the Legislature of Georgia 
Brigadier, and then Major-General. Important civil offices were fre- 
quently conferred upon him. Near the conclusion of the last war 
with England, at a most critical and dangerous time, the command 
of the forces destined for the protection of the sea-coast and 
southern boundary of Georgia was given to him by Governor Early. 
In 1816, he was chosen Elector of President and Vice-President, and 
was afterwards twice elected Governor. In 1827, he moved to West 
Florida, and sought a retreat from the cares of busy life. He died 
on the 15th October, 1832, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. 

The following tribute to the memory of this gentleman appeared in 
one of the papers of the day : — 

" A large number of citizens, from every part of the State, assem- 
bled in Milledgeville, on the evening of the 16th, to express their 
feelings at the death of our late estimable fellow-citizen, General 
John Clarke, formerly Chief Magistrate of this State; when Jacob 
Wood, Esq., was appointed Chairman, and Joseph Sturges, Esq., 
was appointed Secretary of the meeting. 

" The following preamble and resolutions were submitted by John 
A. Cuthbert, Esq., and were unanimously adopted : — 

" This assembly of citizens of Georgia, convened on the afflictive intelligence 
of the decease of our late distinguished fellow-citizen, and of his respected con- 
sort, with strong emotions of grief, feel it to be a melancholy, but a grateful duty, 
to render honour to departed worth. In the death of General John Clarke, his 
country has sustained a severe bereavement, and his friends have suffered an 
irreparable loss ; but his memory will long live in the hearts or his countrymen, 
and his example will light them to the paths of honour and patriotism. 

" In the green days of his unripened boyhood, we honour that ardent courage 
which prompted him to encounter the dangers of battle, and that unshaken con- 
stancy which sustained him in enduring the hardships and privations of the 
camp. At the early age of fourteen, he was a soldier of the Revolution. 

" In his mature years, we admire that integrity of heart, that warmth of affec- 
tion, and fixedness of purpose, which marked him as an upright man, a disin- 
terested patriot, a generous and constant friend, a pure, energetic, and consistent 
statesman. We revere that unalterable resolution and inflexible virtue, which 
never yielded to an enemy, which never forsook a friend, which never swerved 
from duty to his country. 

" Be it therefore Resolved, That, in honour of his memory, and in token of grief 
at his decease, and that of his respected, amiable, and pious consort, his partner 
in life and in death, we will, and his friends throughout the State are requested 
to, wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. 

11 Be it further Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in 
the Gazettes of the State ; and that a copy be sent to the surviving kindred of 
the deceased. 

"Jacob Wood, Chairman. 

"Joseph Sturges, Secretary, V 




^^ ; 






JEO. M 



GEORGE M. TROUP. 231 



GEORGE M. TROUP. 



Colonel George M. Troup was born at Mcintosh's Bluff, on the 
Tombigbee, in what was then the Territory of Georgia, now Alabama, 
in September, 1780. After receiving the rudiments of a classical 
education in Mcintosh County, and afterwards in Savannah, he was 
sent to a celebrated academy at Long Island, State of New- York. 
Thence he went to Princeton College, where he graduated honourably. 
On his return to Savannah, he studied law with Mr. Noel. 

In 1800, before he was twenty years of age, he was invited by the 
Republicans of Chatham County to represent it in the Legislature. 
This he declined, because of his minority. 

In 1801, he yielded to a second application, and was elected a re- 
presentative. In the Legislature he at once occupied a high posi- 
tion. In 1802, he was again elected, and again in 1803. In 1804, 
he removed to Bryan County, where he resided some years. In 
1806, he was elected to Congress. He was a member of the House 
of Representatives until 1815, when he withdrew to private life. 
His support was given to the administrations of Mr. Jefferson and 
Mr. Madison, possessed of the confidence of both. As a representa 
tive of Georgia, he was distinguished by his opposition to the com- 
promise made by the Federal Legislature with the Yazoo speculators. 
As a legislator of the Union, he sustained the war measures which 
were adopted towards England. 

Naturally fervid, he was impassioned in debate ; scrupulously 
honest, he was listened to with respect ; devoted to his country, he 
gave to her all his heart and all his mind. 

In 1816, in opposition to his own wishes, Colonel Troup was 
elected a Senator in Congress over Dr. Bibb, a very distinguished 
servant of Georgia. Dr. Bibb's term would have expired on the 3d 
of March, 1817, but he resigned, and the Legislature, in addition to 
the ensuing full term, conferred the vacancy on Colonel Troup. He 
continued but two years in the Senate. In 1823 he was elevated to 
the Chief Magistracy of the State of Georgia. 

The Legislature of 1823 required the Governor elect "to use his 
exertions to obtain from the United States the extinguishment of 
the Indian title to all our remaining territory." He immediately 
opened a correspondence with the Secretary of War, which re- 
sulted in a commission to Duncan G. Campbell and James Meri 
wether, two distinguished Georgians, to treat with the Creek In- 
dians.* 

During Governor Troup's administration, the great and good Lafay- 
ette visited America. He was a guest of Georgia. Governor Troup, 
in 1825, received him on the Bluff of Savannah. The author of this 

* For Governor Troup's acts in relation to the Creeks, we refer the reader to 
our article upon the Creek difficulties. 



232 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

memoir heard his address to the nation's friend. "Welcome, Lafay- 
ette ! General, 'tis little more than ninety years since the founder of 
this State first set foot upon the bank upon which you stand. Now, 
four hundred thousand people open their arms to receive you. 
Thanks to a kind Providence, it called you to the standard of inde- 
pendence in the helplessness of our Revolution. It has preserved 
you, that in your latter days the glory of a great empire might be 
reflected back upon you, amid the acclamations of millions. The 
scenes which are to come will be for you comparatively tranquil and 
placid. There will be no more of dungeons, no more fears of tyrants. 
Oh, sir, what a consolation for a man, who has passed through seas 
of trouble, that the millions of bayonets which guard the blessings 
we enjoy, stand between you and them ! But enough ! Welcome, 
General ! Thrice welcome to the State of Georgia !" 
Mr T. retired from the government in November, 1827, with a popu- 
larity equal to that of any former Chief Magistrate. In 1828, he was 
recalled to the United States Senate. This appointment was accept- 
ed by him with unfeigned regret. Ill health and other circumstances 
had determined him to live in domestic seclusion. It is not generally 
known that, when apprised of the legislative intention to send him to 
W ashington, he, to prevent it, hastened from his home in Laurens, 
to Milledgeville, where he arrived only a few hours after his election. 
He continued in Congress until 1834, enjoying the respect and venera- 
tion of his fellow-citizens of Georgia. In the Senate, his feebleness 
of health forbade participation in debate. The same cause produced 
his final resignation. By his more intimate friends, Governor Troup 
is regarded as the living Apostle of State Rights, the Champion of 
State Sovereignty. It was under the conviction that these were im- 
perilled that he declared, in 1833, that "he would have been carried 
on his death-bed to the Capitol, rather than not have given his vote 
against the Force Bill." His opinions upon topics of public interest 
are given unreservedly when solicited ; and the acknowledged con- 
sistency of his life — the admitted integrity of his heart — the soundness 
of his intellect — give them a weight felt by all. Governor Troup re- 
sides in Laurens County. 



'**" 



^^^o^X^ 



JOHN FORSYTH. 233 



JOHN FORSYTH 



Was born in Frederick County, Virginia, and came with his father 
to Georgia when he was about four years of age. He studied the 
classics under the Rev. Mr. Springer, who had charge of an academy 
of great repute in Wilkes County. He then went to Princeton Col- 
lege, where he was graduated in 1799. After his collegiate course 
he studied law in Augusta with Mr. Noel, and commenced practice 
in 1802. A short time afterwards he was appointed Attorney-Gene- 
ral of the State, and in this office acquired great distinction. In 1811 
he was honoured by his fellow-citizens with, a seat in the House of Re- 
presentatives of the United States. Upon most of the important 
topics which then agitated Congress he distinguished himself. In 
1818 he resigned his seat in the House of Representatives, and was 
elected a member of the Senate. In this august body he displayed 
the superiority of his talents, and the whole country regarded) him 
with pride and admiration. During the winter of 1818, he was; sent 
Minister to Spain, where he remained several years engaged in ad- 
justing the differences between that country and the United States. 
By his skill and prudence, he brought matters to a successful termina- 
tion. Whilst in Spain, Georgia elected him a member of the House 
of Representatives of the United States, in which body he took his 
seat in 1823. At this session he showed himself to be the firm friend 
of the rights of Georgia. The report which he then made on the 
subject of the original compact, by which the United States had 
agreed to extinguish the Indian title to the territory within Georgia, 
is acknowledged by the most able men to be equal to any ever pre- 
sented to Congress. In 1827 he was elected Governor of Georgia, 
and warmly and ably sustained the ground he had taken in the coun- 
cils of the nation relative to the Indian question. At the expiration 
of his term as Governor, he was again elected to the Senate of the 
United States, where he remained until 1834, when he succeeded Mr. 
McLane as Secretary of State. During no period since the war of 
1812, had our foreign relations involved questions more important ; 
and the honour and success with which they were conducted were 
owing, in a great degree, to the talents and firmness of Mr. Forsyth. 
He died in Washington City on the 21st day of October, 1841, in the 
sixtieth year of his age. In person he was upright, and finely pro- 
portioned ; height about five feet eight inches. As a speaker, Mr. 
Forsyth never failed to attract attention. In the Boston Morning 
Post, a correspondent thus spoke of him : — 

" Mr. Forsyth's manner is peculiarly Virginian — respectful in his 
language, courteous and complimentary to his antagonist. Without 
ever exhibiting passion, he evinces deep feeling. His voice is pecu- 
liarly melodious, and without talking fast, the words seem to melt 
into each other, like one continued sound, not unlike the enuncia- 



234 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tion of Judge Story, though with less compass of note. He uses 
but little gesture, and his most emphatic passages are always in an 
under-tone, which produce a solemn effect and leave a deep impression. 
It is the still small voice in which he pours out heart, and soul, and feel- 
ing, charming the audience into a silence, as if they were listening to 
the last fading notes of an vEolian harp, when they feel that the spirit 
of the wind is dying away. His countenance is fair and pleasing, with 
a smile always playing around his lips." 

Mr. Forsyth was not a hard student in the " midnight lamp" sense. 
He was, however, a deep thinker. He mastered the contents of a book 
whilst others would be turning over its leaves. His knowledge was 
extensive, and whatever he knew was always at his command. As an 
off-hand debater he had no superior. To his lofty spirit as a man, was 
added a breast overflowing with ardent affection for his family. 

The Legislature of Georgia, at their session in 1841, unanimously 
adopted the following report : — 

" The people of Georgia have heard, with feelings of deep regret, of the de- 
cease of this distinguished citizen, whose eminent talents and elevated political 
course have, through a long series of years, shed lustre, not only upon this State, 
but upon the whole Union. Entering public life at a period of extreme youth, 
and at an early day in the history of the Republic, John Forsyth rose at once to 
the first rank ; with unequalled rapidity attained political eminence, in which 
elevated sphere he continued to move, with splendour and applause — exempli- 
fying the statesman, dignified and firm — the orator, brilliant and beautiful — the 
gentleman, whose elegant deportment and honourable bearing attracted univer- 
sal admiration and regard. First, the Attorney-General of Georgia — then its Re- 
presentative in Congress — the Ambassador of the nation at a Foreign Court — sub- 
sequently the Chief Magistrate of this State, and its Senator in Congress — and 
finally, Secretary of the United States. John Forsyth discharged the duties of 
these several stations with a brilliancy, a readiness, and an ability which few 
may expect to equal ; in all of them maintaining the honour and sustaining the 
interest of this State and of the nation. 

"As the immediate representative of Georgia, John Forsyth early riveted the 
attention and secured the affections of its citizens, by his great talents and his 
commanding power of eloquence, and the promptness with which he employed 
them in vindicating their honour, and in defending their peculiar and exclusive 
rights. Occasional differences of opinion and embittered party excitements 
have never withdrawn the attention, nor dislodged those affections, and the peo- 
ple of Georgia now mourn his death as a great national bereavement, sensibly 
felt by the State of which his eloquence and talents made him so distinguished 
an ornament, and by the nation, in whose service much of his life was spent, 
and for the protection of whose honour and interest some of his greatest intellec- 
tual efforts were made. 

"It is therefore most fit and proper that the representatives of the people of 
Georgia here assembled should, in a becoming manner, acknowledge the mag- 
nitude and importance of the public services of this accomplished citizen through 
a long and eventful political career, and testify to the country, in an imposing 







fo—3 V 



A, ^ 



GEORGE It. GILMER. 235 

form, their just appreciation of one of tne distinguished men of the age, whose 
character is identified with that of the nation ; and with this view, the Committee 
present the following resolutions, and ask for them the unanimous concunence of 
this Legislature. 

" Resolved, That we receive with feelings of deep and sincere regret the intelli- 
gence of the death of the Hon. John Forsyth, and that his talents and his eloquence, 
and the valuable public services rendered by him, justly entitle his memory to 
an official manifestation of respect by the Legislature of Georgia. 

' ; Resolved, That we hold in proper estimation his efforts in time of difficulty to 
preserve the rights, promote the interests, and sustain the honour of the State of 
Georgia. 

" Resolved, That this report and resolutions be sent to the Governor for his con- 
currence, and that he be requested to transmit a copy of them to the family of 
the deceased." 



GEORGE R. GILMER 

Was born on the 11th of April, 1790, in the County of Wilkes, now 
Oglethorpe. When he was thirteen years of age, his father sent him 
to Dr. Wilson's Classical School, near Abbeville Court-House, South 
Carolina, and afterwards to the Academy of Dr. Waddel. At these 
institutions he studied the languages, and would have entered college, 
but his ill health prevented. He then employed his time in teaching 
his younger brothers and a few of the children in the neighbourhood 
of his father. After this, he commenced the study of law with 
the Hon. Mr. Upson, but was compelled to abandon it on account of 
his health, although he had been admitted to the bar. His physician, 
Dr. Bibb, then a Senator in Congress, believing that an active life 
might improve his health, obtained a commission for him in the United 
States Army. 

In October, 1813, he was appointed First Lieutenant in the 43d 
Regiment of Infantry, and took up his quarters near Washington, 
where Captain Tattnall had established a recruiting station. As soon 
as a few recruits were collected, orders were received from General 
Pinckney to place them under a suitable officer, and to march them 
to the Creek territory. With this command Lieutenant Gilmer was 
invested, and by the prompt manner with which he executed his or- 
ders, as well as by his subsequent prudent arrangements, contributed 
most essentially to the quiet of the whites residing near the Chatta- 
hoochee, who had been much alarmed by hostile appearances on 
the part of the Indians. After the war, Mr. Gilmer returned to Ogle- 
thorpe, and in 1818, commenced the practice of law at Lexington, 
and soon acquired reputation as an able lawyer. The citizens of Ogle- 
thorpe called upon him to represent their interests in the State Le- 
gislature, and for two years he was their faithful representative. The 
journals of the House for that period will show that his course was 



236 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

independent and fearless. By his exertions chiefly, a law was enacted 
to prevent private banking, at that time a very sore evil. Mr. Gilmer 
is entitled also to the praise of having made the first effort which 
awakened public attention to the importance of establishing an Ap- 
pellate Court for the Correction of Errors. In 1820 and 1824, he 
was elected to Congress, and also in 1828 ; but failing to give notice 
of his acceptance to the Executive within the time required by law, 
Governor Forsyth declared his appointment vacant, and ordered a 
new election. Mr. Gilmer declined being a candidate. 

As a member of Congress, Mr. Gilmer distinguished himself by his 
ability and devotion to the interests of Georgia. 

In 1828, Mr. Gilmer was a candidate for Governor, and was elected, 
his opponent being Major Joel Crawford. In 1830, he was again a 
candidate for the gubernatorial chair, but was defeated by Mr. Lump- 
kin. In 1832, his fellow-citizens selected him as one of their repre- 
sentatives in Congress ; and in 1834 he was a candidate for re-election, 
but was defeated. In 1836, he was President of the Board of Elec- 
tors of President and Vice-President, when the votes of that body 
were given for Judge White, of Tennessee. The next year he was 
elected to the Chief Magistracy of Georgia, the duties of which de- 
manded so much labour as seriously to injure his health. No Gover- 
nor of Georgia had ever been called upon to perform so many com- 
plicated and delicate duties. The situation of the Cherokee Indians — 
the injustice said to have been practised upon them by the State of 
Georgia — the conflicting opinions of the United States Government 
and the constituted authorities of Georgia, all conspired to render 
Governor Gilmer's administration anything else than pleasant. Wis- 
dom, prudence, and firmness were requisite to conduct the helm of 
State at this critical period ; and we believe we utter the sentiments 
of every thinking man in Georgia, when we say that Governor Gil- 
mer's administration was marked by all these attributes. 

During his Executive term, in 1837 and 1838, the Indians were 
removed from Georgia, and we have no doubt that by their re- 
moval their condition has been greatly improved. Mr. Gilmer has 
retired from public life, and holds no appointment except that of 
Trustee of Franklin College. He resides in Lexington, Oglethorpe 
County. 



WILSON LUMPKIN. 

Mr. Lumpkin was born in Pittsylvania County, State of Virginia, 
on the 14th of January, 1783. When he was one year old, his father 
removed to Georgia, and settled in that part of the State then known 
as Wilkes County, now Oglethorpe County. At this period the 
means of education were very limited ; and his father being unable 
to send his children from home to be educated, they received no other 
instruction than that which is acquired in a common country school. 



WILSON LUMPKIN. 237 

When young Lumpkin was fourteen years old, his father held the 
office of Clerk of the Superior Court of Oglethorpe County, and, 
knowing that many advantages would be enjoyed by his son in an 
office of this kind, he employed him in copying, writing, &c. This 
was of incalculable benefit to him, compensating, in no small degree, 
for the want of a regular education, and introducing him to many gen- 
tlemen of the legal profession. He imbibed a great fondness for read- 
ing, and during the time he continued in this office he devoted all his 
leisure moments to reading law. A short time after he was twenty-one 
years of age, he was elected a member of the Legislature for Ogle- 
thorpe County, and for several years continued a member, discharging 
his duties with zeal and fidelity. He served for several years both 
as a member of the House of Representatives and Senate of the 
United States. When he was solicited to become a candidate for the 
office of Governor of Georgia, he reluctantly consented, and was 
elected, and at the close of his Executive term was re-elected. Mr. 
Lumpkin has filled many other responsible offices, but the limits fixed 
to these sketches will not allow us to enumerate all of them. In 
1823, Mr. Lumpkin was commissioned by President Monroe to ascer- 
tain and mark the boundary line between Georgia and Florida. By 
a commission from General Jackson, he was one of the first Com- 
missioners appointed under the Cherokee treaty of 1 835. The records 
of the country will bear testimony to the ability and justice with 
which he discharged that delicate and difficult trust. When the 
Legislature of Georgia created a Board of Public Works, with a view 
of commencing a systematic course of internal improvement, it pro- 
vided for a Board, to consist of six members. Of this Board, Mr. 
Lumpkin was appointed a member. The act also directed that a civil 
engineer should be appointed to take a general survey of the State, 
with a view to report upon the expediency of canals and railroads ; 
and it also directed that a member of the Board should accompany 
the engineer. Mr. Lumpkin was selected, and in his report he re- 
commended a route which varied very little from the present location 
of our railroads. It will be seen from this short sketch, that Mr. 
Lumpkin has been an active man all his life. To the interests of this 
State he has devoted much labour. He enjoys better health now 
than at any period before he was sixty years old, works every day, 
and reads more than at any former period of his life. He never had 
a lawsuit or arbitration. He has been a member of the Baptist 
Church for more than fifty years, and is an active and liberal supporter 
of many benevolent institutions. Of such men as Wilson Lumpkin 
any country may well be proud. 



238 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



W [ L L I A M SCHLEY. 

William Schley was born in the city of Frederick, in the State of 
Maryland, on the 10th of December, 1786. His education was ac- 
quired in the academies at Louisville and Augusta, Georgia. He 
was admitted to the bar in 1812, and continued the practice of law 
until 1825, when he was elected Judge of the Superior Court of the 
Middle District of Georgia, the duties of which high office he dis- 
charged with ability until 1828. 

In 1 830, he was elected a member of the Legislature from Rich- 
mond County; and in 1832, was elected a member of Congress. In 
this body, he served during the sessions of 1833, '4, and '5. In 1835, 
he was elected Governor of Georgia, and acted in that capacity until 
November, 1837. During his administration the Creek war broke 
out, and, accompanied by Generals Scott and Jesup, he repaired to 
Columbus, where he remained six weeks, in the discharge of such 
duties as the peculiar position of things at that time demanded. 

In his first message to the Legislature, in 1836, he strongly recom- 
mended the construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. To this 
work he devoted all the time he could possibly spare from the discharge 
of the duties of the Executive office. He twice visited the engineers 
on the several routes, for the purpose of giving such instructions as 
seemed proper, and obtaining accurate information in regard to the sur- 
veys, and other matters immediately connected with the subject. 
Governor Schley had the honour of signing the law authorizing the 
construction of this road. 

Mr. Schley is, we understand, an uncompromising Democrat. He 
believes in a strict construction of the Constitution of the United 
States, and allows no implied powers to Congress, except such as are 
absolutely necessary to carry into effect special delegated powers. In 
a work published by him, called " Digest of the English Statutes," 
he gives some notes on Magna Charta, from which we make the 
following extract, for the purpose of showing what his political creed 
then was, and from which it is said he has never departed. Speak- 
ing of the Federal Government, Mr. Schley says : 

"It was necessary, in the formation of the Federal Government, that 
each State should give up a part of its sovereignty, delegating to the 
General Government such powers as were necessary for its existence, 
and to enable it efficiently to sustain its own dignity, and to protect 
the individual States. This was accordingly done by the original 
framers of the Constitution, and their acts were ratified by the States. 
But neither the Convention who formed, nor the States who ratified 
this Constitution, had the most distant idea that the doctrine of con- 
structive powers would be carried to the alarming extent contended 
for by some politicians of the present day, and which threatens the 
total destruction of State rights and State sovereignty. If the doc- 
trine be persisted in, and no remedy be provided for the evil, the 




L^^''2-t_--z^t_^w^t--<^— ■? 






CHARLES J. M'DONALD. 239 

Federal Government, like Aaron's rod, will swallow up the State 
Governments, and a final consolidation of the whole will put an end 
to that beautiful system of liberty, which is now the pride and boast 
of the free people of these States." 

Governor Schley has always taken a deep interest in everything 
concerning the welfare of Georgia. He recommended the establish- 
ment of the Lunatic Asylum, and a geological survey of the State. 



charles j. Mcdonald. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of South Carolina. In his 
early infancy, his parents removed to Georgia, and settled in the 
County of Hancock. The citizens of that section of the State had 
always shown a deep interest in the subject of education, and at one 
of their celebrated schools, under the direction of the Rev. Nathan S. 
S. Beman, Mr. McDonald received his academical education. He 
then entered Columbia College, South Carolina, of which institution 
he is a graduate. After studying law in the office of Major Joel 
Crawford, he was admitted to the bar in 1817, and the following 
year entered upon the duties of his profession. In a very short time 
he obtained an extensive practice. 

As evidence of the public appreciation of his talents and worth, the 
Legislature of 1822 elected him to the office of Solicitor-General of 
the Flint Circuit, which he held until elected Judge of the same 
Circuit, in 1825. Upon his elevation to the bench, he resigned his 
commission of Brigadier-General, to which post he had been elected 
in 1823. Presiding over a circuit embracing territory then newly 
settled, Judge McDonald found himself frequently in positions which 
required prudence and firmness, both of which qualities, so essential 
to those clothed with judicial power, were conceded to him. 

In 1830, Mr. McDonald was elected a representative to the Legis- 
lature from the County of Bibb. In 1834, and again in 1837, he 
was elected to the Senate. Among ail the members with whom he 
was associated, many of whom subsequently rose to the highest hon- 
ours, none exerted a greater influence, or commanded higher respect. 

His election to succeed Mr. Gilmer as Governor of the State of 
Georgia, in 1839, showed the estimate placed upon his character 
and ability, by those who agreed with him in political principle, as 
well as by the people of the State. The office to which he was 
elected was at that time especially replete with responsibility. 
Governor McDonald found the State Treasury empty, without the 
means of pushing to completion the great work undertaken in the 
construction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, with the public 
debt increased to a million of dollars, and what was worst of all, the 
character of Georgia disgraced by the protest of an obligation for 
three hundred thousand dollars, contracted by the Central Bank 



240 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

under legislative authority. The work of restoring the State to a 
healthy financial condition, and establishing its credit abroad, was 
rendered much more arduous from the fact, that the commerce and 
business of the country had hardly more than begun to recover from 
the revulsion that had followed the excitement of 1836 and 1837. 

Georgia shared largely in this excitement. The Central Bank, es- 
tablished in 1828, had been required by the Legislature, from year to 
year, to meet its appropriations from the resources of the State. In 
1837, the counties had been authorized, by legislative act, to re- 
tain the general tax to be applied by the inferior courts to county 
purposes. Notwithstanding the State taxes had thus been re- 
linquished to the counties, the Central Bank was still required to pay 
the annual ordinary and extraordinary appropriations. In the em- 
barrassed condition of the finances, the position of the Chief Magis- 
trate was a difficult one, involving the duty of recommending to the 
legislative branch of the Government a line of policy that would 
relieve the State from her financial difficulties. Governor McDonald, 
in his first annual message, in 1840, recommended, as a remedy for 
the embarrassments then existing, "a resumption of the entire 
amount of State taxes, which had for some years been given to 
the counties with but little benefit to them, and greatly to the 
injury of the finances of the State." The recommendation of the 
Governor prevailed, and a law was enacted directing the State taxes 
to be paid into the State Treasury. 

In 1841, a bill reducing the taxes of the State twenty per cent., 
passed both branches of the Legislature. 

To this act the Governor refused his assent, and communicated his 
objections to its passage to the Legislature, which we insert in his 
own language : 

"It is with extreme reluctance," said Governor McDonald, " that I dissent from 
an act of the Legislature, so as to prevent its becoming a law, which has for its 
object the regulation of the amount of revenue to be raised from the people. 
Nothing but a most imperative sense of duty could induce it. There is now a 
permanent tax law, not requiring renewal from year to year. The act under con- 
sideration proposes to reduce the taxes required to be raised by that law twenty 
per centum, on the supposition that they are not required by the exigencies of 
the Government. The measure is, doubtless, based upon the opinion of the 
Committee on Finance, that the amount of the revenue arising under the law 
from ordinary sources, exceeds the amount required to meet the expenditures of 
the Government twenty per centum. It will be found, upon investigation, that. 
the amount of estimated receipts at the Treasury from such sources is greatly 
overrated, and that the actual receipts will not reach the estimate by fifty thou- 
sand dollars or more. If the error had been detected which led to this over-estimate, 
I am compelled to presume that a reduction would not have been made, which 
must leave the Government without the necessary means to sustain itself, and 
meet its indispensable engagements. 

" Again the Committee recommended, and an act has been passed accordingly, 



CHARLES J. m'dONALD. 24! 

that the interest on the public debt should be paid by the Central Bank instead 
of the Treasury. The condition of the Central Bank does not justify the belief 
that this can be a permanent regulation. It must be relieved from this heavy 
requisition, or its notes must depreciate, so as to become a greater tax upon the 
people than twenty per centum upon the amount now levied. In every view of 
the case, then, I am forced to a conclusion different from that to which the Com- 
mittee has arrived, both in regard to the amount of the revenue expected to be 
levied under the law, and the propriety of throwing on the Central Bank, perma- 
nently, the burden of paying the interest on the public debt. Believing that the 
amount of taxes levied under the act of 1840 are absolutely required by the Gov- 
ernment to meet its necessary expenditures, I feel bound to withhold my con- 
sent." 

In his annual message of November 8th, 1842, Governor McDonald 
urged again upon the Legislature the only efficient remedy for re- 
lieving the State from its embarrassments. Said he, in that message : 

" The difficulty should be met at once. Had there been no Central Bank, the ex- 
penses of the Government must have been by taxation. These expenses having 
been paid by the Central Bank, they become a legitimate charge upon taxation. 
This must be the resort, or the Government is inevitably dishonoured. The 
public faith must be maintained • and to pause to discuss the question of prefer- 
ence between taxation and dishonour, would be to cast a reflection upon the 
character of the people whose servants we are." 

He was aware that he was thus deliberately presenting an issue 
on a subject in regard to which men living under a republican gov- 
ernment are always deeply jealous and sternly watchful. But he 
had given the question the most mature consideration, and 
did not hesitate to face the opposition that he knew must be en- 
countered. He made his appeal to the Legislature. He cited them to 
the fact, that upwards of nine hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars, 
which ought to have been applied to the support of Government, (un- 
der the erroneous pretence of raising taxes from the people,) were 
to be relinquished to the counties ; and that while this had been going 
on, the capital of the Central Bank had been appropriated to supply 
money for the expenses of the Government. A former Legislature 
had authorized a sale of bonds bearing a high rate of interest. 
Governor McDonald stated, in this same message, that " there was 
not, at that time, a market in the world in which State stocks, to any 
considerable amount, could be advantageously sold. But," added he, 
" if bonds could be sold, it is highly questionable whether sound policy 
would justify the measure. The interest of the bonds must be paid 
annually, and eventually the principal at maturity. The postponement 
would throw on a future generation the unjust burden of supporting 
the Government, which should devolve upon us." After remarking that 
" the people are ever sensitive on the subject of taxes, and it is proper 
that they should be, to check the wasteful prodigality of their rulers, 
but that they pay them without murmur or complaint when they are 

16 



242 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

convinced they are required by the necessities of the Government," he 
recommended a small addition to the amount of taxes then paid as 
all that was required. 

Notwithstanding the urgent appeal and decided recommendations 
of the Executive, the Legislature took no effectual action for restoring 
the credit of the State. A bill, making an addition of twenty-five per 
cent, to the tax of the previous year, had been introduced and rejected, 
then reconsidered, and again lost. The session was near its close — 
prompt action was necessary. Governor McDonald took his decision. 
He found the Treasurer, in accordance with usage, sitting with mem- 
bers of the Legislature, preparatory to their departure, in anticipation 
of the passage of the Appropriation Bill. He immediately directed him 
to suspend all payments from that department, except upon appropri- 
ations actually made, and warrants legally drawn thereon. The 
Governor gave as his reason for this step, that the Legislature was 
about to adjourn, " leaving him without the means of meeting the en- 
gagements of the State, for the performance of which her faith and 
honour had been repeatedly pledged." The Governor cited the Le- 
gislature to the report of the Treasurer, which he at the same time 
transmitted to that body, from which it appeared, that the appropria- 
tions of a general nature absolutely required in the administration of 
the Government, with, the amount necessary to defray the expenses 
of protecting the Florida frontier from Indian invasions, would exceed 
the probable amount remaining in the Treasury, leaving the sum of 
one hundred and ten thousand dollars, for the payment of the interest 
on the public debt, altogether unprovided for. 

Never was there, perhaps, a higher state of excitement from any 
similar cause, among the members of the Legislature, than when they 
found the treasury thus closed upon them. The opposition denounced 
Governor McDonald as a tyrant, as guilty of a high-handed measure, 
worse than Jackson would have enforced. His political friends, 
alarmed, urged him to recede from his determination, and rescind 
his order to the Treasurer. He peremptorily refused. The result 
was, that the bill was finally passed. At the next session of the Le- 
gislature, Governor McDonald reported a greatly improved condition 
of the finances, and upon submitting the estimate of the Comptroller- 
General, it appeared that the receipts into the Treasury would be 
more than sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses of the Govern- 
ment, and pay the interest on the public debt. He further reported 
that public confidence was reviving in regard to the Central Bank, 
and that specie-paying banks would no doubt, at an early day, find 
it to their interest to receive its notes in payment. 

We have been thus particular in regard to the subjects of taxation 
and finance, as connected with the administration of Governor McDon- 
ald, that the people of Georgia might understand his agency in re- 
storing the credit of the State. No man, in the existing embarrass- 
ments under which the State laboured, could have acted with greater 
prudence in the management of her fiscal affairs than did Governor 
McDonald, 



CHARLES J. M'DONALD. 243 

In behalf of popular education, Governor McDonald uniformly ex 
erted his influence, avowing his belief that our political institutions 
can be supported only by the virtue and intelligence of the people. 
While urging upon the Legislature attention to the subject of educa- 
tion, he said, " The first thing to be regarded in a republic is the vir- 
tue of the people ; the second, their intelligence. Both are essential to 
the maintenance of our free institutions ; the first inspires them with a 
disposition to do right, the second arms them with power to resist 
wrong." 

In August, 1840, a party of Indians from Florida made an incursion 
into the counties of Camden and Ware, who, after murdering some of 
the inhabitants, and plundering and destroying their farms and dwel- 
lings, disappeared. Governor McDonald promptly communicated in- 
formation to the Secretary of War, and at the same time authorized a 
sufficient force to be raised at once, composed of volunteers, to pursue 
the enemy, and capture and drive him from his hiding-places. In the 
mean time he took all necessary steps for the security of our people, 
deeming it his sacred duty not to shrink from any responsibility when 
the property and lives of the frontier inhabitants were in danger. He 
afterwards presented with confidence the claims of Georgia against 
the General Government. Their justice was recognized, and the State 
was reimbursed for the expenditure that had been incurred in the pro- 
tection of the citizens. 

We understand that in politics, Governor McDonald has always 
been a strict constructionist. Regarding the Federal and State Go- 
vernments as distinct, and each sovereign in its sphere to the extent 
of its constitutional powers, and that, within that sphere, neither 
has the right to interfere with the affairs of the other, he has always 
been found in opposition to every encroachment upon the rights of 
the States, whilst he has maintained the authority of the General 
Government in the exercise of all power granted in the Constitution. 
In every question of disputed authority he makes his appeal to that 
instrument, as the only rightful standard for determining the extent 
of delegated powers. Hence his affinities have been with the teach- 
ings of Jefferson and Madison, and with democratic principles and 
measures. 

Governor McDonald's official character and prominent public posi- 
tion devolved upon him important duties in maintaining the rights and 
interests of the Southern States, in opposition to the aggressions 
made from various quarters upon the institution of slavery. In laying 
the address and resolutions of the Anti-Slavery Convention held in 
London, in June, 1839, before the Georgia Legislature, he remarked, 
" The suggestion of any measure to the General or State Governments 
of this Union, whether constitutional or not, by the subjects of foreign 
powers, is an impertinence not to be endured ; but an offer to dictate 
an unconstitutional policy, subversive of the authority of the States, 
violative of individual rights, and endangering the peace of any mem- 
ber of the confederacy, is an injury that should be felt by every 
American citizen." 



244 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Governor McDonald's correspondence with Governor Seward, in 
regard to the refusal of the latter to deliver up a slave who had 
escaped to New- York, was a most profound and masterly expo- 
sition of the whole constitutional question. In communicating 
this correspondence to the Legislature, Governor McDonald pointed 
out the defect in the Act of 1793, which had devolved upon the 
officers of the State Governments the duty of delivering fugitives. 
In his message, he remarked, " The duty of delivering fugitives 
from justice, without discrimination, is created by the Constitution 
of the Union, and is unknown to the laws of nations ; so that the 
States, as independent sovereignties, would have no right to demand 
it of each other, except by compact or treaty. The Constitution 
nowhere requires the execution of this duty by the States. It is, 
then, to be performed by the General Government, and it ought to 
be required to execute it. This is the true doctrine of State Rights. 
While it jealously guards against the encroachments of Federal 
power, it requires of the General Government the strict performance 
of all its constitutional obligations." 

The acquisition of territory from Mexico, upon the termination of 
the war between the United States and that power, was attended 
with an alarming controversy connected with the question of slavery. 
Governor McDonald took high ground in behalf of what he re- 
garded as the constitutional rights of the Southern States. He 
held that from the nature of our Government, all the people of all 
the States had an equal right of ingress into the public territory, 
carrying with them any property which, by the laws of any of the 
States, they are entitled to hold. He advocated the adoption of the 
Missouri Compromise line recommended by the Nashville Conven- 
tion, as reasonable and right — as having been acted upon before, as not 
subject to constitutional objection, and as one to which all who wished 
to preserve the Union, execute justice, and insure domestic tranquil- 
lity, no matter to what latitude they belong, would readily assent. 

In the height of the controversy relating to the acquired territory, 
Governor McDonald steadily referred to the Constitution as the 
supreme law, and said, in accepting the appointment of delegate to 
the Nashville Convention, that " if the Constitution of the Union 
were administered according to its letter and spirit, the South would 
not complain." 

After the decision of the Georgia Convention, which had resolved 
to acquiesce in the Compromise measures passed by Congress, 
Governor McDonald regarded the controversy as settled. He said, 
" That decision ought not to be disturbed, however much it may con 
flict with individual opinions. In a government of law and order, 
such decisions must be considered authoritative ; they are the will of 
the people." 

In public life, Mr. McDonald has ever been governed by the same 
principles of honour and stern integrity which have given lustre to 
his private character. When the prospect of high dignities and 
elevated office has been held up to him, if he would enter into com- 



GEORGE W. CRAWFORD. 245 

binations to promote the personal ambition of others, his invariable 
reply has been— " I have never bargained for any office, and if I do 
not receive it without conditions, I shall never reach it." The con 
sequence has been, that he has obtained a most enviable position in 
the estimation of the people of Georgia. Even when unsuccessful 
as a candidate, he has never lost the respect even of his opponents. 
In concluding this sketch, it is sufficient to say, that while Governor 
McDonald's comprehensive and cool judgment, his habits of method, 
and his untiring industry, have won for him a high rank as a jurist 
and statesman, his urbane manners, his benevolence of heart, and 
his strict integrity, have secured to him universal respect and esteem 
in the walks of private life. 



GEORGE W. CRAWFORD. 

George W. Crawford was born in Columbia County, Georgia, on 
the 22d day of December, 1798. 

He is the son of Peter Crawford, one of the early and prominent 
citizens of that county. At the usual age the subject of this memoir 
entered Princeton College, where he was graduated in 1820. 

Upon his return to Georgia, he commenced the study of law in the 
office of the Hon. Richard H. Wilde, and was admitted to practice in 
1822, when he opened an office in the city of Augusta. He rose ra- 
pidly to a position of eminence amidst a bar remarkable for its ability. 
In 1827 he was elected Attorney-General, and remained in that office 
until 1831, discharging its duties with zeal and ability. 

In 1837 he was elected by the people of Richmond County to the 
Legislature, and, with the exception of one year, continued to act as 
their representative until 1842. 

In 1843 he was elected a representative to Congress, to fill the un- 
expired term of the lamented Habersham. At the Whig Convention 
of 1843, he was nominated for Governor, much against his wish, arid 
elected by a large majority, and re-elected in 1845. 

At the period of Mr. Crawford's election as Chief Magistrate of 
Georgia, the public finances were in a very deranged condition. The 
State was almost without credit, and her currency at a ruinous depre- 
ciation. The Western and Atlantic Railroad was in a languishing 
condition. The Penitentiary was a tax upon the people. The ad- 
ministration of Mr. Crawford will long be remembered for the refor- 
mation which he achieved in all these particulars. The difficulty in 
the way of State credit had not been a lack of means, but the en- 
tire want of confidence in their administration. This confidence Mr 
Crawford restored, by inducing some of the leading banks of the State 
to receive State bonds and Central Bank notes at par, which arrange- 
ment soon made them available as money, and equal to coin. This 
important transaction was effected partly through the confidence of 
the banks in Mr. Crawford's management of the State finances, and 



246 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

partly by his pledging to some of them his personal responsibility to 
the extent of $150,000, to make good any depreciation. The subse- 
quent value of the State securities, however, rendered any sacrifice on 
the part of the Governor unnecessary. Almost immediately upon his 
inauguration, followed the restoration of the public credit. Vitality 
was infused into all the public enterprises. 

In March, 1849, Mr. Crawford was appointed, by President Taylor, 
Secretary of War, but upon the death of the latter, he resigned, and 
retired to private life. 

It is known to many of our readers that Mr. Crawford's connection 
with what is called the Galphin claim has been the subject of much 
speculation. We believe the facts in this case have not been under- 
stood, and that injustice has been done to Mr. Crawford. To show 
that his course has been beyond reproach, we have taken much pains 
to examine the original documents, relating to this affair, now in the 
Treasury Department, at Washington City, and we think the fol- 
lowing is a true statement of the case : — * 

Prior to the year 1773, George Galphin was a licensed trader to 
the Creek and Cherokee tribes of Indians then within the limits of 
the Colony of Georgia, and to whom these tribes were largely in- 
debted, in his own right, or by assignment of the claims of other 
traders. In the same year, Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia, 
pursuing the instructions of the parent government, concluded at 
Augusta a treaty of cession of land, for the sole purpose of discharg- 
ing the indebtedness of the Indian traders, and by which was annexed 
to the British Crown a large extent of territory, embracing the present 
counties of Wilkes, Lincoln, Elbert, and parts of Greene, Oglethorpe, 
and Franklin. 

It was expressly stipulated that the traders, in accepting this fund 
in payment of their debts, took it in full satisfaction of their claims, 
and at the same time released the Indians and British Government. 

In 1775 the treaty was ratified by the British Crown, and Com- 
missioners were appointed to ascertain and liquidate the claims under 
it. Accordingly, on the 6th of June, the claim of George Galphin was 
proved for £9,791, 15s. 5d., and duly certified by the " Governor in 
Council," and payable out of such moneys as shall or may arise by 
the sale of lands lately ceded to his Majesty by the Creek and Chero- 
kee Indians. 

The menace of hostilities and open war in the succeeding year ar- 
rested, and, by its result, entirely destroyed the prospect of payment 
from this source. 

In January, 1780, the Legislature of Georgia, under the exigencies 
and pressure of the war, appropriated these ceded lands, and applied 
them to the uses of that war. An important reservation was, how- 
ever, made in behalf of such Indian traders who were " friends to 
America." They were required to lay their claims before "the then, 
or some future House of Assembly, to be examined, and whatever 

* A copy of these documents is in the office of the Secretary of State, at Milledgeville. 



GEORGE W. CRAWFORD. 247 

claims should be allowed as just and proper, were to be paid by Trea- 
sury Certificates, payable within two, three, and four years, and car- 
rying six per cent, interest."* 

This act of Georgia brought into view the inquiry — What was the 
relation of George Galphin to the American Revolution ? As preli- 
minary to the answer, it is proper to state that George Galphin was a 
native of Ireland, emigrated soon after manhood to America, and 
died at Silver Bluff, his residence, on Savannah River, in South Caro- 
lina, on the 2d of December, 1780, in the seventy-first year of his age.t 

By his enterprise, he extended his mercantile transactions with seve- 
ral Indian tribes, far into their country, and, by fair dealing and uni- 
form kindness, acquired a controlling influence over their temper and 
conduct, which were always predisposed to resentment and war. 

His position commended him to the notice and employment of the 
Colonial Government, and, as a Commissioner of Indian Affairs, his 
official duties were discharged with promptitude and fidelity. To the 
period of his death his conduct, during the war of the Revolution, 
was consistent, uniform, and patriotic. We have before us a copy of a 
letter, from the original, in the possession of Colonel Peter Force, of 
Washington City, addressed by General Robert Howe to General 
Washington, dated Charlestown, November 3, 1777, from which we 
make the following extract : — " The temper of the Creek Nation, by. 
the unwearied exertions of Mr. Galphin, and by the liberality of this 
State in supplying them, upon generous terms, with those goods they 
wanted, seems at present to promise peace, which I consider as a very 
happy event for this State, and that of Georgia." The Hon. George 
Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Chairman 
of the Committee which reported the Act of Georgia, in 1780, and 
" knew its motives, its sincerity, and intention of justice," was called 
upon in the year 1800, by the representatives of George Galphin, "for 
his knowledge and recollection of and concerning the objects, terms, 
and conditions of a treaty held at Augusta, in the year 1773." To that 
call he responded, and spoke highly of Mr. Galphin. He said — " Hav- 
ing enjoyed his friendship in his lifetime, having fully known his 
sentiments as to the Revolution, and been a frequent witness to his 
exertions in favour of it, I cannot resist the occasion of paying my 
own individual tribute of gratitude to his memory and services. W 7 ho 
is there that has forgot the exercise and right of his influence in re- 
straining the inroads and consequent murders and ravages of the 
savages, especially the Creeks ? None. The undersigned is of 
opinion, therefore, that to dispense with the claim of this venerable 
man, founded as it is, is to dispense with the justice and laws of the 
land." 

By the side of this full statement of Mr. Walton may fitly be placed 
that of his compatriots, Major Joseph Habersham, Hon. Judge William 
Stephens, and Major Peter Deveaux, who unite in testifying that Mr. 
Galphin was a decided friend of the American Revolution, from its 

* See Walkins' Digest, page 236. 
t Family Bible in possession of George Galphin's grand-daughter, Mrs. B. McKinnie. 



248 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

early origin to his death ; that he, with others, suffered very consider- 
ably, indeed largely, in property, during the war. 

The act of Georgia was an open invitation to all claimants, 
" friends to America," on the ceded lands, to apply to her Legislature 
for payment. 

The heirs of Galphin have been the only applicants. 
Their first petition was in 1793, when the Senate passed a bill, by 
eight to three, to carry into execution the promise of the State made 
in 1780 to the whole amount of Galphin's claim.* 

Most of the members of that body had signalized their devotion to 
the new Government, and must have known who had been, only a 
few years before, their friends and foes. 

The Royal Assembly which met in Savannah, in 1780, attainted 
George Galphin of high treason, only four months before he was car- 
ried to his grave.f 

In 1790 the British Parliament appropriated $250,000 for the pay- 
ment " of the claims of the sufferers, by the cession of Georgia to 
the Americans," with the allowance of four per cent, on each claim. 
The heirs of George Galphin, in 1792, applied to participate in this 
fund, but were rejected on the ground that an Act of Parliament in- 
tended to indemnify British loyalists was purely " an act of grace," 
and comprehended only those who belonged to that class.J It is also a 
fact that the patrimonial estate of Galphin's heirs was sold under 
execution to satisfy debts incurred by their ancestor, in his trade with 
the Indians, and for the payment of which he and they relied on the 
proceeds of these ceded lands, but which, as before stated, had been 
applied in aid of the Revolutionary War. 

This claim was referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, whose 
reports received the unanimous approval of both houses of Congress, 
the conclusion of which was as follows : — 

" As there can be no question as to the justice or equity of this 
claim, the question presents itself, Who is bound to pay it ? The 
Government of the United States, or that of the State of Georgia ? 
Here was a debt secured by express treaty stipulation between the 
British Government and certain Indians, and no obstacle remained in 
the way to its payment as provided for in the treaty ; it had become 
a vested right, and but for the Revolution which intervened, would 
have been acquitted and discharged. The Revolution was not the 
act of the State of Georgia. She was merely a participant in what 
was the common glorious act of all ; it was by no special act of hers 
that the treaty by which this debt was secured was set aside ; and.it 
would seem that, being only a sharer in the act which caused the 
rights secured under it to be disregarded, she could scarcely be called 
on to meet the whole responsibility, which should be the joint respon- 

* See Journal of the Senate of the State of Georgia. 1793. 

t See Disqualifying Act of 1780, on page 98, where George Galphin is cailed " Rebel 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs." 

t See British Statutes at large, by Pickering, vol. xxxvii., pp. 35, 36 ; also vol. xxxvi., 
pp. 475 and 476. 



GEORGE W. CRAWFORD. 249 

sibility, as its benefits were the joint benefits of all who contributed to 
its accomplishment. As well might any single State be called on to 
to indemnify a citizen of the United States against the act of the 
General Government, because he resided within her limits, as that 
the S.tate of Georgia should be called on to discharge this debt, which 
was arrested in its payment by the Revolution ; which may, consider- 
ing its consequences, be called a national act, and which transferred 
from the British Government, against which Galphin's heirs could now 
have no claim, to that of the United States, their right of appeal for 
its settlement. By the act of the Revolution, the Government which 
followed, and of which Galphin, as he had contributed to its establish- 
ment, claimed the protection, transferred to itself all the obligations 
which existed prior thereto on the part of the Government which by. 
it was set aside, as far as the claims of a similar character with the 
present were concerned. The Government of the United States now 
stands in the relation to the Indian tribes that Great Britain did prior 
to the Revolution. And the obligations of the treaty entered into by 
that Government with the Creek and Cherokee Indians before that 
event, which had for its object the payment of the just debts of the tra- 
ders, would seem to devolve on the United States, wherever it could be 
shown that the claimant had fixed that obligation by his support of 
the Government substituted. That the obligation runs no further is 
sufficiently manifest, and needs no argument. The Government of 
Great Britain paid the debts of the Indians to such traders as had 
espoused her cause, and rejected Galphin's, who opposed it. And 
it was the duty of the United States, of whose Government Galphin's 
heirs were now the subjects, to prosecute theirs, and failing to do so, 
have made themselves justly liable for its payment. 

" Apart from the considerations above set forth, the State of 
Georgia appropriated these lands — set apart as they were by the 
treaty of 1773, as a fund for the payment of these debts — to the 
public defence, and the bounty warrants of the officers and soldiers 
of the Georgia line in the Revolutionary army were located upon 
them. By an act of Congress, approved July 5, 1832, the Govern- 
ment of the United States provided for certain claims, which Vir- 
ginia had assumed, to the officers of that State engaged in the public 
service during the Revolutionary War. It is believed that the prin- 
ciples of that act are applicable to the present claim, which the 
Committee think ought to be allowed, and accordingly report a bill 
for his relief." 

In accordance with the recommendation of the Committee, the 
Secretary of the Treasury was directed to pay the claim of Galphin. 

Whatever may be the opinion of others, we must be allowed to say 
that, in our judgment, this report embodies the force of truth and pa- 
triotism. The States united had conquered the territory, and displaced 
British sovereignty. The power to make and to execute a treaty was 
inseparable. 

War may change the capacity, but conquest fixes and retains the 
liability 



250 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The war of '76 only transferred the sovereignty, which, in this 
instance, could not rightfully annul a vested right without an act of 
political disobedience of the possessor. By the result of that war, 
and powers delegated by the States in their early confederation, and 
under the present Constitution, the American Congress succeeded to 
that supreme authority that had been exercised by the British Crown. 

Here, then, was a treaty, and in respect to one, and only one, 
party interested in it. There had been no offence, and, consequently, 
no forfeiture. It would, therefore, have been a paradox and an out- 
rage to have acquired and succeeded to a right that attested nation- 
ality, without the corresponding obligation of performing whatsoever 
was nationally and morally a duty to perform. But when important 
benefits have been derived without a strict estimate of the result 
which a particular incident may be presumed to have aided to pro- 
duce, something may, and will be, conceded to a rule of justice or 
gratitude adopted in a similar case. Hence, in the settlement between 
the States and the General Government, concluded in 1790, it was 
declared and accepted that the "principles" of the case of Virginia 
were applicable to that of Galphin. 

During the Revolutionary War, Virginia agreed to pay the officers 
of three regiments and of the navy, for their services in the prosecu- 
tion of that war. She failed to fulfil her promise, and was sued in 
several cases, on which judgments were obtained. She applied 
to Congress for relief, and in 1832 her present and accruing liabilities 
were assumed by the Federal Government. 

The legislative acts of Virginia and Georgia had their existence 
from the wants and pressure of the times. 

The former were passed in 1799, the latter in 1780. Virginia pro- 
mised to pay for military and naval services, Georgia for land which 
was encumbered. Both were deemed necessary to the " particular 
or general defence," and so applied. 

Both States failed to pay, and both have been relieved by the Ge- 
neral Government. 

Virginia applied by memorial, the claimant of Georgia by petition. 

The former did not promise to pay interest ; the latter did. The 
claimants of each State have received interest. When the act for the 
relief of Galphin's representative was passed in 1848, the claimants of 
Virginia had received 81,468,354. Subsequently the heirs of Galphin 
have obtained $234,871. The Virginia cases are in progress ; that, 
the only one of Georgia, is concluded. 

The immediate connection of Mr. Crawford with this claim can be 
explained in a few words. 

The representatives of Galphin had been prosecuting it for forty 
years, until repeated failures led them almost to despair of justice 
They had become impoverished in the pursuit. In 1833, they em- 
ployed Mr. Crawford, then neither holding nor looking for any office, 
as agent and attorney in the matter. He pressed the claim, in every 
direction, with zeal, industry, and at a heavy expense. It was 
brought before the Commissioners for treating with the Cherokee In- 



GEORGE W. CRAWFORD. 251 

dians, in 1835. In 1837, in 1839 and 1840, favourable reports were 
obtained in the State Legislature — but no bill for relief ever passed 
them — the only resource was the General Government. Here Mr. 
Crawford was finally successful ; but it is worthy of notice, that the 
claim was allowed when he was in no way connected with the ad- 
ministration or with Congress, and the reports in favour of the claim 
were drawn by his political opponents, and passed when the majority 
of both houses was of that stamp. The principal of the claim was 
actually paid during the administration of Mr. Polk ; the Secretary of 
the Treasury expressly leaving undecided the question of interest, and 
referring it to his successor. 

When General Taylor's administration commenced, and Mr. Craw- 
ford became a member of it, he placed the claim in the hands of an 
agent at Washington — making known his own interest to the Presi- 
dent alone, but leaving his colleagues, on whose decision the question 
of interest depended, wholly free of any influence from his official 
position. The Secretary of the Treasury, on the written and deliber- 
ate opinion of the Attorney-General, allowed the claim of interest, 
and when the matter was called up in Congress, each of those high 
functionaries declared on oath, that he had no knowledge whatever 
of any interest in, or connection with it, on the part of Mr. Crawford, 
until after the decision was made. These statements were made dur- 
ing an investigation by a committee of the House of Representatives, 
appointed at the personal request of Mr. Crawford ; and when, on the 
report of that committee, the House resolved that the interest ought 
not to have been paid, he proposed to submit the matter to the de- 
cision of the courts, in a suit to be instituted against himself. But 
a resolution to this effect was lost in the Senate — all his political 
friends voting in favour of it. 



252 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



GEORGE W. TOWNS. 

George W. Towns was bora in the County of Wilkes, in this 
State, on the 4th day of May, 1802. His parents were from Vir- 
ginia. His father, when but a youth, was in the battles at Eutaw 
and Cowpens. Mr. Towns was prevented from receiving a classical 
education by ill health. A fall from a horse produced a hemorrhage 
from the lungs, which at times threatened his life, and from the effects 
of which he did not recover until he attained the age of thirty. He 
studied law in Alabama, and was admitted to practice in 1824. In 
1826 he returned to Georgia, and settled in Talbot County, where 
he became very popular, representing that county for several years in 
both branches of the State Legislature. In October, 1834, he was 
elected to Congress, and again in 1836. In 1839 he resumed the 
practice of law, in which he continued until 1846, when he was 
again elected to Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Washington Poe, Esq. In 1847, he was elected Governor 
of Georgia, and re-elected in 1849. 

While Mr. Towns was Governor, he issued a proclamation calling 
a convention to consider the action of Congress upon subjects affected 
by the question of slavery. The candidates for delegates were very 
numerous, and of all shades of opinion. 

Few men possess a kinder heart and more insinuating manners 
than Mr. Towns. 



HOWELL COBB. 

Howell Cobb was born at Cherry Hill, Jefferson County, Georgia, 
on the 7th of September, 1815. He is the son of Colonel John A. 
Cobb, who, when quite a boy, removed from Greenville, N. C, with 
his father. His mother, Sarah R. Cobb, was the daughter of the late 
Thomas Rootes, of Fredericksburg, Va. At nineteen, he graduated 
at the University of Georgia. In 1836 he was admitted to the bar, and 
at once gave such evidence of talents, character, and attainments, that 
in the ensuing year he was elected Solicitor-General of the Western Cir- 
cuit. Here he was compelled to contend with the ripe abilities and 
long-trained skill of some of the first gentlemen of the bar in Georgia. 

We believe we hazard nothing in saying that the office was never 
filled in that circuit with more skill and vigour than during the three 
years it was occupied by Mr. Cobb. 

In 1842 he was elected, on a general ticket, to the Congress of the 
United States, it being his first service in any legislative body. He 
was successively re-elected in 1844, '46, and '48. 

Space will not allow a full account of Mr. Cobb's Congressional 
career ; but justice to him demands that we make a few remarks in 
reference to it. Upon the floor of Congress, he has delivered able 




^^^^ ^J2& 







HOWELL COBB. 253 

speeches upon many leading questions. On the 14th and 18th of 
January, 1844, on the motion of his colleague, Mr. Black, for the re- 
adoption of the celebrated twenty-first rule, he delivered a very able 
speech in vindication of the constitutionality of that regulation, of the 
devotion of the South to the Union, and of the title of the Northern 
Democrats, who had taken what he conceived to be the true constitu- 
tional position upon the question, to the gratitude of his own section 
of the Confederacy. 

During his Congressional career, Mr. Cobb obtained great celebrity 
by the delivery of speeches on various subjects, as for instance, the 
Tariff question, the annexation of Texas, the Oregon question, and on 
the causes and conduct of the war with Mexico. 

In 1848-9, many of the Southern members, becoming alarmed by 
the decided encroachments upon what they regarded as the consti- 
tutional rights of their constituents in the matter of slavery, mani- 
fested by certain votes in the House of Representatives, called a 
meeting of Southern delegates in Congress, without distinction of party, 
to consider their common danger, and deliberate upon the line of con- 
duct proper on their part. This meeting or convention resulted in the 
promulgation of the Southern address, signed by a large portion of the 
Democratic Senators and Representatives from the South. 

Mr. Cobb did not feel at liberty to sign that paper ; and, finding 
their motives misrepresented, himself and his colleague, Mr. Lumpkin, 
with Messrs. Boyd and Clarke of Kentucky, published a joint address 
to their constituents, understood to have been written by him, in which 
the motives for their course in this important affair were duly set 
forth. This paper obtained almost as general circulation as the 
Southern address. The following, with a slight alteration, is taken 
from the "Whig Almanac and United States Register" for 1851 : — 

" The First Session of the XXXIst Congress, w T hich commenced 
November 3d, 1849, and closed September 30th, 1850, was one of the 
longest and most exciting ever held. Its ten months' duration was in 
good part devoted to speech-making — nearly the first month having 
been consumed by the House in ineffectual ballots for a Speaker. 
The Opposition had a small plurality in the House, with a very de- 
cided majority in the Senate ; but the number of ' Free-Soil Demo- 
crats,' who could not vote for a Speaker so thoroughly adverse as Mr. 
Cobb to their views of Slavery Extension, rendered the result doubtful, 
and would have secured the re-election of Mr. Winthrop, but for cer- 
tain members who refused to vote with their party on Speaker without 
a distinct committal against the Wilmot Proviso. This could not be 
conceded, so Mr. Winthrop was steadily voted against by several pro- 
slavery Whigs on one side, and anti-slavery men elected by Whig 
votes on the other, while Mr. Cobb lost votes on one side only. 
Several other candidates were tried on either side with like success, 
though one (Mr. W. J. Brown, of la.) came very near an election, 
having succeeded in uniting both wings of the Opposition upon him- 
self, by satisfactory private assurances on the slavery question. The 
fact that such cross-eyed assurances had been given became public 



254 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

barely in time to prevent his election. Finally, the House decided to 
try a plurality vote, agreeing that the highest candidate at the next 
ballot should be thereupon elected ; and on this vote Howell Cobb, of 
Georgia, had 102 votes, Robert C. Winthrop, of Massachusetts, 100, 
and there were some fifteen scattering. Howell Cobb was thereupon 
declared Speaker by a resolution moved by Edward Stanly, (Whig,) 
of North Carolina." 

Mr. Cobb was elected Governor of Georgia in 1851. and discharged 
his duties most faithfully. Even those who differ from him in poli- 
tics, acknowledge that he cannot be charged with any neglect of 
duty. His management of the State road, and the finances of the 
State, deserves the highest commendation. His messages are papers 
of great merit, treating on every important topic. 



HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON. 

Herschel V. Johnson, the present Governor of Georgia, was born 
in Burke County, on the 18th of September, 1812. In early life he 
enjoyed all the facilities for intellectual improvement which his na- 
tive county afforded. At public schools, he was prepared for college, 
and in January, 1831, became a member of the Freshman Class in 
the University of Georgia, and was graduated in 1834. Having se- 
lected the law as his profession, many of his leisure hours, while in 
college, were devoted to its study, and for months before his gradua- 
tion, he repaired to the Law School of Judge Gould, in Augusta, 
where, while attending a course of law lectures, he reviewed at 
the same time the college studies in which his class was engaged. 
By this double tax upon his physical and intellectual energies, he 
was enabled to stand his examination in college in August, and in the 
September following was admitted to the bar. 

He opened an office in Augusta, where he pursued his profes- 
sion till 1839, when he removed to Jefferson County, and soon ac- 
quired an extensive and lucrative practice. Like most young men of 
our country, political life held out to him its allurements, and with 
little resistance on his part, he soon found himself engulfed in its 
vortex. Educated in the principles of democracy, he entertained 
sentiments of profound respect for them, and for all who con- 
sistently maintained them. Through the press, and on the stump, 
in the ever memorable race between Van Buren and Harrison, he 
did his party important services. The gallant Glascock, who was 
then in the meridian of his renown, and who often witnessed his 
exploits, spoke of him as a youthful giant, who fought with bur- 
nished armour, and was able to compete with the most stalwart of 
his foes. In June, 1841, in a State Convention of the Democratic 
party, held at Milledgeville, for the purpose of nominating candidates 
for Congress, (the State then electing by general ticket,) Mr. John- 
son was brought forward as a candidate for a seat. He, however, 











/■ Sf^&^y- 




HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON. 255 

being a member of the Convention, withdrew his name, and urged 
his friends to cast their ballots for Mr. Howell Cobb. 

In 1843, Mr. Johnson was nominated to fill a vacancy in Congress; 
but was defeated, with the whole Democratic ticket. 

In the spring of 1844, he located himself in the vicinity of 
Miiledgeville. The State, at this time, was divided into Congres- 
sional districts, and Mr. Polk having been nominated for the Presi- 
dency, Mr. Johnson was unanimously selected by the Democratic 
Convention as the elector for the Seventh District. The canvass in 
Georgia, as all well remember, was exciting, and warmly contested; 
and upon Mr. J. devolved a large proportion of the labours of the hust- 
ings. The seventh was the district so long and ably represented by 
Mr. Stephens, with its overwhelming Whig majority ; and the eighth, 
contiguous to it, was Mr. Toombs' district, with a still larger Whig 
majority. Nearly all, if not all, the counties of those districts, he 
visited, and addressed the people, some of them more than once ; and 
besides this, in obedience to the numerous calls of his party friends 
abroad, traversed almost every portion of the State. 

In 1845, when the State Democratic Convention assembled to no- 
minate a candidate for Governor, there were but two names promi- 
nently before that body — those of Colonel M. Hall McAllister and 
Mr. Johnson. Their respective friends urged the claims of each with 
great pertinacity ; but aware that neither could be nominated under 
the state of feeling existing in the Convention, Mr. Johnson, before 
the ballotings commenced, formally addressed a letter to the Con- 
vention, withdrawing the use of his name. 

In 1847, his friends in the Convention that assembled to select the 
Democratic nominee for the Executive chair, again urged his claims. 
On the first ballot he received a number of votes nearly equal to his 
competitor, Colonel Towns, when his friends withdrew his name. 
The prominent objection urged against him was, that he had made 
temperance speeches, and that on this account he was not so available 
as Colonel Towns. Many of his friends, disappointed at the result of 
the nomination, anticipated the defeat of the party. Colonel Towns 
was, however, elected. Shortly after his inauguration, Hon. Walter T. 
Colquitt having resigned his seat in the U. S. Senate, Governor 
Towns appointed Mr. Johnson to fill the vacancy. He took 
his seat in that body on the 14th of February, 1848, and sustain- 
ed the measures of Mr. Polk's Administration. The first speech 
which he made was upon the " Ten Regiment Bill," in vindica- 
tion of the Administration touching the Mexican war, and the ne- 
cessity and policy of its vigorous prosecution. The talent, patriotism 
and statesmanship evinced by this speech, gave him at once po- 
sition in the National Council, and equalled the expectations of his 
friends. During the long session of 1848, besides taking part in the 
occasional debates of the Senate, he made a speech on the resolutions 
congratulating France upon her Republican movements, and another 
upon the Oregon Territorial Bill. 

He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention held at 



256 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Baltimore, in June, 1848. On his return to Georgia, after the ad- 
journment of Congress, he participated in the Presidential canvass 
then in progress. On reassuming his seat in the Senate in Decem- 
ber, he was elected Chairman of the Committee on the District of 
Columbia. The feeble state of his health during the early and 
greater part of this session, prevented him from taking an active part 
in many of the exciting discussions which occupied it. He did, 
however, near its close, make an able and effective speech on what is 
known as Walker's amendment to the Civil Appropriation Bill. It 
was during this session of Congress that the meeting of the South- 
ern members was held, which promulgated what is known as the 
" Southern Address." That paper received his signature. The 
career of Colonel Johnson in the U. S. Senate was brief, but it 
was brilliant. It was no small compliment to him that he stood high in 
the estimation of Mr. Calhoun — that distinguished Senator having 
more than once declared that he regarded him the ablest man of his 
age then in the Senate. 

In November, 1849, he was elected by the Legislature of Georgia 
Judge of the Superior Court for the Ocmulgee District. In this 
new and responsible position, he did not disappoint the expectations of 
those who placed him in it. Upon his elevation to the Bench, it was 
his determination to abstain from any active participation in politics, 
but "the Compromise Measures," as they are termed, excited every 
man in the State, and he could not easily avoid participating in the 
feelings they engendered, and the discussions they elicited. These 
n vasures gave rise to two new party organizations in Georgia — the 
Union and Southern Rights. His feelings and sentiments threw him 
into the ranks of the latter. Mr. Johnson's friends say he was never 
a disunionist. He believes in the right of secession, not as constitu- 
tional, but as resulting necessarily from the character of our con- 
federated government, the sovercitziity of the States composing it. 
He therefore favoured a Southern Congress, not to ride rough- 
shod over the Constitution, but to preserve it ; not to dissolve the 
Union, but to perpetuate it. He believed that a Southern Congress 
was the best practicable mode of securing union and harmony among 
the States of the South, and consequently of securing the glorious re- 
sults anticipated from it. But when Georgia, in her Convention in 
December, 1850, resolved to acquiesce in the Compromise, Judge 
Johnson was one of the first to declare that the causes which led to 
the organization of the Southern Rights party had ceased to exist, 
lie therefore was found in the meeting held in the capitol at Mil- 
ledgeville, in November, 1851 ; the design of which was, among other 
things, to nominate a democratic electoral ticket for the State. In 
that meeting he offered a preamble, reciting among other things the 
views that have been adverted to, concluding with the following, 
among other resolutions : — 

Resolved, That the question of submission to the Compromise is settled in this 
State ; and that it is the duty of the people, for the future, to unite as one man, in 



HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON. 257 

the inflexible determination to maintain, to the letter, the position which Georgia 
has taken against all future aggressions by Congress upon the institution of slavery. 

Resolved, That, in view of the indications given by the Northern Democracy, 
to consider the slavery question as finally settled by the Compromise, to enforee 
the Fugitive Slave Law, and to oppose its repeal or material modification, Geor- 
gia should be represented in the Baltimore Convention, to co-operate in such ac- 
tion by that body, and the nomination of such candidates for the Presidency and 
Vice-Presidency, as will give vitality and efficacy to the Compromise, secure 
safety to the South, and harmony to the Confederacy. 

Resolved, That we recommend the Democratic party to hold a Convention at 
Milledgeville, at as early a day as may be convenient and expedient, to appoint 
delegates to the Baltimore Convention, and that a committee of nine be appoint- 
ed by the President of this meeting, to confer with the friends of this policy in 
every part of the State, to designate and publicly announce the day for the as- 
sembling of such Convention. 

Mr. Johnson's preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

The Convention ordered by that meeting assembled on the 31st 
of March, and sent delegates to the National Democratic Convention, 
in which Judge Johnson occupied a seat, and, in connection with his 
colleagues, cordially seconded the movement of Virginia, which re- 
sulted in the nomination of General Pierce. He was also unani- 
mously nominated by the Convention of Georgia one of the electors 
for the State at large, and was elected. 

Having been nominated a candidate for Governor, he resigned his 
seat on the bench in August, 1853, was elected Governor on the first 
Monday of October, and inaugurated on the 9th of November. 

In commenting upon his inaugural, the editor of the Savannah Re- 
publican says : — 

" The inaugural address of Governor Johnson will not fail to attract 
that general attention due alike to a document of the kind, and the 
distinguished source from whence it emanates. Had the people of 
our commonwealth no other evidence whereby to judge of the cha- 
racter of its chief magistrate, and his ability to administer its laws, 
than the authorship of this address, their confidence in his honesty of 
purpose, under a just appreciation of the trusts and responsibilities 
which devolve upon him, would be hearty and unreserved. This ad- 
dress gives evidence on the part of its author of a clearness of percep- 
tion, a firmness of purpose, and an humble reliance, worthy the head 
and heart of one called to preside over and administer the extended 
and varied interests of a free and Christian people. The great in- 
terests of education, agriculture, internal improvements, and the me- 
chanic arts, are alluded to as worthy the fostering care of the Go- 
vernment." 

Upon the subject of education, Governor J. says : — 

"Our system assumes, that the people are capable of self-government; each 
man is a portion of the sovereignty, and, to the extent of his individual influ- 
ence, gives direction to all the operations of government. But this assump- 
tion is not based upon any inherent capacity for government, as an attribute of 

17 



258 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

man. It presupposes intelligence, to understand his rights, and virtue to give 
that intelligence proper direction. Hence, public education and morality — en- 
lightened intellect and cultivated heart — are indispensable to the success of our 
political system. They are the main pillars on which the structure is built; let 
them be substituted by ignorance and vice, and the fabric will tumble to ruins. 

11 If to this consideration we add the reflection, that education is the most potent 
means for the rapid development of a high civilization — the proper end of go- 
vernment — how obvious and imperative is the obligation to foster its diffusion 
among the people, with a liberality commensurate with its importance and the 
unnumbered blessings which it procures ! The cause of public education is em- 
phatically the cause of our State. It addresses itself to every noble feeling of our 
hearts. If, as patriots, we desire the perpetuity of our free institutions — if, as 
philanthropists, we would gladden the children of poverty with the sunbeams of 
science, elevate them to useful citizenship, and press to their lips the cup of in- 
tellectual happiness, it pleads with an urgency and pathos that should awaken 
every generous impulse. ,; 

We most ardently wish that such sentiments may be speedily ap- 
preciated and acted upon throughout the length and breadth of Geor- 
gia- 
Judge Johnson, besides his political speeches, has, on several occa- 
sions, distinguished himself by his efforts in other fields. In 1842, 
he delivered the Annual Address before the Alumni of the State Uni- 
versity ; in 1845, the eulogy on General Jackson before the citizens 
of Milledgeville; and in 1847, the annual commencement oration be- 
fore the Literary Societies of Mercer University ; also before the Wes- 
leyan Female College at Macon, on the 14th July, 1853. All these 
addresses were published, and added to the reputation he had pre- 
viously acquired. 

As a public speaker, he enjoys an enviable reputation. On the 
hustings, he has few equals. As a man, Judge Johnson's public and 
private character is without a stain. 

At the age of forty, without any adventitious circumstances to aid 
him, by mere force of talent and weight of character, he has won 
his way to a proud distinction among the leading spirits of the coun- 
try. 



ftdcjjes of Counties. 



APPLING COUNTY, 



Named after Colonel Daniel Appling, was laid out in 1818; part 
added to Telfair in 1819, part to Ware in 1824, and a part to Telfair 
in 1825. Length, 55 m. ; breadth, 35 m. ; area square miles, 1,925. 

Appling is sparsely populated. 

The head waters of the Great and Little St. Ilia are in this county. 
The creeks are Ten-mile Creek, Five-mile Creek, Big and Little 
Goose, Dougherty's, &c. 

The face of the country is level. The soil is poor. Productions, 
cotton, sugar-cane, corn, and rice. 

Holmesville is the county site, distant from Milledgeville 115 m. 
Town Bluff is a small place on the Alatamaha. 
The climate is healthy. 

The first settlers of this county were Nathan Dean, John Taylor, 
Henry Taylor, Silas 0. Quin, Moses Vick, John Johnson, John 
Hawkins, John Smith, D. Redish, D. Summerall, R. Strickland, 
Samuel Sellears, John Pervis, A. Eason, G. Moody7 John Rober- 
son, Jesse Carter, Samuel Carter, Thomas Woods, R. and S. 
Swilley, B. George, the Mobleys, Halls, Overstreets, and Wil- 
coxes. 

According to the census of 1850, there were in this county 410 
dwellings, 410 families, 1,271 white males, 1,250 white females, 17 
free coloured males, 7 free coloured females. Total free population, 
2,545; slaves, 405. Deaths, 27. Farms, 313. 



BAKER COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Early in 1825, and was named after 
Colonel John Baker, of Revolutionary memory. It is 37^ miles in length, 
and about the same in width. 

The lands of this county have a wide-spread and well-deserved repu- 
tation for great productiveness and certainty of crops. Cotton and 
corn are the chief productions ; but sugar-cane, Upland rice, tobacco, 



260 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and the various grains, fruits, and vegetables, which grow in the same 
latitude elsewhere, thrive well here. 

Throughout this county there is a substratum of soft limestone, 
which is supposed to add to the fertility of the land. This limestone 
in many places forms the banks and bed of the principal streams, giv- 
ing them somewhat the appearance of works of art. Many streams 
pass through the limestone formation, concealed from view until they 
empty into the Flint River. The occasional falling in of the earth 
above these streams forms funnel-shaped cavities, which are called 
lime-sinks. 

The county is well timbered, chiefly with the finest size and quality 
of yellow pine, though there are large districts in which oak, hickory, 
&c, predominate. 

Flint River runs almost diagonally through the county from north- 
east to southwest, and is navigable a part of the year, by steamboats, 
to Albany. The county is watered by several creeks, which empty 
into the Flint River.* 

The face of the country is level, or gently undulating ; the cli- 
mate is equable and pleasant ; the atmosphere is generally clear, 
and free from fogs ; and the pine lands are considered very healthy. 

Newton, the capital, is situated on the west bank of Flint River, 
near the centre of the count) r , and is a place of some trade. 

Albany is situated on the west bank of Flint River, in the 
northeastern part of the county. The location is pleasant and 
healthy ; it is the centre of a large fertile district of country ; is the 
head of steamboat navigation, and has a thriving trade. Albany 
was founded in October, 1836. The place where it now stands was 
then an unbroken pine forest, without an inhabitant. The removal of 
the remaining Creek Indians, in 1836, from the southwestern part of 
the State, promoted the settlement of this fertile district by the whites, 
and the population and productions of the country, and the conse- 
quent importance of Albany as a market town, has been steadily in- 
creasing. In 1841, the Legislature granted a charter for the " City 
of Albany," under which that place has since been governed, by a 
Mayor and City Council, annually elected by the citizens. 

It will not be inappropriate to mention in this place a railroad pro- 
ject which was originated here, and which, if accomplished, as recent 
events seem to indicate, will add very greatly to the importance and 
value of the whole southern part of the State. In 1847 the represen- 
tation of Baker County obtained from the Legislature a charter for 
the " Savannah and Albany Railroad Company," which authorized 
the construction of a railway from Savannah to Albany, and thence 
across the Chattahoochee River, with such branches as the company 
may determine. On the 27th August, 1853, a company was organ- 
ized in Savannah under this charter, whose purpose it is to construct 
a direct road from Savannah, through Albany, to Mobile, Alabama, 
with branches. The city of Savannah immediately subscribed one 

The Indian name for Flint River is Thronaleeska. 



BAKER COUNTY. 261 

million dollars of the capital stock of the company ; agents were 
appointed to procure the further necessary capital, and the work will 
probably be commenced within the year. 

Concord is a public place, and a post-office in the northern part of 
the county. 

Milford is a place of some business, and a post-office, situated on 
the Ichawaynochaway Creek, in the western part of the county. 

Oak Lawn and Gillionsville are post-offices in the northern part of 
the county. 

Gumpond is a post-office in the eastern part. 

The census of 1850 gives this county 755 dwellings, 755 families, 
2,311 white males, 2,044 white females; free coloured males, 17; 
free coloured females, 7 ; total free population, 4,355 ; slaves, 3,765 ; 
deaths, 126; farms, 444; manufacturing establishments, 12. The 
population is supposed now (1853) to exceed 10,000. 

There are several saw and grist mills in this county, among which 
are Tift and Brisbane's, on the Kinchafoona Creek, two miles north 
of Albany, Hampton and Harris's steam-mill, one mile east of 
Albany, and Lawton's steam-mill, several miles southwest of 
Albany, each of which is capable of cutting four thousand feet of 
timber per day. 

The county is rapidly improving. Should the season prove favour- 
able, it is estimated by resident merchants that the cotton crop of 
Baker, for 1853, will reach 30,000 bales. 

Intelligence, industry, and hospitality are prominent traits in the 
character of the citizens. 

Among the first settlers of this county were the Tinslys, Howards, 
Halls, Hobbys, Wheeler^ Jarnigans, and the persons whose names 
appear in the list of the first Grand Jury. 

The following is an extract from the record of the proceedings of 
the first Superior Court held in Baker : — 

GEORGIA, BAKER COUNTY. 

January Term, 1827. 
The Honourable Superior Court met according to law,— present, the Honour- 
able Moses Fort. 

The following persons appeared, and were sworn as the Grand Jury : 

1. John S. Porter. 12. Nathan Griffin. 

2. John Kell. 13. John L. W. Spears. 

3. Stephen Johnson. 14. Asa Foscue. 

4. Curtis Nellums. 15. Thomas Howard. 

5. John Kelly. 16. Hillory Hooks. 

6. William Kemp. 17. John Gillion. 

7. JohnDennard. 18. Patrick Sessum. 

8. Berrajah Joyner. 19. Chas. S. Miller. 

9. Robert Kelly. 20. James J. Goodwin. 

10. Benjamin Keaton. 21. Joseph Hollaway. 

11. Henry Smith. 



262 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The Grand Jury made the following report : — 

The Grand Jury for the County of Baker having had nothing laid before them 
for consideration, and from the peaceable and orderly condition of their county, 
know of no grievance of sufficient magnitude for presentment. 

Court adjourned. 

Ex'd. Moses Fort, J.S.C.S.C. 

Thomas F. Whittington, Clerk. 



3KtsnlUit*BB2. 

BATTLE OF CHICKASAWHACHEE. 

This was the hardest fought battle of the war with the Creek In- 
dians, in 1836. The Chickasawhachee Creek has a swamp, several 
miles in extent, lying partly in the second and partly in the third dis- 
tricts of Baker County, covered with timber and a dense undergrowth, 
and in a great many places to a considerable depth with water. 
In the latter part of June, 1836, the Creek Indians, after burning 
Roanoke, in Stewart County, and committing other depredations, de- 
parted for Florida, with the purpose of joining the Seminole Indians. 
Captains Rich and Hentz, with two small companies of militia, who 
were volunteers from Baker and adjoining counties, followed their 
trail into Baker County ; and on the 26th of June, at night, knowing 
they were in the vicinity of the Indians, dispersed in small squads 
to protect their own families and those of their friends and neigh- 
bours. The next morning they heard the report of guns, and taking 
the trail, they found the Indians had murdered a gentleman, whose 
name we have forgotten, with his wife and three children, also Mr. 
William Hicks, and a Mr. Padget and his two children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hollaway and their daughter were wounded, but made their es- 
cape. The dead bodies were shockingly mangled. The Indians, to 
the number of three hundred warriors, penetrated the Chickasawha- 
chee Swamp, and took possession of an island in the middle of it, 
where they prepared to defend themselves against any attack which 
might be made by the whites. The Baker militia, after burying 
the dead, devoted themselves to the security of the inhabitants, 
until other troops arrived. On the 3d of July, a week after the 
Indians had entered the swamp, the two Baker companies, having 
been joined by Captain Jarnigan's company from Stewart County, 
Captain Holmes' company from Early County, a company from 
Thomas County, and a company of cavalry from Bibb County, 
numbering together about five hundred men, the whole under the 
command of Colonel Beall, it was determined to attack the Indian 
camp. Accordingly, two hundred men were stationed outside of the 
swamp, to prevent the escape of the enemy ; and these were subse- 
quently joined by Captain Bostwick's company from Pulaski County. 



BAKER COUNTY. 263 

The remaining force penetrated the swamp, through undergrowth, 
mud, and water, sometimes to their waists, to the Indian camp, when 
a warmly-contested battle of more than half an hour was maintained, 
until the Indians were driven from the field, leaving nine dead, to- 
gether with their horses and plunder. Several dead were seen to be 
carried off the field during the battle, and some were afterwards found 
by the whites. Of the Georgia troops, tw T elve or fourteen were wound- 
ed — one mortally. The Indians were dispersed ; and being closely 
pursued by the different companies, were made captive, or killed, be- 
fore reaching Florida. The consequences of this action were very 
important, as it prevented the junction of a band of brave and expe- 
rienced warriors with the Seminoles, who were then giving the Gen- 
eral Government much trouble in .Florida. Although the troops 
engaged in it were militia, without experience or discipline, they be- 
haved with great coolness and bravery. 

The following, supposed to have been written by an officer w r ho 
was present in the above engagement, is taken from the Columbus 
Sentinel of 1836 : — 

"I will, as far as I have been able to learn them, give you some of the par 
ticulars relative to Colonel Beall's fight, in the Chickasawhachee. After march- 
ing about four miles in mud and water from knee deep to near their waists, the 
advance guard discovered the enemy's tents pitched on dry ground, and such 
being their eagerness for fight, they cracked away at an Indian who chanced to 
be walking down to the water to wash his hands. This alarmed the whole 
camp, and they rushed out and commenced a regular fire at our men, behind 
the cover of trees, &c, led on by a chief, who did all that he could to encour- 
age his men, until an unerring ball from a rifle laid him prostrate upon the 
earth. The firing lasted about twenty minutes, when the charge was made 
and the enemy fled with precipitation, leaving thirteen dead upon the field, and 
ample evidence of a much greater number being slain; many were seen to be 
picked up and carried off; they were pursued for some distance. The Indians 
had thirty-six tents, and an incredible quantity of beef, bacon, horses, saddles, 
bridles, homespun, cooking utensils, &c, &c, all of which fell into the hands of 
the victorious whites. Many rifles were also taken; in a word, the whole camp 
equipage was taken and destroyed by the troops. Their situation now is des- 
perate. The whites had nine wounded, of which one has since died, Mr. John 
Hardison, of Early. Mr. James Buchanan of this place, a gallant soldier, had his 
thigh broken, but is doing well. It is generally admitted that if the advance 
guard had reserved their fire until the main body could have gotten up, every 
rascal of them would have been taken. As an evidence of their desire to fight, 
when it was necessary for a guard to be placed over the horses, during the ab- 
sence of the troops, the officers were compelled to detail them regularly for that 
purpose, no one being willing to remain. After Buchanan fell, he called some 
men to him and begged them to hold him up until he could shoot, but his gun 
had- been wet, and it would not fire. Two dead Indians have been found since 
the battle, and some twenty-five or thirty horses and mules taken. The swamp 
is from four to eight miles wide, and fifteen miles long, and now and then a dry 



264 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

spot of earth appears. It is infested with alligators, bears, wolves, &c. ; not a human 
being save the savage has ever explored it. It is impossible to say how many 
Indians there are. Tom Carr's estimate is generally believed to be correct. 
He was in the battle, and fought gallantly — he numbers them at three hun- 
dred • there were, at any rate, thirty-six cloth tents. Beall had two hundred and 
seventy-five. The Indians will now, without doubt, use every effort to escape, 
for their situation is, as I have before stated, desperate. It is feared by some 
that they have already gone ; if they have not, their time has well nigh drawn 
to a close, for the boys are mad and determined to have them. Beall has now 
three hundred men under his command ; our battalion will augment that num- 
ber to five hundred. It is believed that yet a greater number of men will be 
necessary to force the Indians from the swamp, or to keep them in it." 

We copy from the Albany Patriot of May 14, 1845, the following 
account of a tragical incident connected with the Creek war: — • 

"Near the road leading from Albany to Blakely, in a solitary place about two 
miles from the Chickasawhachee Swamp, stands a dilapidated house, which is 
now uninhabited, and has a very desolate appearance. To a believer in ghosts, 
it would present a favourable spot for their nocturnal visits. A traveller ap- 
proaching it in the twilight, would almost expect to see something frightful start 
up before him. This was the scene of a bloody tragedy in the last Creek war. 
It was then inhabited by a man and his wife, with several children and ser- 
vants. A former resident of the place had offended the Creeks, and they, with 
that unrelenting spirit peculiar to their race, had determined to have revenge. 
A party of them, in their flight from Alabama to Florida, passed near this place. 
They believed the object of their hatred was within their reach — the demon of 
revenge stirred within them, and they determined to sacrifice their victim and 
his whole family. Concealed by the forest, they approached the house while the 
unsuspecting family and several neighbours were assembled at breakfast. 

i: Alarmed by the shouts of the savages, they attempted to escape. A horrid 
massacre ensued. The blood of father, mother, children, neighbours, and ser- 
vants was mingled together. 

"A party of whites next day visited the spot. They found some dead, some 
dying, and some, though shockingly mangled, still survived. 

"In their blind rage, the savages had missed the object of their vengeance, and 
brought destruction upon an innocent family. 

'•The appearance of the place is in keeping with its history; the woods look 
dark and gloomy ; long moss hangs in curtains from the trees, as if nature, 
in sympathy for the murdered family, had clothed herself in the habiliments of 
woe."* 

*To Nelson Tift, Esq., of Albany. Baker County, we acknowledge ourselves much 
indebted for valuable information relating to the section of country in which he resides. 
We feel it to be a duty we owe to this intelligent and enterprising gentleman to state 
that he furnished us with the above sketch of Baker County. 



BALDWIN COUNTY. 



265 



BALDWIN COUNTY. 

This county was first laid out by the Lottery Act of 1803 ; parts 
added from Wilkinson, Washington, and Hancock, 1807; parts add- 
ed from Washington, 1812, and a part taken from Washington, 
1826. Organized in 1805. Named after the Hon. Abraham Bald- 
win. The Oconee runs through the middle of the county, into 
which Fishing and other creeks empty. 

Milledgeville is the seat of justice for the county, and the capital 
of the State of Georgia ; situated on the west side of the Oconee 
River, in lat. 33° 4' 10". West Ion. from Washington, 6° 19'. It is 
distant 659 miles S.W. of Washington City ; 158 N. W. of Savannah ; 
89 W. S.W. of Augusta; 193 N. of Darien ; 32 E. of Macon, and 
125 E. N. E. of Columbus. The town was named after Governor 
John Milledge. It was made a city in 1836. The Legislature first 
held its session here in 1807. 




STATE-HOUSE. 

The State-House stands upon an eminence, about three-fourths of 
a mile from the river. In it are rooms for the Legislature, offices for 
the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, and Sur- 
veyor-General ; and rooms for clerks, committees, &c. 

The Penitentiary is located at Milledgeville. 

The outer walls of the Penitentiary are made of brick, averaging 
twenty feet in height, by two and a half feet thick, containing 
within the walls two and a half acres. The cells, or prison proper, 



266 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

are contained in a three-story granite building, two hundred feet long 
by thirty feet broad. They are on each side, and divided into four 
wards, designated by the letters A, B, C, and D. These cells are 
numbered on the doors, beginning in each ward at No. 1, and rising 
until all are numbered in each respective ward. The occupants are 
also numbered, corresponding with the letter of the ward to which 
they belong. The present workshops were constructed in 1844. 
They are built of brick, one story high, of nine feet pitch, with jointed 
sheathing, and covered with shingles. The form at its common cen- 
tre is that of an octagon, with three of its angles cut to a straight line, 
leaving five angles of thirty feet each, which angles being all open, 
they present so many openings into as many shops, each one hundred 
and fifty feet long, by thirty broad. There is in the inclosure a two- 
story building of brick, forty feet square, in which are apartments 
for the sick, female convicts, &c. 

State Lunatic Asylum. — Number of buildings for patients, 2. 
Size of buildings — height, four stories; length, 129 feet; width, 39 
feet. Number of rooms for patients in each of the two buildings, ex 
elusive of those used for bathing purposes, &c, 63 ; size of those 
rooms, ten feet by nine. Extent of ground at present belonging to 
the Asylum, forty acres. 

The Milledgeville Manufacturing Company is located at Milledge- 
ville. Capital, $83,000. Main building four stories high, built of 
brick. 3,136 spindles ; 53 looms. 

In the vicinity of Milledgeville there is much to interest the geolo- 
gist. Sir Charles Lyell, President of the London Geological Society, 
who visited Georgia in 1846, in a volume which^ he afterwards pub- 
lished, has some valuable remarks on the subject of the boulders of 
granite lying on the surface of the soil in the vicinity of Milledgeville 

Midway, one mile and a half from Milledgeville, is the seat of Ogle 
thorpe University. This institution is under the government of the 
Presbyterian Church, represented by the Synod of South Carolina 
and Georgia. The College commenced operations in January, 1838. 
The main college building is of brick, two stories high, besides a 
basement. The central part contains a fine chapel; whole dimensions, 
52 feet front by 89 feet deep, including a colonnade 14 feet deep 
Attached to the building are two wings, 30 feet front by 34 feet deep, 
three stories high. In the basement and wings are 16 rooms, for li- 
brary, museum, &c. On each side of the campus there is a row of 
dormitories of one story, for the accommodation of the students. The 
other buildings are the President's house, the Academy, and a build- 
ing used for recitations. 

Scottsborough, named after General John Scott, four miles south of 
Milledgeville, is a pleasant summer residence. 

Fort Wilkinson is on the Oconee, three miles below Milledgeville, 
famous as the place where a treaty was held with the Creeks in 
1802.* 

* See under the head of "Treaties." 



BALDWIN COUNTY. 267 

The climate is regarded healthy. The cases of longevity that 
have come to the compiler's knowledge are, Mrs. Martha Thomas, 
now living, aged 107 years ; Mrs. Martha Bass, died at the age of 
83; Mrs. Edith Howard, 89; Mrs. Susanna Jackson, 84; Mrs. 
Myric, 85; Jesse Doles, 85; Mrs. Huson, over 80; William 
McGehee, 80 ; John Dismukes, 93. 

According to the census of 1850, this county has 647 dwellings, 
647 families, 1,885 white males, 1,637 white females, 19 free coloured 
males, 5 free coloured females. Total free population, 3,546. Slaves, 
4,602. Deaths, 77. Farms, 240. Manufacturing establishments, 3. 
Value of real estate, $1,051,350. Value of personal estate, $2,058,778. 

Among the early settlers were, Major John Howard, Herbert 
Reynolds, "General John Scott, General Jett Thomas, Captain 
Augustine Harris, Colonel Abner Hammond, Major Thomas H. 
Kenan, Jesse Sanpord, Lazarus Battle, Hines Holt, George R. 
Clayton, Dr. Thompson Bird, Colonel Z. Lamar, Charles Malone, 
William and Archy Devereaux, W. D. Jarrett, Thomas Napier, 
D. Fluker, A. Greene, and R. White. 

Several prominent men of the State have resided in Baldwin. 
Among them may be mentioned Major John Howard, a gentleman 
of most excellent character ; Robert Rutherford, a lawyer of dis- 
tinction, and of great energy of character ; John W. Devereaux, an 
honest and enterprising citizen ; S. Grantland, an editor, and mem- 
ber of Congress; Seaborn Jones, now of Columbus, acknowledged 
to be one of the best lawyers in Georgia ; Augustine Harris, a gen- 
tleman of great probity of character; General John Scott, a resolute, 
persevering man; Thomas Fitch, an able lawyer, and of unimpeach- 
able integrity ; Dr. Sa m uel Boykin, a man of science. Drs. Fort 
and White now reside in MiTI&dgeville, standing high in their profes- 
sion, and acknowledged by all the citizens of Georgia to be upright 
and kind gentlemen. 



The following items are taken from old Milledgeville papers . 

"Duncan M'Krimmon, a resident of this town, was a Georgia militiaman in 
the service of the United States during the late Seminolean war. While sta- 
tioned at Fort Gadsden on the Appalachicola, he one morning went fishing, and 
in attempting to return, missed his way, and was several days lost in the sur- 
rounding wilderness. After wandering about in various directions, he was 
espied and captured by a party of hostile Indians, headed by the well-known 
Prophet, Francis, who had an elegant uniform, a fine brace of pistols, and a 
British commission of Brigadier-General, which he exultingly showed to the 
prisoner. Having obtained the satisfaction they wanted respecting the strength 



268 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and position of the American army r they began to prepare for the intended sac 
rifice. M'Krimmon was placed at a stake — and the ruthless savages, having 
shaved his head and reduced his body to a state of nudity, formed themselves 
into a circle, and danced around him some hours, yelling all the while most hor- 
ribly. The youngest daughter of the Prophet (who is about fifteen years of age, 
and represented by officers of the army we have conversed with to be a woman 
very superior to her associates) was sad and silent the whole time — she partici- 
pated not in the general joy, but was evidently, even to the affrighted prisoner, 
much pained at the savage scene she was compelled to witness. When the 
fatal tomahawk was raised to terminate for ever the mortal existence of the un 
fortunate M'Krimmon — at that critical, that awful moment, Milly Francis, like 
an angel of mercy, placed herself between it and death, resolutely bidding the 
astonished executioner, if he thirsted for human blood, to shed hers, being deter- 
mined, she said, not to survive the prisoner's death. A momentary pause was 
produced by this unexpected occurrence; and she took advantage of the circum- 
stance to implore the pity of her ferocious father, who finally yielded to her 
wishes, with the intention, however, it is believed, of murdering them both, if he 
could not sell M'Krimmon to the Spaniards, which was luckily effected a few 
days after at St. Mark's, for seven gallons and a half of rum. As long as he re- 
mained a prisoner. M'Krimmon's benefactress continued to show him acts of 
kindness. Now, the fortune of war has placed her in the power of the white 
people — she arrived at Fort Gadsden not long since, with a number of others that 
had surrendered, in a starving condition. We are gratified to learn, that a pro- 
per respect for her virtues induced the commanding officer, Colonel Arbuckle, to 
relieve her immediate wants. M'Krimmon appears to have a due sense of the 
obligation he owes the woman who saved his life at the hazard of her own — he 
left town last week to seek her, and as far as may be in his power to alleviate 
her misfortunes. It is also his firm determination, we understand, if she will 
consent, to make her his wife, and reside, provided he can prevail upon her to 
do so, within the settled parts of Georgia.*' 

"Indian Talk. — On Saturday, the 19th of July, 1811, a company of fifty-seven 
of our red brethren of the lower Creeks, of whom twenty-two are of distinction, 
encamped on the banks of Fishing Creek, about a mile from the State-House. 
On Sunday, about twenty attended Divine service at the Methodist Meeting- 
House, and their deportment was such as to evince they were disposed to be 
orderly and attentive. On Monday, at 10 a. m., thirty-eight assembled in the 
Representative Chamber in order to have a talk with his Excellency the Go- 
vernor ; they were attended by Colonel Hawkins, the United States Agent for In- 
dian Affairs, and Mr. Timothy Barnard, as interpreter. A numerous concourse 
of ladies and gentlemen were present. About 11, the talk was commenced. 
The principal speakers were Tustunnuggee Hopoie, or Little Prince, Micco 
Thlucco of Cusseta, (known in the treaty at New-York by Birdtail King,) and 
Tustunnuggee Hutkee — known by the whites as Win. M'Intosh, who was one 
of the deputation that made the last treaty at Washington City. The purport 
of the talk was a reciprocal assurance of amity and friendship, and a desire 
to cultivate a more close attachment and friendly intercourse between the 



BIBB COUNTY. 269 

white and red men — to be of one house and one fire. Tustunnuggee Hutkee, 
among other things, said, he was pleased to see so many white men, because 
they could hear what they had to say, and tell others. That whenever persons 
were intoxicated, they looked upon them as beside themselves, and took no 
notice of what they said or did — this was their manner of treating white 
men, and they expected to receive the same treatment in return. That 
the old people would soon be gone, and this talk was intended for the 
rising generation, and to evince to them that their young men would as anx- 
iously cultivate a good understanding with their white brethren as their fa- 
thers had done. They informed Governor Mitchell that they had some other 
matters to mention, but would make him acquainted with them through Colonel 
Hawkins. After the talk wa3 concluded, about twenty of them, Colonel 
Hawkins, Mr. Barnard, &c, dined with the Governor. It affords us pleasure to 
state that not the least complaint of irregularity or riotous behaviour occurred ; 
and brotherly love and harmony mutually subsisted whenever the white and red 
men were together. 

'' It thus appears that rude and uncultivated minds are susceptible of the finest 
sensibility, of the warmest attachments, of the most inviolable friendship, and 
that they sometimes practise virtues which would do credit to a people the most 
refined and enlightened." 



BIBB COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1822; part taken from Twiggs in 1833; part from 
Jones in 1834. Lot 78 and fraction 79, in Old Baldwin, now Jones, 
added to Bibb, 1835. Organized in 1822, and named in honour of 
Dr. William W. Bibb. Length, 19 miles; breadth, 16 miles; area 
square miles, 304. 

The Ocmulgee River is the chief stream. The creeks are Tobesof- 
kee, Rocky, Savage, Echaconnee, &c. 

Macon, named after the Hon. Nathaniel Macon, is the seat of jus- 
tice. The first lots were sold in 1823. It is situated on both sides of 
the Ocmulgee River, 32 miles from Milledgeville. The Municipal 
Government consists of a Mayor and eight Aldermen, elected annually. 
There are many handsome public buildings in Macon, namely, the 
Court-house, the various churches, as, the Presbyterian, Episcopa- 
lian, Methodist, Baptist, and Roman Catholic. 

The Female College, standing upon an eminence, is constructed of 
brick, 160 feet by 60. The Southern Botanico Medical College is 
located at Macon. The Legislature of 1852 appropriated $5,000 to 
enable the Board to erect a building, procure apparatus, &c. One 
student from each Congressional district in the State is to receive in- 
struction free of charge. 

The Georgia Academy for the Blind is located in this city. 



270 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 




The above js a front view of the Rose Hill Cemetery. It is the ad- 
miration of strangers. We are indebted to Mr. S. Rose for the fol- 
lowing description of this interesting spot : 

" It is situated about half a mile above the city, on the banks 
of the Ocmulgee River, mostly on elevated ground, the highest point 
being 142 feet above its bed. Its entrance is through a lofty arched 
gate, constructed after the Doric order of architecture. The area of 
ground comprised within the inclosure is about fifty acres. Another 
spot could scarcely be found in any section of our country so much 
diversified, and comprising so many distinct objects and combinations 
going to form a perfect picture of rural beauty. Many who have 
visited the cemeteries of the North, and even the far-famed Mount 
Auburn, think them far inferior in natural beauty and location to Rose 
Hill. A prominent feature in its scenery is the Ocmulgee River, 
along which it extends nearly half of a mile. The banks are from 
thirty to sixty feet high, and generally rocky and precipitous, and 
form an impenetrable barrier to its approaches. The higher parts of 
the ground are nearly level, and laid out as places of interment ; other 
places have been selected by many in the wildest parts, almost over- 
hanging the deep valleys. From the river, deep and narrow dells 
penetrate the ground from fifty to two hundred yards ; one of them 
divides it entirely near its centre, through which a rivulet murmurs 
over a steep and rocky bed to the river. This is supplied by four 
springs, one at the head, outside the ground, and three within it. 
The water of one is reputed to be the coolest and purest in this vicinity. 
It is most beautifully located, and is the most attractive spot for visi- 
tors. The banks around it are high and steep, and thickly wooded. 
Above it tower giant poplars and the shady beech, and the sun can 
scarcely penetrate a beam to enlighten this quiet and solemn solitude. 



BIBB COUNTY. 



271 



Seats are provided here for visitors, as well as in many other parts of 
the ground. Two rustic bridges of rock and earth cross this valley ; 
and in it a pond of about eighty yards in length, by twenty in breadth, 
has been excavated, supplied by pure water from the springs, and its 
banks neatly sodded with grass. Around it are several cypresses and 
weeping willows, and one rises from a mound in its centre. A variety 
of fine roses is also near it, and in perpetual bloom. These are also 
scattered over the ground, and along the walks and roads, in great 
profusion. The ridges between the dells are steep, and generally 
terminate abruptly in rocky cliffs at or near the river. On their sum- 
mits are most beautiful sites for burial lots, most of which are occu- 
pied. A broad avenue from the gate terminates on a rocky bluff at 
the river. Carriage-ways are laid out wherever necessary. One 
makes the entire circuit of the ground ; another winds along the heads 
of the valleys, and presents most picturesque views. The entire 
length of the roads and foot-walks is about five miles. Many of them 
have been constructed with great labour, being cut into the steep sides 
of the river bank and hills, winding through every place that presents 
any object of attraction." 




Christ Church, (Protestant Episcopal,) here represented, is a 
beautiful edifice. Its extreme length is one hundred and nine feet, 
and it has ninety-two pews, each capable of seating six persons. 
The galleries will accommodate three hundred more. It is of the 
Gothic order, and cost upwards of sixteen thousand dollars. 

Being in the centre of a thickly-settled and fertile part of the State, 
Macon enjoys many advantages. 

According to the census of 1850, there were in Bibb 1,234 dwell- 
ings, 1,280 families, 3,619 white males, 3,390 white females, 20 free 
coloured males, 33 free coloured females. Total free population, 
7,062; slaves, 5,637; 177 deaths; 308 farms; 82 manufacturing es- 
tablishments. 



In Macon there are two extensive foundries. First, Findley's 
Foundry, the principal building of which is 320 feet long, fifty feet 
wide, and two stories high. Hands employed, 70 ; capital invested, 
$30,000. The principal work is the building of steam-engines, with 



272 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



all the necessary outfit of boilers, pipes, &c, for the same ; also ma- 
chinery for saw and grist mills, of every description, by steam or water 
power. 

Secondly, Nesbet & Levy's Ocmulgee Foundry and Machine Shop. 
At this establishment steam-engines and boilers, rice thrashers, bark 
and sugar mills, gin and mill gearing, water-wheels, castings, and 
machinery in general, are manufactured. Number of hands employed, 
60 ; and the establishment is prepared to manufacture from twenty- 
five to thirty stationary engines per annum. 

At a meeting of the Southern Central Agricultural Society and Me- 
chanics' Institute, October 22, 1852, the Committee on Machinery 
awarded to this establishment a silver cup and a gold medal for the 
best steam-engine, a premium for the best pumps, a premium for the 
best water-wheels ; and the Committee on Steel and Iron gave it 
as their opinion, that two sets of gin gear, together with some cast 
ings, were the best exhibited. 




MACON COTTON FACTORY. 

This establishment is situated in the southwestern part of Macon, 
on the road leading to Columbus. Capital, we believe, $125,000. 
The building is of brick, neatly constructed. 

Vineville, one mile from Macon, is a pleasant retreat. 

Messrs. Ingersoll and Ross erected the first framed building in Macon. 

The first court was held on the 20th March, 1823, in a small log- 
building which stood near the depot of the Western and Macon Rail- 
road. Judge Shorter presided. 

The first presentment was against a free man of colour, for retailing 
liquor. The first indictment was stabbing. 

Among the first settlers were Roland Bevins, Geo. B. Wardlaw, 

B. Bullock, C. Baitman, John Douglass, James Henderson, Jon- 
athan Wilder, John Loving, Thompson Bird, Jeremy Stone, 
Thomas Howard, Leonard Sims, Benjamin Mariner, Henry 
Bailey, Jeremiah Burnett, Anson Kimberly, John Lamar, B. B. 
Lamar, Daniel Wadsworth, Jordon Witcher, Jeremiah Baugh, 
Timothy Matthews, James W. Allston, A. Meriwether, J. Bates, 

C. McCardell, S. Rose, James Fitzgerald, Henry Williams, 
Thomas House, H. G. Ross, who has been Clerk of the Superior 




za*f, 






BIBB COUNTY. 273 

Court for twenty-four years ; Thomas Moody, N. W. Wells, C 
Bullock, and Wm. Cummings. 

The climate is favourable to health. Dr. William Greene died at 
84 ; Mr. Richard Bullock at 95 ; John Dalton, 80 ; Mrs. Cleveland, 
90 ; Mrs. Mary Bullock, 84. 

In this county reside many gentlemen of high intellectual and moral 
character. In the learned professions there are many who occupy 
elevated positions. 

Judge Christopher Strong lived in Macon several years. He 
was a man of active mind and liberal sentiments. He was favoured 
with a retentive memory. May the recollection of his virtues be long 
cherished ! 

The Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, has a 
high place in the affections of the citizens. Perhaps there is no man 
in Georgia who is more beloved than this gentleman. He was rector 
of the Episcopal Church in Macon for a long period, and by his devo- 
tion to the duties of his office, united to his conciliating conduct, gained 
universal esteem. We have often heard the opinion expressed that 
Mr. Bragg has not an enemy in the world. 

Hon. Eugenius A. Nesbit resides in Macon, and we are glad that 
we have it in our power to give the reader a brief sketch of his life. 

This gentleman was the son of Dr. James Nesbit, who emigrated 
to Georgia from North Carolina, in 1791, and settled in Greene County, 
where, in a very short period, he became one of the most useful and 
active citizens. Offices of the highest responsibility were conferred 
upon him, the duties of which he performed with ability and inte- 
grity. 

The subject of this memoir was born in the County of Greene, 
Georgia, on the 7th of December, 1803. His academical education 
was conducted at Powelton, Hancock County, from whence he was 
transferred to Columbia College, and continued there until the end 
of his sophomore year, when he joined the Junior Class in Franklin 
College, at which institution he was graduated in 1821, with the 
highest honours of his class. 

He commenced his forensic studies under the direction of the Hon. 
Judge Clayton, and completed them at the celebrated law school in 
Litchfield, Conn., conducted by Judge Gould. 

Upon his return to Georgia he was admitted to the bar by a spe- 
cial act of the Legislature, and established himself in Madison, Mor- 
gan County. This portion of the State was included in the Ocmul- 
gee Circuit, and its bar, at the time Mr. Nesbit entered upon his pro- 
fession, was said to be the most able in Georgia, having its rolls illus- 
trated by the names of Early, Cobb, Shorter, Gordon, Longstreet, 
Lamar, Dawson, and others, and it is certainly a strong evidence in 
favour of his talents and industry, that notwithstanding such competi- 
tion, he succeeded in obtaining a lucrative practice. 

The citizens of Morgan appreciated the character of Mr. Nesbit, 

18 



274 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and elected him a member of the General Assembly for seven terms 

f our in the House, and three in the Senate. The limits fixed to this 

sketch will not allow us to comment upon all the various measures 
proposed and advocated by Mr. Nesbit whilst a member of the Le- 
gislature. The journals of both houses show, that uninfluenced by 
party considerations, he was always ready to support any policy by 
which the interests of Georgia could be promoted. At the session of 
1828 there was much discussion in regard to the Penitentiary. This 
institution had worked badly, and a proposition was seriously enter- 
tained to abolish it. Mr. Nesbit, as Chairman of the Committee to 
whom this subject had been referred, made an elaborate report in fa- 
vour of the continuance of the Penitentiary, which was adopted. 

In 1830 he took his seat in the Senate, and made his debut in that 
body by a speech advocating, with much zeal, an increase of the an- 
nual appropriation to Franklin College. Our State University has 
never wanted for efficient friends when her interests were in jeopardy, 
but we believe we hazard nothing in saying that in devotion to the 
cause of his "alma mater," there is no person now living who will not 
award to Mr. Nesbit the praise of standing among the first on the 
list of her defenders. 

He has, indeed, sustained every interest of education and letters. 
Fond of literature, he is a writer of excellent taste and high cultiva- 
tion. Although from early life a hard professional worker, he has 
found time to be an occasional contributor to some of our most po- 
pular magazines. He has been invited to deliver addresses upon nu- 
merous literary occasions. For example — before the Literary So- 
ciety of the State University at Commencement ; at the Anniversary of 
the Alumni Society of the University ; at the Anniversary of the 
Georgia Historical Society, &c, &c. He has devoted much time 
and thought to the cause of Common and Free Schools, and presided 
over a Convention of Delegates elected by the counties to devise a 
plan of Common Schools, which convened at Marietta in the sum- 
mer of 1850, and which was composed of able men from every sec- 
tion of the State. 

At the session of 1830 he made a masterly speech in favour of a bill 
for the establishment of a Supreme Court, in which he replied to the 
various objections urged against such a measure, and anticipated all 
the benefits which the State has since realized from that institution. 
The bill was, however, lost ; but so highly was his speech appre- 
ciated by his brother Senators, that they requested a copy of it 
for publication. A Convention met in 1832 for the purpose of consi- 
dering the reduction and equalization of the representatives in both 
branches of the Legislature. Of this body Mr. Nesbit was an active 
member, and participated largely in its discussions. His speech to 
the Convention was regarded as a brilliant effort, and a copy desired 
for the press. 

In 1836 he was nominated for Congress on the general Whig tick- 
et, which was defeated. 

In 1838 he was again nominated for Congress, and was elected, 



BIBB COUNTY. 275 

and in 1840 was re-elected, but from private considerations resigned 
before the expiration of his term. 

When the Supreme Court was established in 1845, he was elected 
one of the judges, and in 1847 was re-elected, and he is at this time 
an incumbent of that bench. 

Mr. Nesbit, like many of the distinguished men of Georgia, is a 
professor of religion, having in early life connected himself with the 
Presbyterian Church, and to his life religion has given a beautiful 
symmetry and form.* 



3Hisr*lUnjons. 

The Indian mounds in the vicinity of Macon, on both sides of the river, 
have always been objects of curiosity to visitors and travellers. The one most 
noted, called the Large Mound, is on the east side, about half a mile below the 
bridge; from which, leaving the public road, a smooth carriage road takes you to 
the foot of the mound, about the eighth of a mile from the river. The face of the 
country surrounding it is uneven, though having the appearance of being formerly 
a level plain, and its present unevenness may be in consequence of the over- 
flowing of the river or the lashing of the ocean. The top of the mound is about 
one hundred and twenty feet above the bed of the river, about one hundred above 
the ravine on the south, eighty above the plain on the southwest, (between the 
mound and the river.) and not over thirty above the plain on the north. The 
shape approaches that of a cone flattened at the top, which contains an area of 
nearly a quarter of an acre. The sides are covered with large oaks and hicko- 
ries. From the summit the trees have been removed, and some years since 
it was tended as a flower-garden. Other mounds, of a smaller size, are near 
this. One, situated in a secluded, romantic spot, goes by the name of McDougald' s 
Mound, from the circumstance of Captain Robert McDougald being buried here, 
(by his own request,) while commanding the garrison of Fort Hawkins, about 
the year 1809. It is a small hillock, thirty feet high. A neat paling, on which 
many visitors have left their names, incloses the grave on its summit. About 
thirty-five years ago a brother of Captain McDougald was buried on the same 
spot. 

Brown's Mount, seven miles below Macon, presents a long high ridge of shell- 
stone, several hundred feet above the bed of the river. The ridge has much the 
appearance of the oyster reefs off the coast. The whole mass appears one vast 
conglomeration of sea-shells, the different genera and s.pecies of which may be 
distinctly traced, though some parts are of the hardest flint, and others in various 
stages of decomposition. 

Fort Hawkins was built for protection against the Indians about the year 
•1805-6, and was a place of considerable importance during the war of 1812 and 

* See Memoir of Judge Nesbit, in Livingston's Sketches of Distinguished Lawyers, 
from which, with the exception of a few thoughts of our own, the above has been con- 
densed. 



276 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the subsequent Indian wars. No garrison has been stationed here, we believe, 
since 1819, the time of the first settlement of New Town, (now forming part of 
Macon,) on the east bank of the Ocmulgee, three-quarters of a mile from the 
fort 



BRYAN COUNTY. 

This county was laid out in 1793 ; a part taken from Effingham, 
1794 ; and a part set off to Bulloch in 1796. 
There are no large towns or villages. 

The county site is Bryan Court-House. 

Fort Argyle, so called by Oglethorpe, after John, Duke of Argyle, 
stood upon the west bank of the Ogeechee River ; built in 1733, as a 
defence against the Spaniards. 

Hardwick, so called from the Earl of Hardwick, Lord High Chan- 
cellor of England, is situated on the south side of the Ogeechee River, 
fifteen miles from the ocean. 

Extract from Census of 1850 : — Dwellings, 212; families, 212; white 
males, 604 ; white females, 560; free coloured males, 10; free coloured 
females, 5. Total free population, 1,179; slaves, 2,245. Deaths, 
63. 209 farms. Value of real estate, $250,000 ; value of personal 
estate, $1,235,400. 

Samuel Stiles, with his brother, B. Stiles, came to this country 
about 1769, and settled a plantation in what is now called Bryan 
County. When the Revolutionary War commenced, although his 
family was in Bermuda, Mr. S. Stiles took part with the Americans. 
His services to the United States were very valuable. He was en- 
gaged, a large portion of his time, in procuring warlike stores and 
ammunition for the United States, as well as for the State of Georgia. 
Much of the powder used by the Americans in the Revolution came 
from Bermuda. It is said that the Bermudians, being in a starving 
condition, stole the Government powder from the magazines, and sold 
it for provisions, and that Mr. Stiles was the person who arranged the 
trade, and carried off the powder. The British Government offered 
a large reward for the apprehension of the persons engaged in the 
theft. Mr. Stiles had the honour of being at the siege of Savannah, 
at which he had a horse shot under him. 

The Count D'Estaing made Mr. Stiles liberal propositions to assist 
him in taking some of the West India Islands, but unavoidable cir- 
cumstances prevented his acceptance of the offer. 



BRYAN COUNTY. 27" 




COLONEL JOSEPH CLAY, 

PAYMASTER-GENERAL To THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT. 

This gentleman was connected with the army during the greater 
part of the Revolutionary War. His cotemporaries speak of him as a 
man of high virtue and patriotism. Though brought up in affluence, 
he cheerfully endured all the privations to which the Southern army 
was exposed. In a paper describing some of the incidents of the 
war in Georgia, which has been placed in our hands, we find the 
following particulars in relation to Colonel Clay. He went as a vo- 
lunteer under Jackson to the relief of Wilkes County. His patriot- 
ism was severely tried. At this time the sufferings of the army were 
great ; tents were unknown ; for weeks together salt could not be 
procured ; at night officers and men lay exposed to the open air. Mr. 
Clay submitted to all these privations," eat and slept like the common 
soldier. He was highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens. He was 
placed upon the Committee appointed by the Sons of Liberty, in 1774, 
to draw up resolutions relating to the grievances of which the Colo 
nies then complained ; and also upon the Committee to receive sub- 
scriptions for the suffering citizens of Boston ; and in 1775 was ap- 
pointed a member of the Council of Safety. He was also a member 
of the Continental Congress from 1778 to" 1780, besides filling manv 
important offices. 

Rev. Joseph Clay. — This gentleman, the son of Colonel Joseph 
Clay, was born in the city of Savannah, August 16, 1764. The Hon. 
Mr. Berrien says: "I knew him well ; he was the friend of my father, 
and my legal preceptor. At his own request, I lived in his family in the 



278 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

country, while engaged in the prosecution of my law studies, and had 
therefore an opportunity of knowing and appreciating his many virtues. 
He was descended from one of the oldest and most respectable fami- 
lies in our State, and was himself possessed of talents of the highest 
order. He was liberally educated, and received the first honour in 
the class of which he was a member, at the College of Princeton, 
where he graduated. 

" Returning to Georgia, he entered upon the study of law, and 
having been admitted to the bar, soon rose to the highest eminence 
in his profession. He was particularly distinguished as an advocate, 
and especially in criminal cases. 

" Mr. Clay was a leading member of the Convention which formed 
the present Constitution of Georgia. The original draft was care- 
fully prepared by him in his retirement, but the Convention met in 
times of high party excitement, arising from the then recent contro- 
versy about the sale of our western lands, commonly denominated the 
Yazoo lands, and the plan of government submitted by Mr. Clay re- 
ceived various modifications which diminished its value. 

" Mr. Clay was called from his retirement (m what precise year I 
do not recollect) to fill the office of District Judge of the United 
States for the district of Georgia, and presided in that court for seve- 
ral years, with distinguished ability and with universal approbation. 
But he was destined, in the providence of God, to a higher sphere of 
action. Mr. Clay had always been a moral man. His disposition 
was peculiarly amiable, and he was distinguished by a warm and ac- 
tive benevolence. These, combined with his social qualities, made 
him an object of universal affection and respect in the community in 
which he lived. If any one of that community had been recpaested 
to point to a man of blameless conduct, he would have been desig- 
nated. He alone did not concur in this judgment. While he was 
yet actively engaged in his judicial duties, the subject of religion 
presented itself to his mind and engrossed his thoughts." 

He became a member of the Baptist Church in 1802, and imme- 
diately entered upon the ministry. He died in 1811. 



3ii i s r b 1 1 n n r n n js . 

On 20th August, 1852. died in this county, Bess, an aged negro woman, whose 
history in some respects is remarkable. On the death of her then late mistress 
— the widow of a Revolutionary officer in South Carolina — her younger son was 
left under the care of a rapacious executor, who took little or no care of him, 
and squandered the greater part of his property. While this lad was living on 
the plantation, not very far from Charleston, Bess, who had been freed by her 
mistress for her faithful conduct, grieved at the treatment which her young mas- 
ter was receiving, went to the plantation, took the orphan, then a very little fel- 
low, carried him into Charleston, and there supported him by her own labour and 



BULLOCH COUNTY. 279 

that of her husband, who was a fisherman for Charleston market. She after- 
wards came with him to Georgia, to see him educated, took care of him while at 
school, and on his marriage continued to live as a domestic in the family, making 
herself useful in several departments of voluntary service. For some time pre- 
vious to her death, she was very infirm, and at her decease must have been con- 
siderably over one hundred years old. She was often heard to speak of the risk 

she ran in entering Charleston at night. 

i 

Relics of the Aborigines. — From the number of mounds or burial-places 
on the banks of the Ogeechee, that river would appear to have been a favourite 
one with the natives. About fifteen miles from its embouchure, a part of the land 
projects several miles out, called the "Seven Mile Point," from the number of 
miles in its circumference — across this point the extent is not more than the sixth 
of a mile: and each side of it is swept by the bold and rapid river. The tumuli 
abound more especially here ; and there are found in them, besides a great num- 
ber of human bones, the urns in which the ashes and bones of the dead are con- 
tained. Some of these urns are carved with a degree of skill and beauty, and 
contain, also, the ornaments in use with the natives, among which I have found 
pearls, perforated to be strung, and on one occasion an ornament which, from its 
size and texture, must have been made from the tooth of an elephant or hippo- 
potamus; a proof (as neither these animals nor their relics are found with us) 
that the earliest inhabitants of this continent had commercial relations; and a 
concurring proof, with the remains of regular fortifications, and other works of 
art which are found everywhere in our country, that there was a people who had 
attained a higher degree of excellence in the arts of civilized life, than those who 
\vere its inhabitants when Columbus discovered it. 

The bones found in the tumuli mentioned are in a petrified state, to which may 
be attributed their preservation; and it may also be remarked, that their processes 
and spines for the insertion of muscles are bolder and more prominent than those 
we find at present; their muscular force must have been proportionately greater. 
A very old burial-place of the earliest white settlers adjoins the Indian one, and 
also a more recent one of the negroes, a striking amalgamation in the death of 
those races, who in each are so widely separated by customs, and physical and 
moral peculiarities. — Savannah Republican. 



BULLOCH COUNTY. 

This division of the State was laid out in 1796, and named after 
Archibald Bulloch, Governor of Georgia ; length 40 miles, breadth 
30 miles; area, square miles, 1,200. 

The face of the country is level. The soil, except on the water- 
courses, is poor. 

The climate is healthy and pleasant. The general appearance of 
ihe inhabitants speaks favourably in this respect. There are few 



280 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

diseases ; and we know of no section of Georgia in which there are 
more chances for health than among the pine forests of Bulloch 
County. 

The cases of longevity which have come to our knowledge are, 
Mrs. Driggers and Mrs. Cannon, both of whom were said to have 
been 104 years at their death ; Mrs. Everitt, 106. Mr. Rimes died 
at 92; William Kirby, 90 ; Joseph Hodges, 80. Three years ago 
there were living Mrs. Shepherd, 106 ; Mr. Donaldson, 82 ; Nathan 
Brewton, 90 ; Mr. Kicklighter, 80 ; Mrs. Polly Williams, 90 ; 
Mrs. Hagan, 80. 

The rivers are the Ogeechee and Cannouchee. Near the Ogeechee 
is a lake ten miles long. 

Statesborough is the county site ; distant from Milledgeville, 120 
miles. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, William and 
Benjamin Cook, Barnard Michael, John and Jehu Everitt, 
Andrew E. Wells, George Threadcraft, Charles McCall, 
Alexander Stewart, M. Burkhalter, A. McKenzie, Daniel and 
Arthur Lot, Wm. Mezell, Lewis Lanier, Clement Lanier, 
Daniel Hendrix, N. Sweat, Mr. Oliff, Mr. Shorter, John 
Groover, Wm. RowE,the families of the Hodges, Cones, Hagans, &c. 

Extract from the Census of 1850 : — Dwellings, 477 ; families, 487; 
white males, 1,435; white females, 1,405. Total free persons, 
2,840; slaves, 1,460; deaths, 28; farms, 412; manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 3 ; value of personal estate, $379,205 ; value of real estate, 

$885,200. 



The Clerk of the Superior Court of Bulloch County has politely 
favoured us with the following extracts from the minutes of the first 
Court held in this county : — 

" At a Superior Court, began and held at the house of Stephen Mills, in and 
for the County of Bulloch, on Tuesday, the 16th day of May, 1797. the Hon. 
William Stephens, Esq., one of the Judges of the Superior Court of the State of 
Georgia, presiding. The Court opened in due form, and proceeded to the or- 
ganization of the same hy calling the Grand and Petit Jurors, when the following 
appeared as Grand Jurors : — 

"John M. Buckhalter, W illiam Cone, James Jackson, John Fletcher. Samuel 
Peacock, James Webb, Jacob Hoofman, George McCall, A. Hagan, Isaac 
Carter, John Rawles, M. Pridgeon, M. Carter, James Bird, M. Driggers, Francis 
Wells, R. Abritton, Jehu Everitt, N. Sweat. The Grand Jury presented William 
Cone as their Foreman, who, with the rest of the Jurors, were duly sworn, and 
a charge delivered to them by the Judge. The following gentlemen of the Bar 



BULLOCH COUNTY. 281 

attended and took their seats at the table: — D. B. Mitchell, Esq., Attorney- 
General of the State; Jeremiah Cuyler, and William B. Bulloch, Esqrs., Attor- 
neys at Law. 

"Daniel McGirth. — During the Revolutionary War, the section of the State 
now known as Bulloch County was a favourite resort of Colonel Daniel McGirth. 
He was a native of Kershaw District, South Carolina. From his early attach- 
ments and associates, he joined cordially in opposition to the claims of the British 
Government. Being a practised hunter, and an excellent rider, he was well ac- 
quainted with the woods in that extensive range of country. He was highly 
valuable to the Americans for the facility with which he acquired infoftnation 
of the enemy, and for the accuracy and minuteness with which he communi- 
cated what he had obtained. He had brought with him into the service a 
favourite mare, his own property, an elegant animal, on which he felt safe from 
pursuit when engaged in the duties of a scout. He called the mare the Gray 
Goose. This animal was coveted by one of the American officers at St. Ilia, in 
Georgia, who adopted various means to obtain possession of her, all of which 
were opposed by McGirth, chiefly on the ground that she was essentially neces- 
sary to the American interest in the duties performed by him, and without her 
he could no longer engage in them. The officer continuing urgent, McGirth 
said or did something to get rid of him, which he might have only intended as a 
personal rebuff, but probably was much more. He was arrested, tried by a 
court-martial, found guilty of violating the articles of war, and sentenced to be 
whipped. He suffered this punishment, and was again placed in prison, waiting 
to receive another whipping, according to his sentence. Whilst thus situated, he 
saw his favourite mare, observed where she was picketed, and immediately 
began to concert measures for his escape and the re-possession of his mare. He 
succeeded in both, and when seated on her back, he turned deliberately round, 
notwithstanding the alarm at his escape, and denounced vengeance against all 
the Americans for his ill treatment. He executed his threats most fully, most 
fearfully, most vindictively. Indulging this savage, vindictive temper, was in- 
deed productive of great injury to the American cause, and of much public and 
private suffering, but it was also the cause of his own ruin and misery. When 
the State was again recovered by the American army, he still kept in the woods, 
retreated into Georgia, and thence into Florida. When Florida was reconveyed 
to the Spaniards by the treaty of peace, he became subject to their laws, and on 
account of suspicious conduct was arresled and confined by them five years in 
one of their damp dungeons in the Castle of St. Augustine, where his health was 
totally destroyed. When discharged from St. Augustine, he, with much diffi- 
culty, returned to his wife in Sumter District, S. C, where he ended his life."* 

* Johnson's Traditions and Reminiscences of the American Revolution in South 
Carolina. 



282 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



BURKE COUNTY. 

This county was laid out as St. George's Parish in 1758, and the 
name changed to Burke, in honour of Edmund Burke, the great 
champion of American liberty, in 1777. In 1793, a part was added 
to Screven ; and in 1798, a part to Jefferson. Length, 32<j miles ; 
breadth, 32 miles. Area, square miles, 1,040. 

The Savannah separates this county from South Carolina, and the 
Ogeeehee from Emanuel. Briar Creek flows through its whole length, 
and is celebrated for the rich lands upon its borders. 

The soil is generally very productive, peculiarly adapted to cotton, 
corn, &c. 

Extract from the Census o/1850: — 1,017 dwellings, 1,017 families, 
2,757 white males, 2,359 white females ; 80 free coloured males, 72 
free coloured females. Total free population, 5,268. Slaves, 10,832. 
Deaths, 326. Farms, 712. Manufacturing establishments, 41. 

Wavnesborough is the seat of justice. It is 80 miles-east of Mil- 
ledgeville. Incorporated in 1812. 

Alexander is a village of recent date, on the road from Waynes- 
borough to Savannah. 

Burke Jail is noted for a battle which took place in 1779, between 
the British, commanded by Colonels Brown and McGirth, and the Ame- 
ricans, under the command of Colonels Twiggs and Few, in which 
the latter were victorious. In this engagement, Captain Joshua In- 
man, of the Americans, killed three of the enemy with his own hand. 



3Bimlla«uit8 

A nousE of worship now owned by the Methodists, called the Old Church, is 
six miles southeast of Waynesborough, on the old Quaker road leading to Savan- 
nah. It was formerly an Episcopal Church, and had a glebe of forty-seven acres. 

In 1770 and 1772, Rev. Alexander Findlay was rector of this Church. 

In 1773, Mr. Findlay, rinding the church and parsonage not finished, left. St. 
George's, and went to North Carolina. 

In 1 774, Rev. Mr. Seymour and Rev. John Holmes had charge of St. George's 
Church. 

In 1776, 1777, 1778, Rev. Mr. Holmes, rector. 

In 1780, Rev. Mr. James Brown, rector.* 

It is said that, after the location of Waynesborough for the county site, the 
Justices of the Inferior Court passed an order that the Old Church building should 
be torn down, removed to Waynesborough, and converted into a court-house; 
and that this would have been done, but for a lawyer by the name of Allen, 
who said that the passage of Scripture would be fulfilled, which says — " My 
house shall be called an House of Prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." 

* From the Minutes of the Society for the Propagation of Religion in Foreign Parts. 



BURKE COUNTY. 



283 



REVOLUTIONARY PAPER CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY OF BURKE COUNTY. 

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1774. 
We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the Parish of St. George, in the Province 
of Georgia, do hereby publicly declare that we entirely disagree to the paper 
containing certain resolutions which were drawn up in the city of Savannah, by 
some persons met there on the 10th of August, 1774; because, although many of 
us gave our votes that Mr. Jones and Mr. Lord should go to the said meeting, 
yet it was because we were told that unless we did send some persons there, we 
would have the Stamp Act put in force. By these and such like arguments, we 
were prevailed upon to do what we did; but as we find we were deceived, and 
that the said meeting was intended to draw up a paper that we think reflects 
very improperly upon our King and the Parliament, and may be of bad conse- 
quence to this Province, and can serve no good purpose, we therefore declare 
that we do not approve of the said paper: and we give our dissent in this public 
manner. 



Signed, George Wells, 
Peter Shand, 
James Dayle, 
Shadrach Barrow, 
Daniel Thomas, 
Gideon Thomas, 
John Thomas, 
Robert Henderson, 
Francis Lewis Feyer, 
John Red, 
James Warren, 
James Williams, 
Samuel Red, 
Alexander Berryhill, 
Edmund Hill, 
Charles Williams, 
Thomas Pennington, 
John Rogers, 
John Anderson, 
John Catlett, 
David Greene, 
John Pettycrew, 
William Callett, 
John Ratten, 
John Frier, 
— James Davis, 

William Milner, 
Elijah Dix, 
Samuel Berryhill, 
Thomas Red, 
John Bledsoe, 



James Rae, 
Joseph Gresham, 
William Dayle, 
Joseph Tilley, 
Job Thomas, 
Drury Roberts, 
Joel Walker, 
James Red. 
William M. Norell, 
John Kennedy, 
Francis Stringer, 
Paul McCormick, 
Humphrey Williams, 
John Greenway, 
Robert Blaishard, 
Hugh Irwin, 
Thomas Carter, 
James Brantley, 
William Whet hers, 
William Moore, 
William Godbe, 
Richard Curton, 
William Curton, 
Philip Helveston, 
Elias Daniel, 
Ephraim Odom, 
Benjamin Brantley, 
Thomas Grey, 
Jeremiah Brantley, 
John Greene, 
John Burnsides, 



284 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Starling Jordan, 
Patrick Dickey, 
Zechariah Wimberly, 
Stephen Lamb, 
Benjamin Warren, 
Solomon Davis, 
John Gray, 
Francis Hancock, 
Pleasant Goodall, 
Wade Kitts, 
Daniel Logan, 
Myrick Davis, 
John Roberts, 
Robert Douglass, Sen., 
Jesse Scruggs, 
Henry Mills, 
Joseph Moore, 
Amos Whitehead, 
John Robinson, 
e/ekiel brumfield, 
Jacob Sharpe, 
Clement Yarborough, 
James Hunt, 
Barnaby Lamb, 
Seth Slockumb, 
Lewis Hobbs, 



John Forth, 
Nathan Williams, 
Edward Watters, 
John Stephens, 
Frederick Francis, 
Moses Davis, 
A rthur Walker, 
Amos Davis, 
Jacob Lamb, 
Allen Brown, 
Joseph Allday, 
James Douglis, 
Landman Ashbury, 
Charles Golightly, 
John Howell, 
Bud Cade, 
James Moore, 
John Whitehead, 
John Sharpe, 
Thomas Odom, 
William Hobbs. 
John Thomas, Sen., 
William Young, 
John Tillman, 
Caleb Whitehead. 
Robert Cade. 



Among some papers loaned us by the late Major Twiggs, we found 
the following, the insertion of which we believe will be interesting to 
our friends in Burke : — 

A Return of the First Battalion of Burke County Militia, agreeable to order, with 
its present situation and rank, with the number of effective men in each Company, 
and the number of arms, shot-bags, and powder-horns, for the year 1792. 



No. of 
Men. 



Captains. 1st Lieut. 2d Lieut, 

Samuel White Hopkin Dye John McGomery 44 

Willis Watson Lark Robinson. .Martin Martin 68 

Dill Sapp Wills Davies . . .Henry Bryant 48 

Daniel Evans Wm. Martin . . . .Basil Gray 38 

Chas. Kilbee Lemuel Lasiter. . John Tredwell 48 

John Buford Nich. Stregles. ..John McCarroll 92 

Wm. Edwards John Roberts John Wright 55 

Wm. Coursey Wm. Parrimore . . John Salter 34 20 20 

Laban Thompson . Elihu Thompson . Wm. Dunn 37 15 15 

Benj. Matthews. . .John Fryar Mich'l McCormick..82 41 41 

Noah Williams . . . James Rawles . . .Aaron Justice 43 21 21 

Tho. Lewis. 



No. of 
Arms. 

..23., 

..50., 

..30. 

..20., 

..27*., 

..68. 

..15. 



Shot-Bags, 
<fec. 



BUTTS COUNTY. 285 



BUTTS COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Monroe and Henry in 1825. 
Length, 17 m. ; 13 m. in breadth ; area square miles, 221. Named 
after Captain Samuel Butts, who lost his life in the battle of Cha- 
libbee, on the 27th of January, 1814. 

The Ocmulgee flows along the eastern borders of this county. 
The small streams are Tussahaw, Yellow Water, Sandy Creek, 
&c. 

The face of the country is level. The gray lands prevail, and are 
admirably suited for cotton. 

Jackson is the county site, 55 m. N. W. of Milledgeville. 
Dublin is eight miles from Jackson. 
Lofton's Store, 7 m. from Jackson. 

The Indian Springs are "situated upon the waters of Sandy Creek. 
They have a high reputation, and are much resorted to. 

Extract from the Census, 1850: — Dwellings, 642; families, 642 
white males, 1,888; white females, 1,792; free coloured males, 2 
free coloured females, 1 ; total free population, 3,683 ; slaves, 2,805 , 
deaths, 55 ; farms, 391 ; manufacturing establishments, 14 ; value of 
real estate, $717,112; value of personal estate, $1,588,752. 

The climate is salubrious. Among the instances of longevity are, 
Mrs. McMichael, who died at 100 ; Mr. Butril, over 80 ; E. Price, 
a Revolutionary soldier, 79; Robert Grier, 80; Wm. Foster, 105. 

Early settlers, — A. McClendon, Jesse Dolly, Samuel Clarke, 
Thos. Robinson, Col. Z.Phillips, John Terrell, Howell Andrews, 
Thos. Buford, A. Woodward, Wm. Barclay, James Harkness, Ab- 

ner Bankston, John McMichael, McCord, and others, mostly 

from South Carolina, and the upper counties of Georgia. 

Planters' Factory is situated at the seven islands on the Ocmulgee 
River. Capital, $50,000. Water power said to be unsurpassed by 
any in Georgia. 



In 1826, Ludwell Watts was convicted of murder in this county, and was 
sentenced to death, but was twice respited by the Governor, to afford the Le- 
gislature an opportunity of considering his case. A bill for his pardon was 
passed in the House, but rejected by the Senate. The last respite extended to 
Friday, 14th December, 1826, on which day the Sheriff went to the jail to carry 



286 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the prisoner to execution, but he having procured arras, defied the officer, threat- 
ened to kill him if he entered the jail, and it was not until three or four days 
afterwards that Watts gave up and was hung. 

On Major Ward's plantation there are three mounds, with embankments, run- 
ning to the River Ocmulgee. These mounds were excavated a few years ago ; 
and a variety of Indian implements found. 



CAMDEN COUNTY. 

This county was formerly embraced in the Parishes of St. Tho- 
mas and St. Mary's ; but in 1777 these were formed into the County 
of Camden, and named after the Earl of Camden, the fearless cham- 
pion of Colonial rights. Part taken from Wayne, 1805 ; part added 
to Wayne, 1808. 

The streams of most importance are, the St. Mary's, (Thlathlo- 
thlaguphka,) Indian name, signifying rotten fish, St. Ilia, and Little 
St. Ilia. 

Jeffersonton, the seat of justice, is situated on the south side of 
St. Ilia River. It is 25 miles from St. Mary's, 28 from Brunswick, 
and 50 from Darien. 
from Darien. 

St. Mary's is beautifully situated on the north side of the St. Mary's 
River, nine miles from, and in sight of the ocean. It has a fine har 
hour, being accessible to the largest vessels. 

Centreville is a place of considerable business. 

Coleraine is 45 miles above St. Mary's. 

Burnt Fort is on the St. Ilia. 

Extract from the Census of 1850 : — Dwellings, 400 ; families, 400 . 
white males, 1,028; white females, 1,041 ; free coloured males, 3; 
free coloured females, 1 . Total free population, 2,073 ; slaves, 4,246 ; 
deaths, 61 ; farms, 235 ; manufacturing establishments, 5 ; value of 
real estate, $694,712 ; value of personal estate, $1,843,466. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Henry Osborne, 
Talmage Hall, James Armstrong, Jacob Weed, Henry Wright, 
John Flemming, James Woodland, Thomas Stafford, Langley 
Bryant, Wm. Reddy, Hugh Brown, John King. 

Cumberland is the most important of the islands. The Indian 
name of Cumberland Island was Missoe. The name was changed, 
when Oglethorpe visited it, at the request of an Indian chief who had 
received some kindness from the Duke of Cumberland, to that of 
Cumberland. 



CAMDEN COUNTS. 287 

General Lee, a Revolutionary officer, and author of the " Memoirs 
of the War in the Southern Department of the United States," died 
on this island. In the Savmnah Republican of 18 — , a writer says : 

" I yesterday witnessed the interment of another of those patriots that our 
country, ' in Congress assembled/ so frequently speak of, but, so little assist. I 
have seen the body of General Lee receive all the honours that could be given 
by feeling hearts, from those, who will be forgotten by their country, when no 
longer serviceable, until it, is too late to benefit them, either by pecuniary re- 
wards or a just acknowledgment of their merits. He was buried from Dunge- 
ness house, the property of one of our Revolutionary heroes, General Greene. 
Whether to meet, in fancy, his old companion in arms, in the house that he had 
inhabited, or to call back scenes of better times, led him here, I did not inquire ; 
but heard that he came an invalid — that Mr. Shaw and family strove all in their 
power to keep the lamp of life burning, and although the oil was expended, they 
still blew the gentle breath of affection and attention, to preserve the wick alive. 
Commodore Henley superintended the last sad duties. Captains Elton, Finch, Madi- 
son, Lieutenants Fitzhugh and Richie, of the navy, and Mr. Lyman, of the army, 
were pall-bearers. As the procession moved, the swords of the two first crossed 
the old man's breast — they were in their scabbards: for his heart beat no more, 
and I thought they said, 'rest in peace.' The other officers of the navy, and 
Captain Payne of the army, followed. The marines of the U. S. ship John 
Adams and brig Saranac formed the guard, and a band from our army assisted. 
A Mr. Taylor performed the last ceremonial duties. The sight of a long train of 
6ailors, cleanly dressed, their respectful deportment, and rough but independent 
looks, interested my feelings ; and leaning against a fine live oak, I was imme- 
diately absorbed in contemplation. I pointed to the procession • they were march- 
ing over the field where once a fine orange orchard flourished. An invader of our 
country had destroyed it. Admiral Cockburn had been there, ' the last of his name, 5 
and a far greater scourge to mankind than the locusts of Africa. Involuntarily I 
turned to embrace the venerable but sturdy monarch that supported me; for it 
promised such things never should be again. A volley of musketry over the 
grave of General Lee aroused me, and with folded arms I retraced my steps, 
while the howling of the minute-guns from the John Adams echoed through the 
woods.'"' 

On the north end of the island, or rather on Little Cumberland, is 
a light-house sixty feet high, with a revolving light, which can be seen 
at sea twenty miles. Dungeness, formerly General Greene's pro- 
perty, is on this island. 

On the 11th of January, 1815, the British effected a landing on 
Cumberland Island, in two divisions, with nineteen barges, assisted 
by two look-out boats, and flanked by two gun barges. At first they 
showed a disposition towards the bay ; but ascertaining that the 
Americans were prepared to receive them, they changed their course, 
and took the Plum Orchard passage, keeping Cumberland close 



288 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ahead. The first division effected its landing at Dungeness ; the se 
cond at the Plum Orchard. On the morning of the 13th January, 
1815, the enemy, with fifteen hundred men, moved against Point 
Petre. Captain A. A. Messias received information of the approach, 
and, aware of his intentions to place himself in his rear while he was 
advancing in considerable force in front, to attack the battery on the 
St. Mary's, with a view to cut off Messias' retreat, he ordered Cap- 
tain Stallings to remain at the Point, with about thirty-six effectives, 
with orders to defend it as long as possible, and if he should be over- 
powered to spike the guns, fire the train at the magazine, and retreat 
to him with the remainder, about sixty riflemen and infantry. Mes- 
sias' detachment moved against the enemy in the rear, determined to 
oppose his passage at a narrow defile near Major King's, at which they 
came about nine o'clock. This defile was flanked by a marsh on each 
side, and had a complete cover for riflemen on the right and left, 
across which the day before Messias had caused some large trees to 
be fallen. It was the intention of Messias to gain the cross-roads 
near Major King's ; but finding himself stopped, Lieutenant Holt, of the 
43d infantry, was ordered, with a detachment of riflemen, to advance 
on the enemy's left, and Lieutenant Harllee, with another detach- 
ment, to pass the thicket, and endeavour to gain his rear, which order 
was promptly obeyed. Captain Tattnall, of the 43d infantry, was or- 
dered at the same time to advance in close column and pass the de- 
file. At this moment the enemy's bugle sounded, and a brisk fire 
commenced on both sides. The Americans had already passed some 
distance, and the enemy had given away twice, when Captain Tatt- 
nall received a severe wound which obliged him to fall back, and the 
number of the enemy appearing too imposing, a thousand to sixty, a 
retreat was ordered, which was effected in good order, without the 
loss of a man. In this battle, Captain Tattnall, Sergeant Benson, 
and Private Greene, are mentioned as having acted bravely. All did 
their duty. 

One among the most remarkable feats ever recorded in the 
annals of w r ar took place on the St. Mary's River in the year 
1815. Twenty-three barges, filled with British soldiers, ascended 
St. Mary's River for the purpose of burning Major Clarke's mills, as 
a retaliation for breaking his parole. The St. Mary's is a very 
crooked river, from sixty to one hundred yards wide. The enemy 
intended to land at a place called Camp Pinckney, and march to 
Clarke's mills, which were situated on Spanish Creek, three miles 'dis- 
tant from St. Mary's River. Whilst the barges were ascending, they 
were attacked by a party of twenty-eight men under the command 
of Captain William Cone. As soon as they were attacked they fired 
their cannon ; but the palmetto on both sides of the river served as 
a screen for Cone's men, so that the shot from the enemy proved 
harmless. In this manner the barges were harassed for several 
miles, Cone's men taking advantage of every turn of the river to 
fire upon them, and every shot brought down a man. Finding them- 

* Now Judge W. W. Holt 



CAMDEN COUNTY. 289 

selves exposed to so deadly a fire, the barges retraced their course 
towards St. Mary's. Upon their arrival at the latter place, they re- 
ported one hundred and eighty men killed, and as many wounded. 

The following is taken from a newspaper of the day : — 

"February 26, 1817. — On the 24th of this month, the house of Mr. 
Garrett, residing in the upper part of this county, was attacked during 
his absence, near the middle of the day, by a party of Indians con- 
sisting of about fifteen, who shot Mrs. Garrett in two places, and 
then dispatched her by stabbing and scalping. Her two children, 
one about three years old, the other two months old, were also 
murdered. They then plundered the house of every article, and 
set it on fire. A young man in the neighbourhood hearing the re- 
ports of the guns, went immediately towards the house, where he 
discovered the murdered family." 

To Major Joel Crawford, of Early County, we are indebted for the 
following interesting sketch of General John Floyd, who lived and 
died in Camden County : — 

The father of this distinguished man was Mr. Charles Floyd, a 
native of Virginia, who came to Beaufort District, in South Car- 
olina. Here his son John was born, on the 3d of October, 1769. 
The devotion of Charles Floyd to the cause of American liberty 
was remarkable. During the Revolution, he was in the habit 
of wearing a silver crescent, about two inches long, with the 
motto "Liberty or Death" engraved on it. Few patriots of '76 
were doomed to greater sufferings. Besides a long imprisonment, 
his estate was ruined by the devastations and plunder of the British 
soldiery, and their infamous allies, the Tories. After the close of the 
war, the broken fortunes of the family demonstrated to the son the 
necessity of providing for his own wants; and at the age of sixteen, 
he, with the approbation of his father, apprenticed himself to a house- 
carpenter for the term of five years. Having served four, his master, 
as a compliment to his fidelity, offered to release the services of the 
fifth year ; but the apprentice gave proof of that conscientious esti- 
mate of moral obligation and high-toned self-denial, which shone so 
conspicuously through the subsequent scenes of his life. When a 
boy, he had promised the service of five years, and nothing short of 
a plenary fulfilment could satisfy the requirements of his own buoy- 
ant and honest heart. About the year 1791 or 1792, both father and 
son removed to Georgia, and established themselves near the mouth 
of St. Ilia River, in the County of Camden. The great demand at 
that time for water craft adapted to the navigation of the numerous 
sounds, creeks, and rivers of the country, determined him to com- 
mence the business of boat-wright. Having procured at Charleston 
drawings and models of the most approved keels in that harbour, 
he hired the requisite number of timber cutters, and without delay 
entered upon his new business. By nature he was endowed with 
great aptitude for mechanics, and, by the habits of his life, for 

19 



290 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

great activity in business. With these qualifications, he soon raised 
himself from a state of comparative poverty, to one of opulence ; 
and long after he had acquired an independent estate, he still retained 
his chest of fine tools, and occasionally applied his own hands " to the 
labours of a boat-wright, as well as to house-building." 

He was frequently a representative from the County of Camden 
in the General Assembly of the State ; and in 1826 was elected one 
of the representatives of Georgia in the Congress of the United 
States. Anterior, however, to his election to Congress, he received 
the commission of Brigadier-General in the militia service of 
Georgia, and on the occurrence of a vacancy, he was advanced to 
the grade of Major-General of the First Division. 

Though not averse to politics, his predilections were decidedly 
military, and considering the defects of his early education, his at- 
tainments in the history and art of war were quite remarkable. 

The act of Congress passed in June, 1812, declaring war between 
the United States and Great Britain, opened a theatre for the display 
of Floyd's military talents, although, as the British did not attempt 
an invasion of the State, his action was confined to a limited sphere. 

In September, 1813, the Federal Government called for a levy of 
Georgia troops, and 3,600 men were ordered to rendezvous at Camp 
Hope, near Fort-Hawkins, on the Ocmulgee River. This force con- 
sisted of one company of artillery, one squadron of dragoons, one bat- 
talion of riflemen, and two regiments of infantry, a majority of whom 
were volunteers, and considered at the time the flower of the State 
Militia. 

General Stewart, of Oglethorpe County, being the oldest Brigadier, 
was ordered to the command of these troops, but from age, infirmity, or 
some other cause, he resigned his commission, leaving Floyd the senior 
officer of that grade in the State. Though unapprised of General 
Stewart's resignation, and of course unprepared for the Executive 
order which conferred upon him the command, he accepted it, and 
promptly repaired to the place of encampment of the army, and with- 
out subsistence and the means of transporting military stores. Ener 
gy and dispatch in all things were characteristic of General Floyd, 
and on assuming the command, he proceeded to make immediate ar- 
rangements for taking the field. Unfortunately, it was not in his 
power to control the Commissariat of the army — it could not march. 
Either the perfidy of the contractors, or what they alleged in case 
of themselves, the default of the Federal Government, in supplying 
promised funds, prevented the army from moving into the country of 
the Creek Indians, then the allies of England, before the middle or 
latter part of November. Even then the march of the army would 
have been impracticable, had not the General succeeded in an 
application to the Legislature, then in session, for a loan out of the 
State Treasury. Tins loan was placed in the hands of Captain 
Samuel Butts, a special commissioner, who, under the orders of the 
General, procured a temporary supply of provisions and transportation. 

Though the troops could anticipate but little glory in contend- 



CAMDEN COUNTY. 291 

ing- with an undisciplined foe, they marched with alacrity, and bore 
with patience the heavy labours of constructing a line of forts and 
block-houses, extending fooni the Ocmulgee to the waters of the 
Alabama River. 

They missed no opportunity of encountering the enemy, but by 
reason of the great distances which were to be traversed before the 
hostile towns could be reached, and the unfortunate, if not culpable, 
delinquency of the Federal Government, in failing to supply provisions 
and transportation, it was not in the power of General Floyd to meet 
the Indians in any considerable force, but at two places. Having 
completed a work on the right bank of the Chattahoochee, called 
Fort Mitchell, he put himself at the head of a detachment of nine 
hundred troops, and hastened to the attack of Autossee, one of the 
most populous towns of the Creek Nation. 

It was situated on the left bank of the Tallapoosa River, and in 
the immediate vicinity of a considerable towm called Tallasee. On 
this expedition, every man, for the want of other conveyance, carried 
his rations in his own knapsack ; and after a rapid march over a distance 
of sixty miles, at daybreak a successful and simultaneous attack was 
made on both towns. The action lasted more than an hour, when the 
Indians fled from the field, and the towns were burnt to ashes. This 
victory over a superior force, however, was not achieved without serious 
loss to the detachment as well as to the enemy. The General received 
a dangerous wound, from the effects of which it is believed he never 
entirely recovered. 

Soon after the battle of Autossee, as General Floyd found himself 
able to ride on horseback, he determined to make another inroad ; and 
having received information that certain bands of savages, known as 
the Upper Creeks, had collected in great force, and fortified Hothle- 
waulee, a town on the same river, he determined to attack it, and 
for that purpose detached from the army a force of 1,500, rank and 
file. The march of these troops was badly obstructed by continued 
falls of rain, and the want of bridges and roads. 

When the detachment had advanced to a point within fifteen or 
twenty miles of the town, it w r as attacked about an hour and a half 
before daybreak, and by such a superiority of numbers, as to render 
the issue at first doubtful. 

Everything, except the firmness and discipline of the detachment, 
was in favour of the enemy. The darkness of the hour, the covert 
afforded the Indians by a thick forest of pines, with which the camp 
was surrounded, the total want of breastworks or other defences, the 
surprise which the first yell of the savages occasioned, and the esti- 
mated numerical superiority of the enemy's force, were well calculated 
to put the courage of the militia to a severe test ; but they had been in 
service six months, had become hardened to the privations and hard- 
ships of camp life, had met the enemy before, and now they encoun- 
tered him w T ith the coolest intrepidity. 

Not a platoon faltered, but every one brought into action kept up a 
brisk fire, until the dawn of dav enabled General Floyd "o order a 



292 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

charge. In less than fifteen minutes, every hostile Indian but the 
dead and dying had fled from the battle-field. 

In this action, known in the official report as the battle of Chalibbee, 
the detachment sustained severe losses in both killed and wounded . 
Among the former was that gallant soldier and true patriot, Captam 
Samuel Butts. The loss of the enemy was, doubtless, greater ; but 
as it is the known custom of the Indians to carry off their wounded in 
time of battle, and as many of the killed as practicable, their actual 
k)ss was never ascertained. 

Within a few days after the battle of Chalibbee, the term for which 
this army had been called into service expired, and the several corps, 
after due inspection, received an honourable discharge. But the war 
continuing, „ new levies were made, and another brigade was placed 
under command of General Floyd, for the purpose of repelling an ap- 
prehended assault on Savannah. This, however, turned out to be a 
bloodless campaign. The British troops never appeared in that vicinity 
until the President's proclamation announced the treaty of peace. 

After the close of the war in the spring of 1815, General Floyd 
served several sessions as a member, either of the State Legislature 
or of Congress — everywhere and at all times esteemed and honoured 
as one of the most meritorious citizens of Georgia. Though his public 
and private life exemplified, to a great extent, the circle of social and 
moral virtues, it has been said by those who knew him best, that the 
sturdiest and most effective element of his character was patriotism. 
With him it was a deeply-seated passion — a fixed sentiment, that 
seemed to modify all his estimate of human merit. He died on the 
24th of June, 1834. 
B I 



CAMPBELL COUNTY. 

Laid out from Coweta, Carroll, De Kalb, Fayette, in 1828 ; a 
part taken from Cherokee, 1832. Length, 16 m. ; breadth, 12m.; 
area square miles, 192. 

The Chattahoochee is the principal river. 

The climate is healthy. 

Among the instances of longevity are the following : — Mr. W.Wood 
died at 80 ; Mr. H. Rowan, 80 ; Mr. Winn, 80 ; Mr. McClarty, 
over 80 ; Joseph Howell, 99 ; Mr. Clinton, over 98, served under 
Marion ; Mrs. Clinton, over 90 ; William Humphries, 83 ; James 1 
Endsley, 80 ; Sarah Millar, 80 ; Moses Hartsfield, 80 ; John 
Demone, 83 ; Simeon Wyatt, 90 ; Mrs. Turner, 80. These were 
living twelve months since. 

Campbellton is the county site, situated on a commanding eminence 
upon the Chattahoochee River, distant from Milledgeville 151 miles. 
Sand Town is on the Chattahoochee. 



CAMPBELL COUNTY. 293 

Extract from the Census of 1850 : — Dwellings, 920; families, 920; 
white males, 2,893 ; white females, 2,825 ; free coloured males, 3 ; 
free coloured females, 4. Total free population, 5,725 ; slaves, 1,507. 
Deaths, 62 ; farms, 694 ; manufacturing establishments, 1 8 ; value 
of real estate, $1,700,609 ; value of personal estate, 81,045,104. 

Among the earliest settlers of this section were, George McClarty, 
Wilson McClarty, James Stewart, Colonel Latham, Robert O. 
Beavers, Reuben C. Beavers, W. A. J. Beavers, the Longinos, 
Mr. Davenport, Mr. Roberts, Berry Watts, C. Cochran, Wade 
White, Martin Kolb, Henry Paulett, P. Skeene, E. Pennington, 
the Bullards, the Bryans, William Hightower, J, A. Hopkins, 
Andrew Smith, Wm. Jennings, D. and W. Silvey, M. Thornton. 

Sweet Water Factory. — Situated in Campbell County, about 
18 miles from Marietta, on Sweet Water Creek. Capital, 850,000. 
Water power one of the best in the Southern country. Building of 
brick, five stories high, 48 by 120 ft. ; number of hands employed, 
60. Manufactures yarns only, at the rate of 750 lbs. per day. The 
scenery is very picturesque. About two hundred persons reside within 
one mile of the factory. 



3BimlUttinn«. 

First Grand Jury of the County.— On Monday, the 20th day of April, 1829, 
the Court met, pursuant to a law of the Legislature of Georgia. Present — his 
Honor Walter T. Colquitt. 

The following persons appeared, and were sworn to serve as Grand Jurors for 
and during the present term of this Court : — 

1. Tarlton Sheats, Foreman. 13. James West. 

2. Jeremiah Sampler. 14. Elijah Dorsett. 

3. J. D. Crumpton. 15. John Wise. 

4. Stephen Baggett. 16. James Gresham. 

5. Henry C. Bird. 17. Jacob Hogue. 

6. John Turner. 18. John Dorsett. 

7. Reuben Dawson. 19. Isaac Gray. 

8. Caleb Fields. 20. Daniel Hull. 

9. George Harris, Jr. 21. Shadrach Grun. 
10. Middleton W. Antony. 22. Daniel D. Smith. 

^*~ 11. Thomas Hill. 23. Moses W. Benson. 

12. Jacob Crow. 

N.B. — The Court was held at Campbellton. 

Anawaqua's Tomb. — Opposite the village of Campbellton, on the western 
bank of the Chattahoochee, in a tuft of trees, on one of those mounds so common 
in Georgia, rest the remains of Anawaqua, an Indian Princess, the former pro- 
prietor of the soil. It is situated in a meadow, in a bend of the Chattahoochee, 
and near the foot of a considerable hill. Ancient fortifications are traced all 
around the plain, extending from the river to the hill. 



294 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



CARROLL COUNTY. 



Laid out in 1826; a part set off to Campbell in 1828; and portions 
successively set off to Heard in 1830, 1831, and 1834. Organized 
in 1826; and named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration 
of American Independence. Length, 26 m. ; breadth, 22 m. Area 
square miles, 572. 

Several ridges run through the county. These ridges give origin 
to many springs. The soil is various. Some of the land is gray, 
and a large portion is productive red land. 

The principal streams are the Chattahoochee and Little Tallapoosa. 

Carrollton is the county seat, situated upon the waters of Little 
Tallapoosa, 151 m. from Miliedgeville. Incorporated in 1829. 

Villa Rica is a pleasant village, situated in the centre of the gold 
region, on the ridge dividing the waters of the Tallapoosa and Sweet 
Water Creeks. It was settled in 1830, by persons interested in the 
mining operations. Distance from Carrollton, 16 miles northeast. 

No country enjoys a finer climate. The instances of longevity are, 
Mrs. Warren, over 84 ; William Goggans, who died in this county 
at the age of 94. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and performed 
his duty gallantly. At the battle of King's Mountain, he received a 
severe wound. Some time after, he received two other very severe 
wounds, in engagements with the Tories. In all the relations of life 
he faithfully discharged his duty. He was an exemplary member of 
the Baptist Church. 

The early settlers were, Hinche P. Mabry, W. C. Springer, 
Joseph Chambers, John Robinson, Giles S. Boggess, John Gris- 
wold, Wm. H. Mallery, and others. 

Extracts from the Census of 1 850.— Dwellings, 1,379 ; families, 1,379; 
white males, 4,174; white females, 4,078 ; free coloured males, 2; 
free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 8,256. Slaves, 
1,101. Deaths, 70. Farms, 782. Manufacturing establishments, 16. 
Value of real estate, $1,092,680. Value of personal estate, $831,005. 

Gold has been found in large quantities in this county The Car- 
roll mines were once much celebrated 



CARROLL COUNTY. 295 



% i s r i 1 1 a n t n u s . 

It was in this county that General William Mcintosh was killed 
by the Indians. The circumstances of his death have already been 
detailed. 

The following will be read with interest : — 

Copy of a Letter from Peggy and Susannah McIntosh to Messrs. Camp- 
bell and Meriwether, United States Commissioners. 

Line Creek, Fayette County, May 3. 
Gentlemen — When you see this letter stained with the blood of my husband, 
the last drop of which is now spilt for the friendship he has shown for your 
people, I know you will remember your pledge to us in behalf of your nation, 
that in the worst of events you would assist and protect us ; and when I tell you 
that at daylight on Saturday morning last, hundreds of the Hostiles surrounded 
our house, and instantly murdered General Mcintosh and Tome Tustennuggee 
by shooting near one hundred balls into them, (Chilly and Moody Kenneard 
making their escape through a window ;) they then commenced burning and 
plundering in the most unprincipled way, so that here I am driven from the 
ashes of my smoking dwelling, left with nothing but my poor little naked 
hungry children, who need some immediate aid from our white friends ; and we 
lean upon you while you lean upon your Government. About the same time 
of the morning that they committed the horrid act on the General, another 
party caught Colonel Samuel Hawkins, and kept him tied until about three 
o'clock, when the Chiefs returned from our house and gave orders for his execu- 
tion in the same way, and refused to leave his implements to cover his body up 
with, so that it was left exposed to the fowls of the air and the beasts of the 
forest ; and Jinney and her child are here in the same condition as we are — 
this party consisted principally of Oakfuskies, Talledegas, and Muckfaws : 
though there were others with them. The Chiefs that appeared to head the 
party were Inlockunge, of Muckfaw, Tholocco-cosco-mico, of Arpachoochee, 
Munnauho, but I know not where he was from, who said they were ordered to 
do it by the Little Prince and Hopoiethyoholo ; and that they were supported 
and encouraged in it by the Agent and the Chiefs that were left after the 
Big Warrior's death, in a Council at Broken Arrow, where they decreed that 
they would murder all the Chiefs who had any hand in selling the land, and 
burn and destroy, and take away all they had, and then send on to the Presi- 
dent that he should not have the land. I have not heard of the murder of any 
others, but expect all are dead that could be catched. But by reason of a 
great freshet in the Chattahoochee, they could not get Colonel Miller nor Hogey 
Mcintosh, nor the Darisaws, and they and Chilly are gone to the Governor. 
Our conntry is in a most ruined state, so far as I have heard, (though by reason 
of the high waters word has not circulated fast;) all have fled from their 
homes in our parts and taken refuge among their white friends, and I learn 
there are now at General Ware's (near this place) from one hundred and fifty 



296 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

to two hundred of them, who are afraid to go to their homes to get a grain of 
what little corn they have to eat, much more to try to make any more, and if 
you and your people do not assist us, God help us — we must die either by the 
sword or the famine. This moment General Ware has come in, and will in 
a few minutes start with a few men and a few friendly Indians, to try to get a 
little something for us to eat. I hope so soon as you read this you will lay it 
before the Governor and the President, that they may know our miserable con- 
dition, and afford us relief as soon as possible. I followed them to their camp, 
about one and a half miles, to try to beg of them something to cover the dead 
with, but it was denied me. I tried also to get a house to take my little 
children and some provisions to last us to the white settlements, which was 
given up to me, and then taken back ; and had it not have been for some white 
men who assisted in burying the dead and getting us to the white settlements) 
we should have been worse off than we were, if possible. Before I close, I 
must remark, that the whole of the party, so far as I knew them, were hostiles 
during the late war. 

(Signed) Peggy and Susan McIntosh.* 

To Colonel Campbell and Major Meriwether. 

Fayette County, May 3, '25. 
My Dear Friends — I send you this paper, which wili not tell you a lie ; but 
if it had ten tongues, it could not tell all the truth. On the morning of the 30th 
of April, at break of day, my father's house was surrounded by a party of hos- 
tile Indians, to the number of several hundred, who instantly fired his dwell- 
ing, and murdered him and Thomas Tustennuggee, by shooting more than one 
hundred balls into them, and took away the whole of father's money and pro- 
perty which they could carry off, and destroyed the rest, leaving the family no 
clothes (some not a rag) nor provision. Brother Chilly was at father's, and made 
his escape through a window, under the cover of a travelling white man. who 
obtained leave for them to come out that way. It being not yet light, he was 
not discovered. While those hostiles were murdering my beloved father, they 
were tying my husband (Colonel Samuel Hawkins) with cords, to wait the arri- 
val of Itockchunga, Tholocco-coseo-mico, and Munnawana, who were the com- 
manders at father's, to give orders for the Colonel's execution also, which took 
place about three o'clock the same day. And these barbarous men, not content 
with spilling the blood of both my husband and father, to atone for their con- 
stant friendship to both your nation and our own, refused my hands the painful 
privilege of covering his body up in the very ground which he lately defended 
against those hostile murderers, and drove me from my home, stripped of my 
two best friends in one day, stripped of all my property, my provision, and my 
clothing — with a more painful reflection than all these, that the body of my 
poor murdered husband should remain unburied, to be devoured by the birds 
and the beasts. Was ever poor woman worse off than 11 I have this moment 

* These were General Mcintosh's two wives, the one a Creek, the other a Cherokee 
woman ^hey are both said to have been affectionately attached to their husband, and 
lived on amicable terms with each other. 



CASS COUNTY. 297 

arrived among our white friends, who, although they are very kind, have but 
little to bestow on me and my poor helpless infant, who must suffer before any 
aid can reach us from yours ; but I can live a great while on very little ; beside 
the confidence I have on you and your Government, for I know by your pro- 
mise you will aid and defend us, as soon as you hear from our situation. These 
murderers are the very same hostiles who treated the whites ten years ago as 
they have now treated my husband and father; who say they are determined to 
kill all who had any hand in selling the land, and when they have completed 
the work of murdering, burning, plundering, and destruction, they will send the 
President word that they have saved their land, and taken it back ; and that he 
and the white people never shall have it again ; which is the order of the heads 
of the nation, by the advice of the Agent. We expect that many of our best 
friends are already killed, but have not heard, by reason of the waters being too 
high for word to go quick, which is the only reason. Colonel Miller and others 
on his side of the river were not killed. We are in a dreadful condition, and I 
don't think there will be one ear of corn made in this part of the nation, for the 
whole of the friendly party have fled to De Kalb and Fayette counties, too much 
alarmed to return to their house to get a little grain of what corn they left for 
themselves and their families to subsist on, much more to stay at- home to make 
more, and we fear every day that what little provision we left will be destroyed. 
I am afraid you will think I make it worse, but how can that be ? for it is worse 
of itself than any pen can write. My condition admits of no equal, and mocks 
me when I try to speak of it. After I was stripped of my last frock but one, 
humanity and duty called on me to pull it off and spread it over the body of my 
dead husband, (which was allowed no other covering,) which I did as a farewell 
witness of affection. I was twenty-five miles from any friend but sister 
Catherine who was with me, and had to stay all night in the woods, surrounded 
by a thousand hostile Indians, who were constantly insulting and affrighting us. 
And now I am here with only one old coat to my back, and not a morsel of bread 
to save us from perishing, or a rag of a blanket to cover my poor little boy 
from the sun at noon or the dew at night. I am a poor distracted orphan and 
widow. 

(Signed) Jane Hawkins. 



CASS COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee, 1832. Part taken from Murray, 1834. 
Named after the Hon. Lewis Cass. 

The chief stream is the Etowah. Numerous creeks water the 
country. 

The soil in many places is very productive. Rye, barley, oats, 
cotton, and indeed everything - , does well on this soil. No part of 
Georgia is richer in valuable rocks and minerals. Iron ore, equal to 
any in the world, is abundantly diffused. Fine marble, limestone in 
any quantity, from which lime is made and sent to different parts of 



298 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



the State, elastic sandstone, asbestos, soapstone, plumbago, lead, 
gold, and copper, exist in considerable quantities. 

Cassville is the seat of justice, 150 miles northwest of Milledge- 
ville. In the vicinity are several fine springs. 

Cartersville is on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, surrounded 
by a rich country. Named, after Colonel F. Carter, of Milledgeville. 

Kingston is on the Western and. Atlantic Railroad. This place is 
celebrated for the excellency of the water. Named after J. P. King, 
Esq., of Augusta. 




The above is a view of Spring Bank, the residence of the Rev. 
C. W. Howard, one of the most beautiful seats in Cherokee Georgia. 

Adairsville is on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, twelve miles 
from Cassville. 

Early Settlers. — Colonel Harden, Z. B. Hargrove, John 
Dawson, D. Irvine, T. G. Baron, Robert Patton, L. Tumlin, 
the Johnsons, the Wyleys, Dr. Hamilton, and others. 

Extract from Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,712, families, 1,750 ; 
white males, 5,333 ; white females, 4,938 ; free coloured males, 1 1 ; 
free coloured females, 10. Total free population, 10,292 ; slaves, 3,008 ; 
deaths, 105; farms, 601; manufacturing establishments, 8; value 
of real estate, $1,773,689; value of personal estate, $1,942,121. 



CASS COUNTY. 



299 



There are many fine springs, impregnated with mineral qualities, 
in this county. Among these are the Rowland Springs, purchased in 
1843 by their present owner, John S. Rowland, Esq. The tract of 
land contains 2,100 acres, and is in the midst of the great iron 
region of Cherokee Georgia. When this property was purchased, 
it was a forest, being entirely unimproved. The proprietor has made 
all the improvements. Water is conveyed upon the premises in the 
centre of the square, in front of the main building, watering the 
whole place. The springs are numerous, of pure freestone, chaly- 
beate, and sulphur. The location is high and healthy, surrounded 
by mountains and romantic scenery. 

This place was said to be the favourite resort of the Cherokee 
Indians for health in sickly seasons. 

The Rowland Springs were kept as a watering-place by their 
owner until the year 1850, and were one of the most fashionable 
resorts at the South, being always crowded to excess in the 
summer months, since which time they have been used as a stock- 
farm and summer residence of the proprietor. 




There are several remains of ancient works in this county. Among 
them is a mound on the plantation of Colonel Tumlin, a diagram of 
which is given above. The following description of it first appeared 
in one of the early numbers of SillimarCs Journal : — 

On the north side of the Etowah, vulgarly called the High-tower River, 
is a mound of large dimensions. It stands upon a strip of alluvial land, 
called river bottom. The first object which excited attention was an excavation 
about twenty feet wide, and in some parts ten feet deep. Its course is nearly 



300 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

that of a semicircle, the extremities extending towards the river, which form 
a small elbow. I had not time to examine it minutely. An Indian said it ex- 
tended each way to the river, and had several unexcavated parts, which served 
as passages to the area which it incloses. To my surprise, I found no embank- 
ment on either side of it, but I did not long doubt to what place the earth had 
been removed, for I had scarcely proceeded 200 yards, when, through the thick 
forest trees, the stupendous pile met the eye, whose dimensions were in full pro- 
portion to the intrenchments. I had at the time no means of taking an accu- 
rate admeasurement. To supply my deficiency, I cut a long vine, which was 
preserved, until I had an opportunity of ascertaining its exact length. In this 
manner I found the distance, from the margin of the summit to the base, to be 
111 feet; and, judging from the degree of its declivity, the perpendicular height 
cannot be less than seventy-five feet. The circumference of the base, including 
the feet of three parapets, measured 1,114. One of these parapets extended from 
the base to the summit, and can be ascended, though with difficulty, on horse- 
back. The other two, after rising thirty or forty feet, terminate in a kind of 
triangular platform Its top is level, and at the time I visited it, was com- 
pletely covered with bushes and trees of a most luxuriant growth, so that I could 
not examine it as well as I wished. Its diameter, I judge, must be 150 feet. 
On its side and summit are many large trees of the same description, and of 
the same dimensions as those around it. One beech tree near the top mea- 
sured ten feet and nine inches in circumference. The earth on every side of 
the tree was several feet lower than on the opposite side. This fact will give a 
good idea of the mound's declivity. An oak which was lying down on one 
of the parapets, measured, at the distance of six feet from the butt, without the 
bark, twelve feet four inches in circumference. At a short distance to the south- 
east is another mound, in ascending which I took thirty steps. Its top is en- 
circled by breastworks three feet high, intersected through the middle with 
another elevation of a similar kind. A little further is another mound, which I 
had not time to examine. On these great works of art the Indians gazed with 
as much curiosity as any white man. I inquired of the oldest chiefs if the 
natives had any tradition respecting them, to which they answered in the nega- 
tive. I then requested each to say what he supposed was their origin. Neither 
could tell, although all agreed in saying that they were put there by our 
people. 

Saltpetre Cave. — In this county are many caves. A remarkable one is si- 
tuated about five miles from Cassville. The adjoining country around it is poor, 
rocky, and mountainous. The descent is steep, abrupt, and somewhat difficult, 
for perhaps one hundred and fifty feet, where the bottom becomes perfectly 
smooth and even ; owing, no doubt, to the collection of dirt which has been 
washed down the mouth, and settling there for ages. This smooth and even sur- 
face extends forty by sixty feet. Here the Indians are said to have been in the 
habit of meeting for the purpose of dancing, and to indulge in other customary 
pastimes and festivities. The air is damp, and unpleasantly cold. From the 
mouth to the bottom of the first descent, the aperture becomes larger and larger 
until the bottom is reached. About midway the rocks overhead are so far above 



CASS COUNTY. 301 

as to render the top almost invisible from the light of the torches. Stones thrown 
up can barely reach it. At the bottom of the first room, as it is usually called, 
the rocks close in on all sides, except the entrance, and a few feet through which 
the visitor must pass half bent, if he desires to proceed farther. After going in 
this way for twenty or thirty feet, the opening again becomes suddenly large and 
extensive on all sides, and a steep and rugged ascent has to be encountered for 
eighty or one hundred feet. Here, if it were not that the cave is in the side of a 
mountain, it could not be very far to the surface of the earth above, as it is now 
ascended a distance nearly equal to that which was descended in entering, and 
it is also some distance to the rock overhead. But the visitor is now in the heart 
or centre of the mountain, where no ray of light ever found its entrance, except 
that of the torch or lantern of exploring man. At the top of this ascent a road 
branches off to the right and left. Both are circuitous, and lead into various 
rooms of different sizes and shapes. The one to the right leads by a difficult and 
sometimes dangerous route, to the longest room in the cave. From this there is 
a small and narrow outlet, scarcely of space sufficient to proceed erect, of about 
one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet in length, and leads to another issue, 
though small. There are in this cave some twenty or thirty rooms of different 
sizes and forms, and generally connected with each other by apertures sufficient- 
ly large to admit of easy access ; but in some places, though rarely, the visitor 
must gain his way on his hands and knees. Some visitors, of more enterprise 
and perseverance, have taken in poles, by which to ascend to the rooms over- 
head. The continual drippings of the lime and saltpetre have, in many of the 
rooms, formed beautiful columns and pillars, by concretion. Many of these, 
from the different shapes which they have assumed, are interesting curiosities. 
These pillars are, in a state of nature, almost as white as marble ; but the fre- 
quent visits to the cave, and the visitors using pine for torches, they have become 
smoked black. Several years ago, considerable quantities of saltpetre were manu- 
factured from the dirt dug out of this cave, and the signs are yet visible, but no 
operation of the kind is now going on. 



302 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 

. This county forms the southeast corner of the State. It is a por- 
tion of what was once called Savannah County, for in 1741, by or- 
der of the Trustees, the Colony of Georgia was divided into two 
counties, one of which was called Savannah, embracing all the ter- 
ritory north of Darien. It was laid out in 1758 into St. Philip's and 
Christ Church Parishes, and Christ Church and a part of St. Phil- 
ip's were formed into the County of Chatham, which name was given 
in honour of the celebrated Earl of Chatham. Length, 28 m. ; 
breadth, 15m.; area square miles, 420. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,915; families, 
1,979 ; white males, 4,794 ; white females, 4,367 ; free coloured males, 
296 ; free coloured females, 426 ; total free population, 9,883 ; slaves, 
14,018 ; deaths, 385 ; farms, 132 ; manufacturing establishments, 13 ; 
value of real estate, $4,890,750; value of personal estate, $5,828,388. 

The chief streams are the Savannah, Big and Little Ogeechee. 
The smaller are, St. Augustine, Vernon, Pipemaker, &c. 

The face of the country is flat, interspersed with many swamps. 
The country has a large portion of fertile land. On the Savannah 
River, the bodies of tide swamp lands are extensive, and are culti- 
vated upwards of twenty miles from the brackish marsh up the river, 
and are considered the most valuable lands in the State. Many of the 
rice plantations have a picturesque appearance. The annexed cut ex 
hibits a view of Mr. James Potter's plantation on the Savannah River 

Savannah is the seat of justice, and the largest city in Georgia. 
It is situated on the southeast bank of the Savannah River, on a high 
bluff forty feet above low-water mark, twelve miles in a direct line 
from the ocean, and eighteen miles by the course of the river. 

It is in north latitude 32 degrees, 4 minutes, 56 seconds ; west lon- 
gitude 81 degrees, 8 minutes, 18 seconds from Greenwich ; and 4 de- 
grees, 6 minutes, 54 seconds, west longitude from Washington City ; 
158 miles E.S.E. from Milledgeville, the capital of the State. 

The city contains the following public buildings, viz. : two Epis- 
copal churches, one Roman Catholic, one Lutheran, one Indepen- 
dent Presbyterian, one Presbyterian, one Unitarian, two Baptist 
churches for whites, three for coloured people, one Hebrew Syna 
gogue, one for Mariners, one Methodist Church for whites, one Me- 
thodist for coloured people, Court-House, Jail, Exchange, Female 
Asylum, Armoury, Arsenal, Guard-House, Market-House, Academy, 
Hall of the Georgia Historical Society, Institution of the Sisters of 
our Lady of Mercy, United States Barracks, Savannah Poor-House 
and Hospital, Hall of St. Andrew's Society, Custom-House, Athe- 
naeum, Masonic Hall, Odd Fellows' Hall, Powder Magazine, Bank 
of the State of Georgia, Planters' Bank, Marine and Fire Insurance 
Bank, Central Railroad and Banking Company, Savaj Bank. 







W^%. 





g 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



303 



There are in the city about 45 charitable societies 
private dwellings are beautiful. 

This institution was organ- 
ized the 17th September, 1801. 
Mrs. Ann Clay was called to 
the chair, and the following la- 
dies elected Managers, viz. : 
Mrs. Elisabeth Smith, Mrs. 
Ann Clay, Lady Ann Hous- 
toun, Mrs. Margaret Stephens, 
Mrs. Hannah McAllister, Mrs. 
Frances Holcombe, Mrs. Jane 
Smith, Mrs. Margaret Hun- 
ter, Mrs. Phebe Mosse, Mrs. 
Sarah Lamb, Mrs. Susanna 
Jenkins, Mrs. Ann Moore, Mrs 
Rebecca Newell, Mrs. Mary 
Wall. Mrs. Elisabeth Smith was 
Ann Clay the Second. Mrs 
Secretaries 



Many of the 



s^JR^i^fefc" 5 ^ 




FEMALE ASYLUM. 



elected First Directress, and Mrs. 
Jane Smith and Mrs. Sarah Lamb, the 
and Mrs. Margaret Hunter, Treasurer. 



The compiler has been politely favoured with the following account 
by James 0. Morse, Esq., Civil and Mechanical Engineer, of New- 
York, the gentleman who designed and is engaged in constructing the 
works, with whom is associated H. R. Worthington, Esq., of the same 
place, the patentee and builder of the pumping apparatus : — 

The Savannah Water-Works were commenced in the winter 
of 1852-3. A brief description of this important public work will 
perhaps be deemed interesting. 

The supply is obtained from the Savannah River, the water of 
which, though turbid in its appearance, (rendered so by the minute 
particles of clay held by it in suspension,) is nevertheless of remarka- 
ble purity — inasmuch as it contains no soluble impurities, the sources 
of the river being in regions of a primitive formation. 

The water is taken from the river above the city, and received into 
a reservoir located on the low lands west of the Ogeechee Canal. In 
order to free the water from the earthy matter it holds in suspension, 
this reservoir is divided into four compartments, rendered distinct 
from each other by partitions faced with masonry. Into any or all of 
these compartments, or basins, the water is admitted by means of iron 
gateways ; the contents of one basin, therefore, can be used while 
the process of sedimentation is going on undisturbed in the others. 
Each one of these basins is made to communicate, by means of cul- 
verts of masonry and iron gateways, with a chamber, or "pump-well," 
of masonry, situated underneath a building which contains the boilers 
and engines of the pumping apparatus, by means of which the water 
is forced into the city. 



304 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 




The plateau upon which the city of Savannah is built has an alti- 
tude of about forty feet above the river. Upon this elevation is 
built the Distributing- Reservoir, having a height of about eighty feet 
above the general grade of the streets. This structure, a repre- 
sentation of which is annexed, consists of a circular tower of 
substantial masonry, upon which is placed the reservoir, of iron. 
From this reservoir, having an elevation sufficient for all purposes, 
the water is distributed throughout the city in the usual manner, by 
means of cast-iron pipes, furnished with all necessary fire hydrants, 
stop-gates, etc. 

The whole height to which the water is raised by the pumping en- 
gines is one hundred and twenty feet ; the distance from the receiv- 
ing to the distributing reservoir is somewhat more than half a mile. 

Most of the cities in the United States that are supplied with water 
under pressure sufficient to carry it to all parts of the buildings, are 
so situated as to have in their vicinity ground of sufficient elevation 
to command the town, and on which the reservoir is built. The city 
of Savannah having no such advantages, it became necessary in the 
design for these works to devise some means whereby an ample supply 
of water might be delivered into the town with height, or " head," 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



305 



sufficient to give the necessary pressure in the pipes of distribution, 
without incurring' the enormous expense of creating an artificial eleva- 
tion of large area on which to build the usual plan of reservoir con- 
taining many days' supply. The plan adopted to effect the object re- 
quired is this : Upon a tower of masonry, a tank, or reservoir, is 
erected, of a capacity to hold the quantity of water required for the 
night supply ; while the pumping apparatus is so arranged as to place be- 
yond all contingency of failure the ability of the apparatus to preserve 
in the reservoir the quantity of water necessary for the day supply. 

The pumping apparatus consists of three direct action, condensing 
pumping engines, each one independent of the other, and each capable 
of delivering into tne reservoir one million of gallons in twelve hours. 
These are supplied by two steam-boilers, each in like manner inde- 
pendent of the other. From these engines, situated, as before men- 
tioned, at the lower or receiving reservoir, two distinct lines of forcing 
pipes, or "mains" are laid to the upper or distributing reservoir, and 
from thence the water is conveyed, under the pressure due to the 
height of this reservoir, throughout the streets of the city. 

By this arrangement it will be seen that not only is the apparatus 
amply able to meet the demands that the town makes upon it, but 
that It is sufficiently large to respond to the increased wants due to 
an increase of population. 

The Custom-House, at the 
corner of Bull and Bay streets, 
is an imposing building. Length 
110 feet, depth 52 feet, and in 
height, from the pavement to the 
ridge of the roof, 52 feet. The 
basement story is devoted to the 
use of the Post-office and the ap- 
praisers' department. The first 
or principal floor is used for Cus- 
tom-house purposes. The third, 
or upper story, for United States 
Court-rooms. It is built of 
Quincy granite. The structure 
is fire-proof. 

Independent Presbyterian Church. — To the Rev. Dr. Preston, 
its present pastor, we owe our thanks for the following information : — 

The exact date of the organization of this church is not 
known. In 1755 a grant was obtained for a site on which to 
erect a house of worship, and a charter was granted by the 
Assembly, and Trustees appointed. The Confession of Faith was 
substantially the doctrines of the Church of Scotland, agreeably 
to the "Westminster Confession of Faith," but not in ecclesiastical 
connection with that church, having from the first declared them- 
selves an Independent Presbyterian Church, and by that style and 
title were originally incorporated, and by this name it has always 

20 




CUSTOM-HOUSE. 



306 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



been known. The first pastor was the Rev. John J. Zubly, D. D. 
In 1796, the house of worship was destroyed by fire. Previously 
to that date, and after Dr. Zubly left, or in his absence, the Rev. 
Messrs. Phillips and Johnson supplied the church for a few years. 
They were sent by Lady Huntingdon to take charge of the Orphan 
Asylum, established by the Rev. George Whitefield, in the neigh- 
bourhood of Savannah. The former of these ministers came in 1778, 
and left in 1790. The latter succeeded him, and left in 1793. In 
1794 the Rev. Mr. McCall was employed to preach, and died in 1796. 
This gentleman was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Morduth in 1797, 
who resigned in 1799. In 1800 the Rev. Robert Smith took charge 
of the church, but death called him from his labours two years after 
his settlement. The next pastor was the Rev. Samuel Clarkson, 
D. D., whose connection with the church was dissolved at the expira- 
tion of three years. In the fall of 1806, the Rev. Henry Kollock, 
D. D., became its pastor, the duties of which he continued to dis- 
charge until 1819, when death closed his labours. He was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. Snodgrass, and successively by the Rev. Messrs. Howe 
and Baker, the term of whose united ministry was less than eight 
years, ending in the fall of 1831. In the month of December of the 
same year, the Rev. Dr. Willard Preston was invited, and became 
the pastor the following month, and whose uninterrupted ministry has 
continued for more than twenty years. 




METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



Methodism was established in Savannah in 1807. As early as 
1790, Rev. Hope Hull was sent to Savannah, and he preached a few 
times in a chairmaker's shop belonging to Mr. Lowry, but such was 
the opposition manifested towards him that he was assailed with mob 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



307 



violence, and his success was small. He was followed, in 1796, bv 
Jonathan Jackson and Josiah Randle, but they left the place without 
making any permanent impression. In 1800, John Garvin made an 
ineffectual attempt to collect a society in Savannah; and though he 
succeeded after many difficulties, in inducing a few to attend his 
meetings for a season, yet he also abandoned the place in despair 
1 he next attempt was made by Mr. Cloud, whose conduct increased 
the prejudices against the Methodists. In 1806, Rev. Samuel Dun- 
wody came to Savannah and laboured assiduously. After hard toil- 
ing, the members succeeded in erecting a house of worship, which 
was called Wesley Chapel. 

The church of which we have given a sketch was erected three 
years ago, and is one among the neatest and most commodious in 
the city 




COUNT PULASKI. 



nipt f i£ T 11 ' P u Ulaskl had unsuc cessfully contended for the princi- 
&L iT m ° Wn C ° J Untrj ' he dfiterm ^d to connect himself 
with those who were engaged in the same struggle in America Fur- 
mshed with testimonials from Franklin, Pulaski found no difficulty Tn 

ltp n £T5 7me ? t m th £ A f erican arm ^ In the battl e of Brandy- 
wine he had a post near Washington, and by his bravery and activity 

offic/r" Aft e ^w? W . hlCh hG had in E ^ r °P fi as an -com; shed 7 
officer. After th 1S battle Congress appointed him to the command of 

the cavalry, with the rank of Brigadier-General ; but owin^ to some 

dissatisfaction among the officers under him, he resigned his 



com- 



308 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



mand, and joined the main army at Valley Forge. In 1778, with the 
approbation of Washington and Congress, he raised a corps, which 
was afterwards called Pulaski's Legion. In the assault upon Savan- 
nah, in 1779, he sealed his devotion to liberty with his blood. He died 
at sea a few days after he received his wound. 





PULASKI MONUMENT. 



We extract from the Savannah Republican the following account 
of the laying of the corner-stone of this monument : — 

The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the monument to be 
erected to the memory of Brigadier Count Pulaski, a name dear to 
the heart of every American, and especially so to the people of Georgia, 
was performed on Tuesday afternoon, in Monterey Square, 11th Octo 
ber, 1853. The military, under the command of Colonel A. R. Law- 
ton, the different Masonic Lodges, together with a large concourse of 
citizens, were present during the very interesting ceremonies. The 
oration delivered upon the occasion by Henry Williams, Esq., is said 
to have been a masterly production. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 309 

After the delivery of the oration, Wm. P. Bowen, Sen., read the 
following record, which was deposited in the corner-stone : — 

PULASKI MONUMENT. 

Savannah, Georgia, Chatham County, 

United States of America. 

11th October, 1853. 

This parchment is to record the laying of the corner-stone of a Monument 
in the centre of Monterey Square, at the junction of Bull and Wayne streets 
(City of Savannah,) to the memory of Brigadier-General Count Pulaski, who 
fell mortally wounded by a swivel shot while on a "charge at the head of a body 
of cavalry before the British lines, at the Siege of Savannah, on the ninth day 
of October, seventeen hundred and seventy-nine. 

Count Casimir Pulaski was bom in the province of Lithuania, Poland, in the 
year seventeen hundred and forty-six. Arrived in the United States in the 
year seventeen hundred and seventy-seven (1777), and volunteered his services 
to the American Government in the great and glorious cause of Liberty and 
Freedom from British tyranny — received a commission from the Government as 
Brigadier-General of Cavalry, and fought gallantly in the battles of this 
country at Brandywine, Germantown, Trenton, Charleston, and Savannah. 
Aged 33. 

Robert E. Launitz, of New- York, Designer. M. Lufburrow and E. Jones 
builders of the foundation. 
Robert D. Walker, sculptor of the corner-stone. 
(Signed) 

Richard D. Arnold, 

Chairman of Commissioners. 
Wm. Robertson, by Geo. Robertson, Jun., 

Treasurer. 
Wm. P. Bowen, Sen., 

Secretary and Commissioner. 

The following articles contributed by the citizens were deposited 
in a copper box in the stone : — 

Roll of the officers of the Independent Volunteer Battalion of Savannah, to- 
gether with rolls of the several volunteer corps composing said battalion. 

Statement of the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank. Last report and list of 
stockholders, together with notes of the denominations one, two, five, ten, twenty, 
fifty, and one hundred. 

Statement of the Bank of the State of Georgia, with notes of five and ten 
dollars. 

Bills of the Planters' Bank, of the denominations of five and ten. 

Bills of the Central Railroad and Banking Company, of the denominations of 
one, two, five, and ten. 

Statement of the Bank of Savannah, also notes of the denominations of five, 
ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred dollars 



310 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Names of the Officers of the Governments of the United States and of the State 
of Georgia. 

Engraved likenesses of Generals George Washington, Benjamin Lincoln, and of 
Robert Morris, Esq.; presented by I. K. Tefft. 

Medal representing a view of the city of Bremen, with a statue of Rolandi, 
dated 1540; also, medallions of Benjamin Franklin and Henry Clay; presented by 
A. Oemler. 

Medallion representing the Crystal Palace of New-York; presented by W. A. 
Richmond. 

Hungarian Bond; presented by Hinko Naklen Kazel. 

A piece of the oak tree from Sunbury, Liberty County, Georgia, under which 
General James Oglethorpe opened the first Lodge of Free Masons in Georgia ; 
also under which, in 1779, the charter of the Union Society was preserved, and 
Mr. Mordecai Sheftall, Sen., then a prisoner of war, elected President; pre- 
sented by Mrs. Perla Sheftall Solomons. 

Copies of the Savannah Republican, of October 1, 1853, giving an account of 
the exhumation of the corner-stone laid by General La Fayette, in 1825; also of 
the 11th of October, 1853. 

Copies of the Savannah Daily Morning News, of the 4th, 6th, and 11th of 
October, 1853. 

Copies of the Savannah Daily and Weekly Courier, of October 11, 1853. 

Copy of the Savannah Georgian, established in 1817. 

Past Master's Masonic Jewel, dated 1710; presented by S. P. Bell, Esq. 

A silver dollar, found among the bones of the soldiers who fell at the siege of 
Savannah, dated 1778; presented by Barnard Constantine, Esq. 

A badge, medals, and copper coin ; presented by Mrs. David Thompson. 

Two Roman coins of the days of Constantine, Emperor of Rome; presented by 
Benjamin Arnold. 

Gold, silver, and copper coin ; presented by A. Oemler, N. Wolf, J. N. Prentiss, 
C. F. Preston, P. G. Thomas, R. W. Pooler, T. Holcombeand F. J. Rosenberg. 

Three German coins, dated 1623, 1624, and 1632, presented by Paul Haller. 

French Masonic Lodge Jewel ; presented by William Hone. 

A silver dollar, dated 1727; presented by A. Bonaud. 

One cent, dated 1793 ; presented by J. H. Damon. 

Two silver medals ; presented by John J. W. Buntz and George J. J. Buntz. 

Continental notes, by Mrs. David Thompson; and rare coin, by R. R. Scott, 
Esq. 

Directory and Census of the City of Savannah for the year 1853 ; presented by 
David H. Galloway, Esq. 

Officers and assistants of the Savannah Post-office. 

Constitution, by-laws, list of officers and members of Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 15. 

Records of the Georgia Chapter, No. 3. 

Records of Clinton Lodge, No. 54 — list of officers and members; and a silver 
compass. 

Records of Solomon's Lodge for the year 1853, with by-laws, &c. 

The Masonic ceremonies were performed by Acting Grand Master 
R. R. Cuyler. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 311 

In the course of his address, Mr. Williams observed : " Nor should 
allusion be omitted to the artist under whose creating hands this mar- 
ble memorial is destined to rise. Particularly appropriate is it, that 
the genius of Polish art should be invoked to illustrate the virtues of 
a Polish patriot, and that the execution of a monument raised upon 
American soil to a chivalrous son of Poland should be intrusted to 
one who breathed his native air in Poland, and drew his inspiration 
beneath her skies ; to one who, in his adopted country, has already 
made the marble breathe, in so many forms of varied beauty, to the 
compatriots of Pulaski and Kosciusko — the gifted and accomplished 
Launitz."* 

Mr. Launitz has furnished us with the following description, being 
a copy of his letter to the Commissioners of the Pulaski Monu- 
ment : — 

Savannah. 

Gentlemen : — I herewith have the honour to submit, according to your pro- 
posals, a design for a monument to the memory of Count Pulaski, consisting of 
an elevation and perspective view. In designing the Monument, I have had par- 
ticular regard to purity of style, richness of effect, and strength and durability 
in material and execution; while I have not lost sight of the main object, which 
is to design a Monument for Pulaski. 

It is perceived at the first glance that the monument is intended for a 
soldier, who is losing his life fighting. Wounded, he falls from his horse, while 
still grasping his sword. The date of the event is recorded above the subject. 
The coat of arms of Poland and Georgia, surrounded by branches of laurel, orna- 
ment the cornice on two sides, or fronts; they stand united together; while the 
eagle, emblem of liberty, independence, and courage, rests on both, bidding 
proud defiance — the eagle being the symbolic bird of both Poland and America. 
The allegory will need no further explanation. The cannon reversed on the 
corners of the die, are emblematical of military loss and mourning, while they 
give the monument a strong military character. 

To facilitate the execution of the shaft, which it would be impossible to execute 
in one piece, I have divided the same into several parts, separated by bands, so 
as to remove the unsightliness of horizontal joints on a plain surface. The bands 
are alternately ornamented with stars, emblems of the States and Territories now 
and in embryo, which enjoy and will enjoy the fruits of the valour and patriotism of 
the heroes of the Revolution. The garlands on the alternate bands above the 
stars denote that they (the States) are young and flourishing. The shaft is sur- 
mounted by a highly elaborate cap, which adds richness, loftiness, and grandeur 
to the structure. The monument is surmounted by a statue of Liberty, holding the 
banner of the " stars and stripes." The love of liberty brought Pulaski to Ameri- 
ca; for love of liberty, he fought; and for liberty he lost his life; — and thus I 
thought that Liberty should crown his monument, and share with him the crown 

* This is true only in part. Mr. Launitz informs the author that he is a native of 
Courland, formerly an independent dukedom under the protection of the King of Poland, 
but at present a Russian province. 



312 



HISTOKiCAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



of victory. The garlands surrounding the column show that Liberty now is a 
young and blooming maiden, surrounded with fragrant flowers. 

The monument is designed to be fifty-five feet high, which, for a square in a 
city, is of ample height. The two steps and lower plinth to be of granite ; and 
all the rest, of the finest and best. Italian marble, in solid blocks weighing from 
one to six tons, and to be executed in the most artistical and workmanlike 
manner; to rest on a solid foundation six feet deep, or more, if the soil requires 
it. The first step to be in twelve pieces, the second step in eight pieces, as 
also the plinth, of best hammered granite. The base-block in four pieces, the 
base moulding in two pieces. The die with the cannon in four pieces, jointed at 
the sides; each front will weigh five tons. The cornice in two pieces; the base- 
block of shaft, as well as every section of the shaft, each in one solid piece; the 
cap of shaft in two pieces: the statue and columns each part in one piece. All 
the parts that are composed of more than one piece to be cramped with dovetail 
keys of metal. The monument to be delivered and erected in Savannah in two 
years, say on or before the 1st of July, 1854. The cost of the whole, as above 
specified, to be seventeen thousand dollars.* 




PULASKI HOUSE. 



The Pulaski House, a view of which is here given, is a large build- 
ing facing Monument Square. The City Hotel, on the bay, the Mar- 
shall House, in Broughton street, and the Pavilion, on the corner of 
Bull and South Broad streets, are well conducted. The private 
boarding-houses are numerous, and some of them have a high reputa- 
tion. 

Strangers have heretofore found some difficulty in procuring accom- 
modations in the city of Savannah ; but it is confidently expected 
that the early erection of a splendid hotel, now proposed, will remedy 
any inconvenience in this respect. 

It is hoped that the spirited citizens of Savannah will unite in any 
effort which may be proposed to multiply the inducements for stran- 
gers to visit the city, among which, it is well known, good hotels form 
a very important item. 

* This monument was finished last December 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



313 



Coloured Baptists. — The first ordained minister of colour, 
in Savannah, was George Leile, who was liberated by Mr. Henry- 
Sharp, of Burke County, Georgia, and afterwards became pas- 
tor of a large church in Kingston, Jamaica. During his short 
stay in Savannah, he baptized, among others, Andrew and his wife 
Hannah, and Hagar, belonging to the Hon. Jonathan Bryan, and by 
whom they were made free. Andrew became a preacher, suffered 
much opposition, but succeeded in establishing his character as a pious 
man. He preached in his master's barn at Brampton, three miles 
from Savannah. On the 20th of January, 1788, Andrew, surnamed 
Bryan, was ordained by the Rev. Abraham Marshall, and a coloured 
minister named Jesse Peter, from the vicinity of Augusta, and con- 
stituted the first coloured Baptist Church in Savannah, consisting of 
sixty-nine members. 




WM^m 



EXCHANGE. 



This building is situated on the bay fronting Bull-street. It is 
constructed of brick, and has a venerable appearance. For a num- 
ber of years the business of the Custom-House was transacted in 
it. From the steeple is presented a fine view of the city and sur- 
rounding country. 



314 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 




SAVANNAH POOR-HOUSE AND HOSPITAL. 



This is a commodious structure, situated on the southeastern part of 
the Commons. It is under the management of a Board of Directors, 
who have made the most ample provision for the comfort of its inmates. 





ST. ANDREWS HALL. 



This building is situated on the south side of Broughton-street. It 
is sixty feet in front by ninety in depth. The first floor is designed 
for stores. Upon the second floor are a spacious hall and ante-rooms, 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



315 



and on the third are dinner-rooms, &c. The building cost $27,000. 
It is the property of the St. Andrew's Society, organized in 1819. 
The eligibility for membership is confined to Scotchmen, their sons 
and grandsons, on the paternal side only, and its object the relief of 
distressed Scotchmen, their widows and orphans, with provision for 
educational purposes. 

Norman Wallace, Esq., is the only member living, of some twenty- 
five in number present at its original organization. 




HALL OF THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



This is a beautiful building, and admirably adapted for the pur 
poses for which it was intended. 

In the city of Savannah, the want of some Historical Society had 
long been felt, but it was not until April, 1839, that any definite ac- 
tion was taken in regard to the subject, when the Rev. William B. 
Stevens, I. K. TefTt, Esq., and Dr. Richard D. Arnold, addressed a 
circular to a number of gentlemen whom they thought most likely to 
interest themselves in the design, inviting them to attend a meeting 
for the purpose of forming an Historical Society. 

Accordingly the meeting was held, and a Society formed. 

Though its operations have been limited, it has nevertheless achieved 
much. It has published two volumes of highly interesting collections. 
Its archives contain many valuable manuscripts and rare books. 



316 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 




STATE BANK. 



By many, this is thought to be the handsomest building in Savannah. 
It fronts Monument Square, is built of brick, and three stories high. 




SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 



In the year 1794, Messrs. Jonathan Clarke, George Mosse, Tho- 
mas Polhill, and David Adams, proposed the erection of a house of 
worship for the Baptists, in Savannah. The whole number of Bap- 
tists did not exceed eight or ten. About this time the Rev. Mr. 
Reese, a Baptist minister from Wales, visited Savannah, and encou- 
raged the design. Accordingly, in 1795, a Baptist Church, 50 by 60 
feet, with galleries and a steeple, was erected by the subscriptions of 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 31? 

several denominations, under the superintendence of Ebenezer Hills. 
John Millen, Thomas Polhill, John Hamilton, Thomas Harrison, and 
John H. Roberds, as Trustees. In 1796, as the Baptists had no min- 
ister to occupy their church, they rented it to the Presbyterians, who 
had lost their place of worship by fire. By the Presbyterians it was 
occupied for about three years, when the Rev. Henry Holcombe was 
invited by the Baptists to become their minister. This gentleman ac- 
cepted, the invitation, and under his ministry many additions were 
made to the Baptist faith. In 1800 the church formed a constitution 
for its government, which was signed by H. Holcombe, F. Holcombe, 
George Mosse, Phebe Mosse, Joseph Hawthorn, Mary Hawthorn, 
Elias Robert, Mary Robert, Rachel Hamilton, Esther McKenzie, 
Elisabeth Stoney, and Martha Stephens.* 




st. John's church. 

This church is built in the English style of Gothic, that which pre- 
vailed in England from the year 1200 to the year 1300 of the Chris- 
tian era. 

Christ Church is one among the most imposing edifices in Savan- 
nah. The order of architecture is the Grecian Ionic. 

The first building was commenced on the 11th of June, 1740. Six 
years afterwards the roof was covered with shingles. It was finally 
completed ; and on the 7th of July, 1750, was dedicated to the worship 
of God. The fire of 1796 reduced it to ashes. The first minister of the 
parish was the Rev. Dr. Herbert. He was succeeded by the Rev. S. 
Quincy, who remained until 1735, when the Rev. John Wesley became 
rector. The latter was followed by the Rev. William Norris, who 



318 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



resided alternately at Savannah and Frederica. Rev. Wrn. Metcalf 
was next appointed, but he died before he entered upon his duties ; 
and his place was filled by the Rev. Mr. Orton, who died in 1742. 
The Rev. T. Bosomworth was his successor ; this gentleman was 
displaced, and the Rev. Mr. Zouberbuhler appointed, who faithfully 
performed his duties for twenty r one years. In 1768, 1771, 1773, the 
Rev. Mr. Frink was the minister of Christ Church. We cannot say 
who were the rectors for some time after 1763. The Rev. John V. 
Bartow had charge of the parish from 1810 to 1814, when the church 
was rebuilt. Mr. Bartow removed to Baltimore, having received a 
call from Trinity Church, the pastoral care of which he retained for 
twenty-one years. This gentleman died in 1836. In 1820, Rev. Mr. 
Cranston became rector. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. Carter, 
who was followed by Rev. Dr. Neufville. Upon the death of the latter, 
Rev. A. B. Carter was chosen rector. This gentleman remained but 
a short time ; and the present Bishop of the diocese, Stephen Elliott, 
became its minister. 




winia-iouiti 



LUTHERAN CHURCH. 



This is a chaste building. The whole length, with the portico, is 
88 feet ; width, 56 feet. It can accommodate more than 800 persons. 
The whole cost was $15,000, and erected in 1843. The early records 
of the church being lost, we are unable to give a history of it. It 
was established, probably, before 1759, under the direction of Rev. 
Messrs. Rabenhorst and Wottman, but divine service being conduct- 
ed in the German language, and the younger part of the congregation 
being ignorant of that language, the church was closed, and remained 
in this situation for many years. It was again opened for worship in 
1824. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



319 



NOTICES CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF 

CHATHAM. 

Associations, both colonial and revolutionary, of deep interest, are 
connected with the history of that section of Georgia now known as 
the County of Chatham. 

Here Oglethorpe first landed — here was commenced the Colony of 
Georgia. The annals of no nation can produce one more generous 
and praiseworthy. Its benevolent founders gave their time and money 
for promoting the welfare of others, expecting no other reward than 
that which arises from the performance of virtuous actions. Here, too, 
was exhibited the first opposition of Georgia to the 'unjust demands of 
the mother country. Here her first Revolutionary battle was fought. 

From the Colonial documents and other sources w x e have selected 
several notices connected with the arrival of Oglethorpe and the set- 
tlement of Georgia, which, doubtless, will be interesting to our readers. 



"The Seal of the Trustees was formed with 
two faces — one for legislative acts, deeds, and 
commissions; and the other, 'the common 
seal, for grants, orders, certificates.' &c. The 
device on the one was two figures resting upon 
urns, representing the rivers Savannah and 
Alatamaha, the northeastern and southwestern 
boundaries of the Province, between which 
the genius of the colony was seated, with a 
cap of liberty on her head, a spear in one 
hand, and a Cornucopia in the other, with the 
inscription, 'Colonia Georgia Aug.' On 
the other face was a representation of silk- 
worms, some beginning and others completing 
their labours, which were characterized by 
the motto, ' Non sibi, sed aliis.' ; ' 




SEAL OF THE TRUSTEES. 



From " A Brief Account of the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia, under Gen. Oglethorpe, 1733." 
Arrival of first Colonists at Charlestown, South Carolina, 13th January, 1733. 
Charlestoiun, January 20. — On Saturday night, 13th January, 1733, came to 
anchor off our bar, a ship with about 120 people, for settling the new Colony of 
Georgia, in which was James Oglethorpe, Esq., who came ashore that night, and 
was extremely well received by his Excellency, our Governour. The next 
morning he went on board, and the ship sailed for Port Royal; and we -hear 
there are two more ships, with people, (which will make the number 500,) ex- 
pected daily. 



Account of the Progress of the first Colony sent to Georgia. 

We set sail from Gravesend on the 17th of November, 1732, in the ship Anne, 

of 200 tons, John Thomas, Master, being about 130 persons, and arrived off the bar 

of Charlestown on the 13th day of January following. Mr. Oglethorpe went on 

shore to wait on the Governour; was received with great marks of civility and 



320 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

satisfaction ; obtained an order for Mr. Middleton, the King's pilot, to carry the 
ship into Port Royal ; and for small craft to carry the Colony from thence to .the 
river Savannah, with a promise of further assistance from the Province. He re- 
turned on board the fourteenth day, and came to an anchor within the bar of 
Port Royal, at about sixteen miles distance from Beaufort. On the 18th, he went 
on shore upon Trench's Island, and left a guard of eight men upon Johns, beino- 
a point . of that island which commands the channel, and is about half-way be- 
tween Beaufort and the river Savannah : they had orders to prepare Huts, for 
the reception of the Colony, against they should lie there in their passage. 
From thence he went to Beaufort town, where he arrived about one o'clock in 
the morning, and was saluted with a discharge of all the Artillery, and had the 
new Barracks fitted up : where the Colony landed on the 20th day, and were, in 
every respect, cheerfully assisted by Lieutenant Watts, Ensign Farrington, and 
the other officers of his Majesty's independent company, as also by Mr. Delabarr, 
and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood. 

While the Colony refreshed themselves there, Mr. Oglethorpe, went up the 
river, and chose a situation for a town, and entered into a treaty with Tomo Chachi, 
the Mico, or Chief of the only nation of Indians living near it. He returned on 
the 24th day, and they celebrated the Sunday following as a day of Thanksgiv- 
ing for their safe arrival ; and a sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Jones, 
(the Rev. Dr. Herbert, who came with the Colony, preaching that day at Beau- 
fort town.) There was a great resort of the gentlemen of that neighbourhood and 
their families; and a plentiful dinner provided for the Colony, and all that came, 
by Mr. Oglethorpe — being four fat hogs, eight turkeys, besides fowls, English 
beef, and other provisions, a hogshead of punch, a hogshead of beer, and a large 
quantity of wine ; and all was disposed in so regular a manner, that no person 
was drunk, nor any disorder happened. 

On the 30th, the Colony embarked on board a sloop of seventy tons, and five 
Periaugers, and made sail, but were forced by a storm to put in at a place called 
the Look-out, and to lie there all night. The next day they arrived at John's, 
where they found huts capable to contain them all, and a plentiful supper of 
venison. They re-embarked the next day, and in the afternoon arrived at the 
place intended for the town. 

Being arrived, on the 1st of February, at the intended town, before night they 
erected four large tents, sufficient to hold all the people, being one for each 
tything. They landed their bedding and other little necessaries, and all the 
people lay on shore. The ground they encamped upon is the edge of the river 
where the Key is intended to be. 

Until the 7th was spent in making a Crane, and unlading the goods ; which 
done, Mr. Oglethorpe divided the people ; employing part in clearing the land 
for seed, part in beginning the palisade, and the remainder in felling of trees 
where the Town is to stand. 

Colonel Bull arrived here, with a message from the General Assembly to Mi. 
Oglethorpe, and a letter from his Excellency Governour Johnson and the Council, 
acquainting him that the two Houses, upon a conference, had agreed to give 
the Colonists all the assistance in their power. 

On the 9th day, Mr. Oglethorpe and Colonel Bull marked out the Square, the 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 321 

Streets, and forty Lots for houses of the town ; and the first House (which was 
ordered to be made of clap-boards) was begun that day. 

The town lies on the south side of the river Savannah, upon a flat on the top 
of a hill, and sixty yards of it is reserved between it and the Key. The river 
washes the foot of the hill, which stretches along the side of it about a mile, and 
forms a terrace forty feet perpendicular above high water. 

From the Key, looking eastward, you may discover the river as far as the 
islands in the sea ; and westward, one may see it wind through the woods above 
six miles. The river is one thousand feet wide ; the water fresh, and deep 
enough for sloops of seventy tons to come up close to the side of the Key. 



The following is a copy of the Assembly's resolutions, in regard to 
the assistance to be given to Mr. Oglethorpe : — 

The Committee of his Majesty's Honourable Council, appointed to confer with 
a Committee of the Lower House, on his Excellency's message relating to the 
arrival of the Hon. James Oglethorpe. Esq., report — 

That agreeable to his Majesty's instructions to his Excellency, sent down to- 
gether with the said message, we are unanimously of opinion that all due coun- 
tenance and encouragement ought to be given to the settling of the Colony of 
Georgia. And for that end, your Committee apprehend it necessary that his 
Excellency be desired to give orders and directions that Capt. McPherson, to- 
gether with fifteen of the Rangers, do forthwith repair to the new settlement of 
Georgia, to cover and protect Mr. Oglethorpe, and those under his care, from any 
insult that may be offered them by the Indians, and that they continue and abide 
there till the new settlers have enforted themselves, and for such further time as 
his Excellency may think it necessary. 

That the lieutenant and four men of the Appalachicola garrison be ordered to 
march to the Fort on Cainbahee to join those of the Rangers that remain ; and 
that the Commissary be ordered to find them with provision, as usual. 

That his Excellency will please to give directions that the scout-boat at Port 
Royal do attend the new settlers as often as his Excellency shall see occasion. 

That a present be given Mr. Oglethorpe for the new settlers of Georgia forth- 
with, of an hundred head of breeding cattle and five bulls, as also twenty breed- 
ing sows and four boars, with twenty barrels of good and merchantable rice; the 
whole to be delivered at the cliLVge of the public, at such place in Georgia as 
Mr. Oglethorpe shall represent. 

That peiiaugers be provided at the charge of the public to attend Mr. Oglo 
thorpe at Port Royal, in order to carry the new settlers, arrived in the ship Anne, 
to Georgia, with their effects, and the artillery and ammunition now on board. 

That Colonel Bull be desired to go to Georgia with the Hon. James Oglethorpe. 
Esq., to aid him with his best advice and assistance in settling the place. 



On the 13th of January, 1732-3, the Governor of South Carolina 
published in the Charlestown newspaper the following advertisement . 

"Whereas I have lately received a power from the Trustees for establishing a 
Colony in that part of Carolina between the livers Alatamaha and Savannah, 

21 



322 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

now granted by his Majesty's Charter to the said Trustees, by the name of the 
Province of Georgia, authorizing me to take and receive all such voluntary con- 
tributions as any of his Majesty ; s good subjects of this Province shall voluntarily 
contribute towards so good and charitable a work as the relieving poor and in- 
solvent debtors, and settling, establishing, and assisting any poor Protestants, of 
what nation soever, as shall be willing to settle in the said Colony j and whereas 
the said intended settlement will, in all human appearance, be a great, strength- 
ening and security to this Province, as well as a charitable and pious work, and 
worthy to be encouraged by all pious and good Christians: I have therefore 
thought fit to publish and make known to all such pious and well-disposed per- 
sons as are wdling to promote so good a work, that I have ordered and directed 
Mr. Jesse Badenhop to receive all such subscriptions or sums of money as shall 
be by them subscribed or paid in for the uses and purposes aforesaid ; which 
sums of money (be they great or small) I promise them shall be faithfully re- 
mitted to the Trustees by the aforesaid charter appointed, together with the 
names of the subscribers, which will by them be published every year; or. if 
they desire their names to be kept secret, the names of the persons by whom 
they make the said subscriptions. 

" The piety and charity of so good an undertaking, I hope will be a sufficient 
inducement to every person to contribute something to a work so acceptable to 
God, as well as so advantageous to this Province. P. Johnson." 



A Copy of the Letter of the Governor and Council of South Carolina to Mr. 

Oglethorpe. 

Sir — We cannot omit the first opportunity of congratulating you on your safe 
arrival in this Province, wishing you all imaginable success in your charitable 
and generous undertaking; in which we beg leav^ to assure you that any assist- 
ance we can give shall not be wanting in the promotion of the same. 

The General Assembly having come to the resolutions inclosed, we hope you 
will accept it as an instance of our sincere intentions to forward so good a work; 
and of our attachment to a person who has at all times so generously used his 
endeavours to relieve the poor, and deliver them out of their distress ; in which 
you have hitherto been so successful, that we are persuaded this undertaking 
cannot fail under your prudent conduct, which we most heartily wish for. 

The Rangers and scout-boats are ordered to attend you as soon as possible. 
Colonel Bull, a gentleman of this Board, and who we esteem most capable to as- 
sist you in the settling of your new Colony, is desired to deliver you this, and to 
accompany you, and render you the best services he is capable of, and is one 
whose integrity you may very much depend on. 

We are. with the greatest respect and esteem, 

Sir, your most obedient, humble servants, 

Robert Johnson, James Kinlock, 

Thomas Broughton, John Fenwicke, 
Al. Middleton, Thomas Waring, 

A. Skeene, J. Hammerton. 

Fra. Younge, 
Council Chamber, 2Qth Jan., 1733. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 323 

Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Robert Johnsox, Esq., Governor of South 
Carolina, to Benjamin Martyn, Esq., Secretary to the Trustees, &c. 

Charlestown, Feb. 12, 1733. 

Sir— I have received the favour of yours, dated the 20th of October, and the 
duplicate of the 24th. I beg you will assure the Honourable Trustees of my 
humble respects, and that I will attach myself to render them and their laudable 
undertaking- all the service in my power. 

Mr. Oglethorpe arrived here with his people, in good health, the 13th of 
January. I ordered him a pilot, and in ten hours he proceeded to Port Royal, 
where he arrived safe the 19th; and I understand from thence, that, after re- 
freshing his people a little in our barracks, he, with all expedition, proceeded to 
Yamacraw, upon Savannah River, about twelve miles from the sea, where he 
designs to fix those he has brought with him. 

J do assure you, that upon the first news I had of this embarkation, I was not 
wanting in giving the necessary orders for their reception; and, being assisted 
at Port Royal, (although they were here almost as soon as we heard of their de- 
sign of coming,) not knowing whether Mr. Oglethorpe designed directly there, 
or would touch here. 

I am informed he is mighty well satisfied with his reception there, and likes 
the country; and that he says things succeed beyond his expectation; but I have 
not yet received a letter from him since his being at Port Royal. 

Our General Assembly meeting three days after his departure, I moved to them 
their assisting this generous undertaking. Both Houses immediately came to the 
following resolution: That Mr. Oglethorpe should be furnished, at the public ex- 
pense, with one hundred and four breeding cattle, twenty-five hogs, and 
twenty barrels of good rice ; that boats should also be provided, at the public 
charge, to transport the people, provisions, and goods, from Port Royal to the 
place where he designed to settle ; that the scout-boats and fifteen of our Rangers, 
(who are horsemen, and always kept in pay to discover the motions of the In- 
dians.) should attend to Mr. Oglethorpe, and obey his commands, in order to pro- 
tect the new settlers from any insults, which I think there is no danger of; and 
I have given the necessary advice and instructions to our out garrisons, and the 
Indians in friendship with us, that they may befriend and assist them. 

I have likewise prevailed on Colonel Bull, a member of the Council, and a 
gentleman of great probity and experience in the affairs of this Province, the 
nature of land, and the method of settling, and who is well acquainted with the 
manner of the Indians, to attend Mr. Oglethorpe to Georgia, with our compli- 
ments, and to offer him advice and assistance ; and, had not our Assembly been 
sitting, I would have gone myself. 

I received the Trustees' commission, for the honour of which I beg you will 
thank them. I heartily wish all imaginable success to this good work, and am, 
Sir, Your most humble servant, 

Robert Johnson. 

P. S. — Since writing the above, I have had the pleasure of hearing from Mr. 
Oglethorpe, who gives me an account that his undertaking goes on very suc- 
cessfully. 



324 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



Effects received in America for the use of the Colony of Georgia at the times 
and from the several ])ersons hereafter mentioned* 

1732. January. — Periaugers were provided at the charge of the public, pur- 
suant to a resolution of the General Assembly of South Carolina,, to carry the 
new settlers to Georgia, with their effects, and the artillery and ammunition on 
board the ship Anne, then at Port Royal. 

February. — Colonel Bull came to Savannah with four labourers, and assisted the 
colony for a month, ne himself measuring the scantling and setting out the work 
for the sawyers, and giving the proportion of the houses; and also gave the work 
of his four servants for the said month. Capt. McPherson, with fifteen of the 
Hangers, pursuant to a resolution of the General Assembly of South Carolina, 
covered and protected the new settlers until they enforted themselves, and as 
they had occasion. The scout-boat at Port Royal attended the new settlers as 
occasion required, pursuant to a resolution of the General Assembly of South 
Carolina. Tweiny barrels of rice were sent to the colony, by order of the said 
Assembly. Mr. Bellinger, at Purysburgh, by order of the said Assembly, deliv- 
ered to the colony 58 cows, with their calves, and 4 bulls, making together 120 
head of cattle. 

Mr. Whitaker and his friends sent the colony 100 head of cattle. Mr. St. Ju- 
lian came to Savannah and stayed a month, directing the people in building 
their houses and other works. Mr. Barlow and Mr. Woodward came to Savan- 
nah to assist the new settlers. Mr. Hume gave a silver boat and spoon for the 
first child born in Georgia, which being born of Mrs. Close, were given 
accordingly. 

March. — Mr. Joseph Bryan himself, with four of his sawyers, gave two months 
work to the colony. The inhabitants of Edistow sent sixteen sheep to the colony. 
Mr. Barnwell sent four sheep to the colony. Mr. Hammerton gave a drum. 
Colonel Bull came to Savannah with several of his relations, and sixteen ser- 
vants belonging to himself and family, while Mr. Oglethorpe was at Charlestown, 
and gave a month's work. 

1733. April. — Captain Odingsell and Mr. Grimball sent four sawyers for four- 
teen days, and gave their work to the colony. Mr. Thomas Drayton sent a pair 
of sawyers, and Mrs. Anne Drayton sent two pair of sawyers in the colony one 
month; their labour, valued at £60 South Carolina currency, was part of the 
subscription in St. Andrew's Parish. 

May. — Mr. Whitaker and his friends gave fifty head of cattle to the colony. 
July. — Colonel Bull and Mr. Bryan came to Savannah to assist, with twenty 
servants, whose labour they gave to the colony. 

1734. April. — Captain Odingsell and the other inhabitants of Edistow gave fifty 
more head of cattle. His Excellency Robert Johnson, Esq., gave the colony 
seven horses, value £25 South Carolina currency each. 

* Extract from a report of the Committee appointed to examine into the proceedings 
of the people of Georgia with respect to the Province of South Carolina, and the dis- 
putes subsisting between the two colonies. Charlestown : Printed by Lewis Timothy. 
1737. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



325 



Knowing it to be important to obtain the consent of the Indians to 
the settlement of his colony, Oglethorpe sought an interview with 
Tomo Chachi, the Mico, or Chief, of a small tribe who resided at a 
place called Yamacraw, three miles up the river. By means of an 
Indian woman named Musgrove, who had married a Carolina trader, 
and who understood the English language, he was able to communi- 
cate with the Indians. A general meeting of the chiefs was called 
at Savannah, at which Oglethorpe informed them that the English 
had no intention of dispossessing the natives of their land, &c. 
Presents were distributed, and a treaty of peace and amitv was 
entered into. 




TOMO CHACHI, 

Mico, or King, of Yamacraw; and his nepkeu-, Tooanahowi, son 0/ his brother, King of Etiahitas. 

Painted'by Verilst. Engraved at Augsburgh by J. J. Kleinsmidt, after the London original. Oglethorpe 

carried both to England, where the above portraits were painted. Tomo Chachi died in 1739, aged 97, 

and teas buried in Court-House Square, at Savannah. 

On the 7th of May, 1734, General Oglethorpe set sail for England, 
accompanied by Tomo Chachi and Scenawki, his wife, and Tooanaho- 
wi, his nephew ; by Hillispilli, the war chief, Apakowlski, Stimalchi, 
Sinlouchi, and Hinguithi, five chiefs of the Creek Nation ; and by 
Umphichi, a chief from Palachocolas, with their interpreter. 



326 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The following is an account of their visit, extracted from an English 
periodica] : 

August 1. — This day at one o'clock, Sir Clement Cotterel, attended by three 
of his Majesty's coaches, with six horses each, came to the Trustees' Office, for 
Georgia, in Old Palace Yard, and proceeded from thence with the Indian King, 
Queen, and Chiefs, and the interpreter, to Kensington Palace, where his Majesty 
received him seated on his throne in the Presence Chamber; and Tomo Chachi, 
Mico or King of Yamacraw, made the following speech: — 

"This day I see the majesty of your face, the greatness of your house, and the 
number of your people. I am come for the good of the whole nation, called 
the Creeks, to renew the peace which long ago they had with the English ; I am 
come over in my old days. Though I cannot live to see any advantage to my- 
self, 1 am come for the good of the children of all the nations of the Upper and 
of the Lower Creeks, that they may be instructed in the knowledge of the Eng- 
lish. 

"These are the feathers of the eagle, which is the swiftest of birds, and who 
flieth all round our nations. These feathers are a sign of peace in our land, and 
have been carried from town to town there ; and we have brought them over to 
leave with you, great King, as a sign of everlasting peace. 

" great King, whatsoever words you shall say unto me, I will tell faithfully 
to all the kings of the Creek nations." 

To which his Majesty gave this answer: 

"I am glad of this opportunity of assuring you of my regard for the people from 
whom you came, and am extremely well pleased with the assurances you have 
brought me from them, and accept very graciously this present, as an indication of 
their good disposition to me and my people. I shall always be ready to cultivate 
a good correspondence between them and my own subjects, and shall be glad of 
any occasion to show you a mark of my particular friendship and esteem." 

They were afterwards introduced to her Majesty, to whom Tomo Chachi made 
the following speech : — 

" I am glad to see this day, and the opportunity of seeing the mother of this 
great people. 

"As our people are joined with your Majesty's, we do humbly hope to find you 
the common mother and the protectress of us and all our children." 

To which her Majesty returned a most gracious answer. 

They were very importunate to appear at Court in the manner they go in their 
own country, which is only with a proper covering round their waist, all the rest 
of their body being naked ; but Mr. Oglethorpe, whom they reverence as their 
father, recommending to them the dress they have at present, they declined any 
further solicitations. Their faces were painted in a surprising manner, some half 
black, others triangular, and others with bearded arrows instead of whiskers. 
Tomo Chachi, the Chief, and Scenawki, his wife had on scarlet garments, adorned 
with fur and gold lace ; two others were in blue, and three more in yellow, with 
fur. All of them wore their own Indian shoes and boots, and had their heads 
dressed with feathers. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 327 

August 2. — This night, died at his apartments in Little Arabrey, West- 
minster, one of the Indian Chiefs, brother to the queen. The particular manner 
of burying him in the burying-ground of St. John the Evangelist, in the Horse 
Ferry Road, according to the custom of the Kings and inhabitants of Karakee 
Creeks, was as follows, viz.: the deceased being sewed up in two blankets, with 
one deal board under and another over him, and tied down with a cord, w r as 
placed upon a bier, and carried to the place of interment. There were only pre- 
sent, at the time of his being put into the grave, the Emperor Tomo, some of his 
domestics, the Upper Churchwarden of the Parish, and the grave-digger. 
When the corpse was laid in the earth, without any rites or ceremony, the cloths 
of the deceased were thrown into the grave; after this a quantity of glass beads 
were cast in, and then some pieces of silver. For the custom of these Indians 
is to bury all their effects with them. 

August 17. — The Archbishop of Canterbury sent his barge to wait on Tomo 
Chachi, Mico, or King of Yamacraw, and the rest of the Indians, in which they 
went to Putney, being engaged to dine at Lady Dutry's, where they were enter- 
tained in a very handsome manner. 

Tomo Chachi made a compliment to Lady Dutry. on his taking leave of her, 
in which he said could he but speak English he could tell her the thoughts of 
his heart, and how sensibly he was touched with the noble reception she had 
given him, and was much more pleased at being able to see and thank her for 
having assisted in sending the white people to Georgia. 

They next waited on his Grace the Archbishop, at Lambeth, who received 
them with the utmost kindness, and expressed his fatherly concern for the igno- 
rance they were in with respect to Christianity; his strong desire for their in- 
struction, and great satisfaction at the probability of the door being now opened 
towards it. His Grace, notwithstanding his present weakness, would stand up ; 
the Mico perceiving it to be uneasy to him, insisted upon his sitting down, 
which his Grace excusing, the Mico omitted speaking what he intended, and 
only desired his Grace's blessing, acquainting him that what he had further to 
say he would speak to the Rev. Dr. Lynch, his Grace's son-in-law ; and then 
withdrew. He had a conference with the Rev. Dr. Lynch, and expressed his 
great satisfaction at the venerable appearance of his Grace, and the tenderness 
he expressed towards him. After the Mico returned, he showed great joy, be- 
lieving some good persons would be sent to them to instruct their youth. 

September 16. — The Indians from Georgia went to Eaton College, and were re- 
ceived by Dr. George, Dr. Berriman. and the rest of the Fellows present ; they 
went into the school-room, among the scholars, where Tomo Chachi begged them 
an holiday, desiring it might be when the Dr. thought most proper, which caused 
a general huzza in the school. They were shown the several apartments in this 
College, and afterwards went to Windsor, where they were kindly received, and 
after having seen the royal apartments there, went to St. George's Chapel, where 
the Prebendaries present named Dr. Maynard to compliment the Mico from the 
Dean and Chapter. They went to Hampton Court the next day, saw the royal 
apartments there, and walked in the gardens, where was a great concourse of 
people to see them. 

November 1. — On the 30th past, Tomo Chachi, Mico, or King of Yamacraw, 



328 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and his Queen, Scenawki, Tooanahowi, and his other Indian Chiefs, set out in one 
of the King's coaches for Gravesend, where they arrived the same day, and the 
next day went on board the Prince of Wales, bound for Georgia. They express- 
ed great satisfaction at the treatment they had met with in England, and at the 
power and greatness of the King and nation. They were mighty desirous of re- 
turning to their own country, and at the same time showed a great deal of tender- 
ness at parting with Mr. Oglethorpe, who took leave of them on board the ship. 
The Mico, among other things, said that he would show his gratitude to the 
King of England for all the favours he had received here, by loving and assist- 
ing the English people in Georgia. The ship set sail a little after midnight, with a 
fair wind. The Saltzburghers were on board the same ship, as also some Eng- 
lish gentle^men with foreign servants, who intend to settle in Georgia. The 
Trustees encourage the people to take foreigners for servants, since thereby the 
King's subjects are increased, and no labouring hands are taken from England. 



About this time a company of forty Israelites landed in Savannah. 
Reference is made to them in the minutes of the Trustees, from which 
the following extracts are given : — 

Palace Court — September 21, 1732. — Commissions were desired by Thomas 
Frederick, Mr. Anthony da Costa, Fiancis Salvador, and Alvaro Lopez Suaso, to 
take subscriptions and collect money for the purposes of the Charter. — Granted. 

January 31, 1732-3. — Ordered, That the Secretary do wait upon Mr. Salvador, 
Suaso, and Costa, with the following message in writing : — 

Whereas, commissions were granted to the said persons to collect such moneys 
as should be contributed for establishing the Colony of Georgia, in America, and 
to transmit the same to the Trustees, by them to be applied to the purposes in 
their charter mentioned; and the Trustees being informed that certain expecta- 
tions have from thence been raised, contrary to their intentions, which may be of 
ill consequence to their said designs : therefore, to obviate any difficulty that 
may attend the same, they desire the said persons will redeliver to Mr. Martyn, 
their Secretary, the said commissions. 

February 7, 1732-3. — Secretary acquainted the Board that he had waited upon 
the above persons. 

December, 1733. — Ordered, That the Secretary do wait on Messrs. Lopez 
Suaso, &c, with the following message in writing : — 

Whereas, a message, dated January 31, 1732-3, was sent for the redelivery of 
their commissions, with which they did not think proper to comply, and which, 
on the said refusal, were vacated by the Trustees; and whereas, the Trustees 
are informed that, by moneys raised by virtue of their commissions, which moneys 
ought to have been transmitted to the Trustees, certain Jews have been sent to 
Georgia, contrary to the intentions of the Trustees, and which may be of ill con- 
sequence to the colony : the Trustees do hereby require the said persons to im- 
mediately redeliver to Mr. Maityn, their Secretary, the said commissions, and to 
render an account in writing to the Trustees of what moneys have been raised 
by virtue thereof, and if they refuse to comply with this demand, that then the 
Trustees will think themselves obliged not only to advertise the world of the 
demand and refusal of the said persons to deliver the commissions and accounts, 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 329 

and of the misapplication before mentioned, in order to prevent any further 
impositions on his Majesty's subjects, under pretence of an authority granted by 
those vacated commissions, but likewise to recover these commissions, and de- 
mand an account of the moneys collected, in such manner as their Council shall 
advise. 

December 29, 1733. — Read a letter from Lopez in answer to the message, and 
Secretary ordered to deliver the message. 

The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America received a 
letter from said persons, in answer to a message sent for their commissions, 
which letter does not appear satisfactory to the said Trustees; they think them- 
selves obliged not only to insist on the redelivery of their commissions, but as 
they cannot conceive but the settling of Jews in Georgia will be prejudicial 
to the colony, and as some have been sent without the knowledge of the 
Trustees, the Trustees do likewise require that the said persons, or whoever else 
may have been concerned in sending them over, to use their utmost endeavours 
that the said Jews be removed from the Colony of Georgia, as the best and only 
satisfaction they can give to the Trustees for such an indignity offered to gen- 
tlemen acting under his Majesty's charter. 

January 19. — The Secretary acquainted the Trustees that he had called upon 
said persons, and delivered to the Board their commissions. 



The remains of Whitefield's Orphan House are about nine miles 
from Savannah. The following account of the Orphan House is 
taken from a pamphlet printed in the year 1746, entitled, " A Brief 
Account of the Rise, Progress, and Present Situation of the Orphan 
House in Georgia," in a letter to a friend, by George Whitefield, A. B., 
late of Pembroke College, Oxon : — 

Romans xii. 17 — l: Provide things honest in the sight of all men." 

Bethesda, in Georgia, March 21, 1745-6. 
Some have thought that the erecting such a building was only the produce of 
my own brain; but they are much mistaken ; for it was first proposed to me by 
my dear friend, the Rev. Mr. Charles Wesley, who, with his excellency General 
Oglethorpe, had concerted a scheme for carrying on such a design before I had 
any thoughts of going abroad myself. It was natural to think that as the 
Government intended this Province for the refuge and support of many of out- 
poor countrymen, that numbers of such adventurers must necessarily be taken 
off, by being exposed to the hardships which unavoidably attend a new settle- 
ment. I thought it, therefore, a noble design in the General to erect a house for 
fatherless children ; and believing such a provision for orphans would be some 
inducement with many to come over, I fell in with the design, when mentioned 
to me by my friend, and was resolved, in the strength of God, to prosecute it 
with all my might. This was mentioned to the honourable the Trustees. They 
took it kindly at my hands, and as I then began to be pretty popular at Bristol 
and elsewhere, they wrote to the Bishop of Bath and Wells for leave for me to 
preach a charity sermon on this occasion in the Abbey Church. This was 
granted, and I accordingly began immediately to compose a suitable discourse. 



330 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

But knowing' my first stay at Georgia would necessarily be short, on account of 
my returning again to take Priest's orders, I thought it most prudent first to go 
and see for myself, and defer prosecuting the scheme till I came home. . . . 
When I came to Georgia, I found many poor orphans who, though taken notice 
of by the Honourable Trustees, yet, through the neglect of persons that acted 
under them, were in miserable circumstances. For want of a house to breed 
them up in, the poor little ones were tabled out here and there ; others were at 
hard services, and likely to have no education at all. 

Upon seeing this, and finding that his Majesty and Parliament had the interest 
of the colony much at heart, I thought I could not better show my regard to God 
and my country than by getting a house and land for these children, where they 
might learn to labour, read and write, and at the same time be brought up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. Accordingly, at my return to England, in 
the year 1738, to take Priest's orders, I applied to the Honourable Society for a 
grant of five hundred acres of land, and laid myself under an obligation to build 
a house upon it, and to receive from time to time as many orphans as the land 
and stock would maintain. As I had always acted like a clergyman of the 
Church of England, having preached in a good part of the London churches, 
and but a few months before collected near a thousand pounds sterling for the 
children belonging to the Charity Schools in London and Westminster, it was 
natural to think that I might now have the use at least of some of these churches 
to preach in for the orphans, hereafter more immediately to be committed to my 
care. But by that time I had taken Priest's orders, the spirit of the clergy began 
to be much embittered. Churches were gradually denied me — and I must let 
this good design drop, and thousands (and I might add ten thousands) go without 
hearing the word of God, or preach in the fields. Indeed, two churches, one, in 
London, viz., Spitalfields, and one in Bristol, viz., St. Philip's and Jacob, 
were lent me upon this occasion, but those were all. I collected for the Orphan 
House in Moorfields two-and-fifty pounds one Sabbath day morning, twenty-two 
pounds of which were in copper. In the afternoon I collected again at Ken- 
nington Common, and continued to do so at most of the places where I preached. 
Besides this, two or three of the Bishops and several persons of distinction con- 
tributed, until at length, having gotten about a thousand and ten pounds, I gave 
over collecting, and went with what I had to Georgia. At that time multitudes 
offered to accompany me ; but I chose to take over only a surgeon and a few 
more of both sexes, that f thought would be useful in carrying on my design. 
My dear fellow-traveller, William Seward, Esq., also joined with them. Our 
first voyage was to Philadelphia, where I was willing to go for the sake of lay- 
ing in provision. I laid out in London a good part of the thousand pounds for 
goods, and got as much by them in Philadelphia as nearly defrayed the family's 

expense of coming over. Here God blessed my ministry daily 

January following. 1739, I met my family at Georgia, and being unwilling to 
lose any time, I hired a large house and took in all the orphans I could find in 
the colony. A great many, also, of the town's children came to school gratis, 
and many poor people that could not maintain their children, upon application 
had leave given them to send their little ones, for a month or two, or more as 
they could spare them, till at length my family consisted of between sixty and 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 331 

seventy. Most of the orphans were in poor case ; and three or four almost eat 
up with lice. I likewise erected an infirmary, in which many sick people were 
cured and taken care of gratis. I have now by me a list of upwards of a hun- 
dred and thirty patients, which were under the surgeon's hands, exclusive of my 
own private family. About March I began the great house, having only about 
one hundred and fifty pounds in cash. I called it Bethesda, because I hoped it 
would be a house of mercy to many souls. Many boys have been put out to 
trades, and many girls put out to service. I had the pleasure the other day of 
seeing three boys work at the house in which they were bred, one of them out 
of his time, a journeyman, and the others serving under their masters. One that 
I brought from New-England is handsomely settled in Carolina ; and another from 
Philadelphia is married, and lives very comfortably in Savannah. We have 
lately begun to use the plough; and next year I hope to have many acres of good 
oats and barley. We have near twenty sheep and lambs, fifty head of cattle, and 
seven horses. We hope to kill a thousand weight of pork this season. Our gar- 
den is very beautiful, furnishes us with all sorts of greens, &c, &c. We have plenty 
of milk, eggs, poultry, and make a good deal of butter weekly. A good quantity 
of wool and cotton have been given me, and we hope to have sufficient spun and 
wove for the next winter's clothing. If the vines hit, we may expect two or 
three hogsheads of wine out of the vineyard. The family now consists of twenty- 
six persons. Two of the orphan boys are blind, one is little better than an idiot. 
I have two women to take care of the household work, and three men and two 
boys employed about the plantation and cattle. A set of Dutch servants has 
been lately sent over. The magistrates were pleased to give me two ; and I took 
in a poor widow, aged near seventy, whom nobody else cared to have. A valu- 
able young man from New-England is my schoolmaster, and in my absence per- 
forms duty in the family. On Sabbaths the grown people attend on public wor- 
ship at Savannah, or at White Bluff, a village near Bethesda, where a Dutch 
minister officiates. The house is a noble, commodious building, and everything 
sweetly adapted for bringing up youth. Georgia is very healthy; not above one, 
and that a little child, has died out of our family since it removed to Bethesda. 



332 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



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336 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Thunderbolt is five miles southeast of Savannah. According to 
General Oglethorpe's account of Carolina and Georgia, this place re- 
ceived its name " from the fall of a thunderbolt, and a spring there- 
upon arose in that place, which still smells of the bolt." 

Beaulieu, about twelve miles from Savannah, was formerly the resi- 
dence of Colonel William Stephens, celebrated in the early history 
of the State. 

Bonaventure is four miles from Savannah, known as the seat of 
Governor Tattnall, one among the most lovely spots in the world. 

Brewton's Hill, now the property of Dr. Screven, was the place 
where a portion of the British landed preparatory to their attack upon 
Savannah in 1778. 

At Gibbons' plantation, seven or eight miles from Savannah, a bat- 
tle occurred in 1782, between General Wayne and a body of Creek 
Indians, commanded by Guristersigo. The Indians fought with 
much spirit, but finally were compelled to fly, leaving Guristersigo 
and seventeen of his warriors dead upon the field. 

Cherokee Hill, eight miles from Savannah, Hutcheson's Island, 
opposite to the city, and many other places in this county, are asso- 
ciated with Revolutionary incidents. 

United States Fortifications in Savannah River.: — Fort Pu- 
laski is situated upon Cockspur Island, fourteen miles from the city. 
The site was selected by Major Babcock, of the U. S. Engineer 
Corps, about twenty years ago, but it was not until 1831 that the 
work was commenced in earnest. In that year, Captain Mansfield 
(now Colonel Mansfield, of the U. S. Engineer Corps) took charge 
of its erection. The entire cost of the work was near a million of 
dollars, and was nearly sixteen years in construction. It has been 
pronounced by competent judges to be one of the strongest and most 
perfect of the kind on the continent. 

Fort Jackson, named after Governor James Jackson, is situated on 
the south side of the river, about three miles from the city. 

Jasper Spring, which is about two miles from Savannah, and just 
within the edge of a forest of oaks and gums, derives its name from 
the following incident : — 

Learning that a number of American prisoners were to be brought 
from Ebenezer to Savannah for trial, Sergeant Jasper determined to 
release them at all hazards. With Sergeant Newton as his compan- 
ion, at this spring, about thirty yards from the main road, he waited 
the arrival of the prisoners. When the escort, consisting of a sergeant, 
corpora], and eight men, and the prisoners in irons, stopped to refresh 
themselves at the spring, two of the guard only remained with the 
captives. The others leaned their guns against the trees, when Jas- 
per and Newton sprung from their hiding-place, seized the guns, 
and shot down the two sentinels. The remaining six soldiers were 
deterred from making any effort to recover their guns, by threats of 
immediate death, and were forced to surrender. The prisoners were 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 337 

releaased, and Jasper and Newton, with their redeemed friends and. 
captive foes, crossed the Savannah River and joined the army at Pu- 
rysburg. j In the disastrous siege of Savannah, the gallant Jasper lost 
his life". "" Shortly after the battle of Fort Moultrie, the lady of Colo- 
nel Bernard Elliott presented an elegant pair of colours to the Second 
Regiment, to which Jasper was attached. Her address on the occa- 
sion concluded thus : " I make not the least doubt, under Heaven's 
protection, you will stand by these colours so long as they wave in 
the air of liberty." In reply, a promise was made that they should be 
honourably supported, and never should be tarnished by the Second 
Regiment. This engagement was literally fulfilled. Three years af- 
ter they were planted on the British lines at Savannah. One by 
Lieutenant Bush, who was immediately shot down. Lieutenant 
Hume, in the act of planting his, was also shot down ; and Lieute- 
nant Gray, in supporting them, received a mortal wound ; and while 
Jasper was in the act of replacing them, he received a death-shot. 
An officer called to see him, to whom he thus spoke : " I have got 
my furlough. That sword was presented to me by Governor Rut- 
ledge, for my services in the defence of Fort Moultrie ; give it to my 
father, and tell him that I have worn it with honour. If he should 
weep, tell him his son died in the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. 
Elliott that I lost my life supporting the colours which she presented 
to our regiment. If you should ever see Jones, his wife and son, tell 
them that Jasper is gone, but that the remembrance of the battle 
which he fought for them brought a secret joy to his heart, when it 
was about to stop its motion for ever." 

Savannah was taken by the English in 1779. 

The following is the English account of the reduction of Savannah 
in 1779, contained in a letter addressed by Colonel Campbell to Lord 
George Germain, dated Savannah, January 16, 1779 : — 

In consequence of orders from Sir Henry Clinton, to proceed to Georgia with his 
Majesty's 71st Regiment of foot, two battalions of Hessians, four battalions of Provin- 
cials, and a detachment of the Royal Artillery, Colonel Archibald Campbell em- 
barked at Sandy Hook on the 27th November. 1778, and arri/ed off the Island of 
Tybee on the 23d December, escorted by a. squadron under the command of Com- 
modore Parker. On the 24th, the greatest part of the transports got over the bar 
and anchored in Savannah River. On the 27th, the balance of Commodore Parker's 
fleet joined him. During the time occupied in bringing the last division of the 
fleet over the bar, from the provincial battalions, were formed two corps of light 
infantry, the one to be attached to Sir James Baird's light company of the 7lst 
Highlanders, the other to Captain Cameron's company of the same regiment. 
Having no intelligence that could be depended upon with respect to the military 
force of Georgia, or the dispositions formed for its defence, Sir James Baird's 
Highland company of light infantry, in two flat-boats, with Lieutenant Clarke, of 
the Navy, was dispatched in the night of the 25th, to seize any of the inhabit- 
ants they might find on the banks of Wilmington River. Two men were taken, 
from whom the enemy derived information which they considered satisfactory, and 



338 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

induced them to resolve to land the troops the next evening at the plantation of 
Mr. Gerredeaux, twelve miles further up the river, and two miles from the town 
of Savannah. The Vigilant man-of-war, with the Comet galley, the Keppel armed 
brig, and the Greenwich armed sloop, followed by the transports in three divi- 
sions, in the order established for a descent, proceeded up the river with the tide, 
at noon. About four o'clock in the evening the Vigilant opened the reach to 
Gerredeaux's plantation, and was cannonaded by two American galleys. 

The tide and evening being too far spent, and many of the transports having 
grounded at the distance of five or six miles below Gerredeaux's plantation, the 
descent was delayed until next morning. The first division of troops, consisting 
of all the light infantry of the army, the New-York volunteers, and the first bat- 
talion of the 71st, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland, were 
landed at break of day on the river dam in front of Gerredeaux's, from whence a 
narrow causeway of six hundred yards in length, with a ditch on each side, led 
through a swamp directly for Gerredeaux's house, which stood upon a bluff about 
thirty feet high. The light infantry, under Captain Cameron, having first reached 
the shore, were formed, and led briskly forward to the bluff, where a body of fifty 
Americans were posted, and from whom they received a smart fire of musketry; 
but the enemy rushed forward and drove them into the woods, and secured a 
landing for the rest of the army. Captain Cameron and two Highlanders were 
killed, and five Highlanders wounded. The army of Major-General Howe was 
drawn up about half a mile east of the city of Savannah, with several pieces of 
cannon in their front. The first division of troops, together with one company of 
the second battalion of the 71st, the first battalion of Delancey's, the Wellworth, 
and a part of the Wissenbach regiment of Hessians being landed, Colonel Camp- 
bell went in pursuit of the Americans, leaving a considerable force to cover the 
landing-place. On the troops reaching the road leading to Savannah, the divi- 
sion of the Wissenbach regiment was posted on the cross-roads, to secure the 
rear of the army; a thick swamp covered the left of the line of march, and the 
light infantry, with the flankers of each corps, effectually covered the cultivated 
plantations on the right. The troops reached the open country, near Tattnall's 
plantation, before three o'clock in the afternoon, and halted on the road about two 
hundred paces short of the gate leading to Governor Wright's plantation. 

The American army were drawn up across the road, at the distance of eight 
hundred yards from this gateway. One-half, consisting of Thompson's and 
Huger's regiments of Carolina troops, were formed under Colonel Huger, with their 
left oblique to the road leading to Savannah, their right to a wooded swamp 
covered by the houses of Tattnall's plantation, in which some riflemen had been 
placed. The other half of the American army, consisting of part of the first, 
second, third, and fourth battalions of the Georgia brigade, was formed under 
Colonel Elbert, with their right to the road, and their left to the rice swamps of 
Governor Wright's plantation, with the fort of Savannah bluff behind their left 
wing, in the style of a second flank: the town of Savannah, round which were 
the remains of an old line of intrenchment, covered their rear. One piece of 
cannon was planted on the right of their line, about one hundred paces in front 
of the traverse. At a spot between two swamps a trench was cut across the 
road ; and about one hundred yards in front of this trench a marshy rivulet run 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 339 

almost parallel the whole extent of their front ; the bridge of which was burnt 
down, to interrupt the passage and retard the progress of the English. 

Colonel Campbell discovered, from the movements of the Americans, that they 
expected an attack upon their left, and he was desirous of confirming that expec- 
tation. Having fallen in with a negro named Quamino Dolly, Colonel Campbell 
induced him, by a small reward, to conduct the troops, by a private path through 
the swamp, upon the right of the Americans. Colonel Campbell ordered the first 
battalion of the 71st to form on his right of the road, and move up to the rear of 
the light infantry, whilst he drew off that corps to the right, as if he meant, to 
extend his front to that quarter, where a fall of ground favoured the concealment 
of this manoeuvre. Sir James Baird had orders to convey the light infantry to 
the hollow ground quite to the rear, and penetrate the swamp upon the enemy's 
left, with a view to get round, by the new barracks, into the rear of the enemy's 
right flank. The New-York volunteers, under Colonel Tumbull, were ordered to 
support him. During the course of this movement, the enemy's artillery were 
formed in a field on their left of the road, concealed from the Americans by a 
swell of ground in front, to which Colonel Campbell meant to run them up for 
action, when the signal was made to engage, and from whence he could either 
bear advantageously upon the right of the American line as it was then formed, 
or cannonade any body of troops in flank which they might detach into the 
wood to retard the progress of the light infantry. Campbell then commenced the 
attack, and the American line was broken. About one hundred of the Georgia 
Militia, under the command of Colonel George Walton, posted at the new bar- 
racks with some pieces of cannon, were attacked by Sir James Baird, and, 
after fighting bravely, were compelled to retreat. The General (Howe) or- 
dered a general retreat, which was made in great confusion. 

"Few conquests," says McCall, "have ever been made with so little loss 
to the victor. Thirty-eight officers, four hundred and fifteen non-commissioned 
officers and privates, one stand of colours, forty-eight pieces of cannon, twenty- 
three mortars, ninety-four barrels of powder, the fort, with all its stores, and the 
capital of Georgia, fell into the hands of the enemy, without any other loss on 
their part than that of one commissioned officer and two privates killed, one ser- 
geant and nine privates wounded. The Americans lost eighty-three killed. 

Many of the inhabitants of Savannah who were not in this action 
were bayoneted in the streets, and those who refused to enlist in the 
British service were placed on board of prison-ships. Among- the 
prisoners were the Hon. Jonathan Bryan, Rev. Moses Allen, Mr. 
Mordecai Sheftall and Mr. Sheftall Sheftall, Edward Davis, Dr. 
George Wells, David Moses Vallotton, and James Bryan, son of 
Jonathan Bryan. 

The following were the names of the prison-ships and their com- 
manders : — 

Nancy, Captain Samuel Tait. 

Whitby, Captain Lawson. 

Eleanor, (hospital ship,) Captain Rathbone. 

The Munificence, Captain . 



340 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

After the fall of Savannah, Commodore Parker and Colonel Camp- 
bell issued a proclamation, which induced a considerable number to 
flock to the royal standard ; and, having left Colonel Innis Com- 
mandant of the town of Savannah, Colonel Campbell directed hi» 
course towards Augusta. 




Sheftall Sheftall, Esq., a soldier of the Revolution, died a few 
years since, at an advanced age. Our artist has represented him 
dressed in the costume which he always wore. He was possessed of 
a most extraordinary memory. Nothing afforded him more pleasure 
than to communicate information concerning " the times that tried 
men's souls." 

We acknowledge our obligations to one of the members of his 
family for a copy of the narrative of the " Capture of Mordecai Shef- 
tall, Deputy Commissary-General of Issues to the Continental Troops 
for the State of Georgia, viz., 1778, December 29th." Mordecai Shef- 
tall was the father of Sheftall Sheftall, Esq. 

This day the British troops, consisting of about three thousand five hundred men, 
including two battalions of Hessians, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Archibald Campbell, of the 71st regiment of Highlanders, landed early in the 
morning at Brewton Hill, two miles below the town of Savannah, where they 
met with very little opposition before they gained the height. At about three 
o'clock, p. m., they entered, and took possession of the town of Savannah, 
when I endeavoured, with my son Sheftall, to make our escape across Musgrove 
Creek, having first premised that an intrenchment had been thrown up there in 
order to cover a retreat, and upon seeing Colonel Samuel Elbert and Major 
James Habersham endeavour to make their escape that way; but on our arrival 
at the creek, after having sustained a very heavy fire of musketry from the light 
infantry under the command of Sir James Baird, during the time we were 
crossing the Common, without any injury to either of us, we found it high water; 
and my son, not knowing how to swim, and we, with about one hundred and 
eighty-six officers and privates, being caught, as it were, in a pen, and the 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 341 

Highlanders keeping up a constant fire on us, it was thought advisable to sur- 
render ourselves prisoners, which we accordingly did, and which was no sooner 
done than the Highlanders plundered every one amongst us, except Major Low, 
myself and son, who, being foremost, had an opportunity to surrender ourselves 
to the British officer, namely, Lieutenant Peter Campbell, who disarmed us as 
we came into the yard formerly occupied by Mr. Moses Nunes. During this 
business, Sir James Baird was missing; but, on his coming into the yard, he 
mounted himself on the stepladder which was erected at the end of the house, 
and sounded his brass bugle-horn, which the Highlanders no sooner heard than 
they all got about him, when he addressed himself to them in Highland language, 
when they all dispersed, and finished plundering such of the officers and men as 
had been fortunate enough to escape their first search. This over, we were marched 
in files, guarded by the Highlanders and York Volunteers, who had come up before 
we were marched, when we were paraded before Mrs. Goffe's door, on the bay, 
where we saw the greatest part of the army drawn up. From there, after some 
time, we were all marched through the town to the court-house, which was very 
much crowded, the greatest part of the officers they had taken being here col- 
lected, and indiscriminately put together. I had been here about two hours, 
when an officer, who I afterwards learned to be Major Crystie, called for me by 
name, and ordered me to follow him, which I did, with my blanket and shirt 
under my arm, my clothing and my son's, which were in my saddle-bags, having 
been taken from my horse, so that my wardrobe consisted of what I had on my 
back. 

On our way to the white guard-house we met with Colonel Campbell, who 
inquired of the Major who he had got there. On his naming me to him, he 
desired that I might be well guarded, as I was a very great rebel. The Major 
obeyed his orders, for, on lodging me in the guard-house, he ordered the sentry 
to guard me with a drawn bayonet, and not to suffer me to go without the reach 
of it; which orders were strictly complied with, until a Mr. Gild Busier, their 
Commissary-General, called for me, and ordered me to go with him to my stores, 
that he might get some provisions for our people, who, he said, were starving, not 
having eat anything for three days, which I contradicted, as I had victualled 
them that morning for the day. On our way to the office where I used to 
issue the provisions, he ordered me to give him information of what stores I had 
in town, and what I had sent out of town, and where. This I declined doing, 
which made him angry. He asked me if I knew that Charlestown was taken. I 
told him no. He then called us poor, deluded wretches, and said, " Good God ! 
how are you deluded by your leaders !" When I inquired of him who had taken 
it, and when he said General Grant, with ten thousand men, and that it had been 
taken eight or ten days ago. I smiled, and told him it was not so, as I had a letter 
in my pocket that was wrote in Charlestown but three days ago by my brother. 
He replied, we had been misinformed. I then retorted that I found they could be 
misinformed by their leaders as well as we could be deluded by ours. This made 
him so angry, that when he returned me to the guard-house, he ordered me to 
be confined amongst the drunken soldiers and negroes, where I suffered a great 
deal of abuse, and was threatened to be run through the body, or, as they termed 
it, skivered by one of the York Volunteers ; which threat he attempted to put into 



342 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

execution three times during the night, but was prevented by one Sergeant 
Campbell. 

In this situation I remained two days without a morsel to eat, when 
a Hessian officer named Zaltman, rinding I could talk his language, removed me 
to his room, and sympathized with me on my situation. He permitted me to 
send to Mrs. Minis, who sent me some victuals. He also permitted me to go and 
see my son, and to let him come and stay with me. He introduced me to Cap- 
tain Kappel, also a Hessian, who treated me very politely. In this situation I 
remained until Saturday morning, the 2d of January, 1779, when the commander, 
Colonel Innis, sent his orderly for me and son to his quarters, which was James 
Habersham's house, where, on the top of the step, I met with Captain Stanhope, 
of the Raven sloop of war, who treated me with the most illiberal abuse ; and, 
after charging me with having refused the supplying the King's ships with 
provisions, and of having shut the church door, together with many ill-natured 
things, ordered me on board the prison-ship, together with my son. I made a 
point of giving Mr. Stanhope suitable answers to his impertinent treatment, and 
then turned from him, and inquired for Colonel Innis. I got his leave to go to 
Mrs. Minis for a shirt she had taken to wash for me, as it was the only one I 
had left, except the one on my back, and that was given me by Captain Kappel, 
as the British soldiers had plundered both mine and my son's clothes. This 
favour he granted me under guard ; after which I was conducted on board one 
of the flat-boats, and put on board the prison-ship Nancy, commanded by Cap- 
fain Samuel Tait, when the first thing that presented itself to my view was one of 
our poor Continental soldiers laying on the ship's main deck in the agonies of death, 
and who expired in a few hours after. After being presented to the Captain 
with mine and the rest of the prisoners' names, I gave him in charge what paper 
money I had, and my watch. My son also gave him his money to take care of. 
He appeared to be a little civiller after this confidence placed in him, and per- 
mitted us to sleep in a state-room — that is, the Rev. Moses Allen, myself and son. 
In the evening we were served with what was called our allowance, which con- 
sisted of two pints and a half and a half-gill of rice, and about seven ounces of 
boiled beef per man. We were permitted to choose our messmates, and I 
accordingly made choice of Captain Thomas Fineley, Rev. Mr. Allen, Mr. Moses 
Valentonge, Mr. Daniel Flaherty, myself and son, Sheftall Sheftall. 



After the conquest of Grenada, in 1779, Count D'Estaing re- 
ceived letters from Governor Rutledge, and Monsieur Plombard, the 
French Consul in Charleston, in which he was urgently requested to 
visit the American coast ; and was also informed that Savannah 
might be taken from the English. Having received orders to act 
in concert with the forces of the United States, the Count sailed for 
the American Continent, and arrived early in September. 

As soon as his arrival was known, General Lincoln, with the army 
under his command, marched for Savannah. 

Various accounts have been given of the unsuccessful attempt of 
the Count D'Estaing and General Lincoln to recover Savannah from 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 343 

the British. We believe the principal facts to be correctly stated 
m the following 



English Account of the Attack and Repulse at Savannah. 

(From the London Gazette of December 21, 1779.) \ 

Admiralty Office, December 21. 

Captain Christian, of his Majesty's armed ship the Vigilant, arrived here 
early this morning with a letter from Captain Henry, of his Majesty's ship 
Fowey, to Mr. Stephens, of which the following is an extract : — 

Savannah River, Georgia, November, 8, 1779. 
I beg you will be pleased to communicate to the Right Honourable my Lords 

Commissioners of the Admiralty the following important particulars : 

That the French fleet, under, the Count D'Estaing, consisting of twenty sail of 
the line, two of fifty guns, and eleven frigates, arrived on this coast the 1 st of 
September past, from Cape Francois, having on board a large body of troops 
purposely for the reduction of this Province. They sailed from the Cape on the 
20th of August, and came through the windward passage, when they dispatched 
two ships of the line and three frigates to Charlestown, to announce their coming 
and prepare the rebel force by sea and land to join the Count D'Estaino-. These 
two ships of the line and frigates were seen from Tybee, the 3d of September 
when Lieutenant Lock, of the Rose, was sent to reconnoitre them, and brought 
word they were French. 

Lieutenant Whitworth, who commands the Keppel armed brig was ordered 
to get ready a fast-sailing tender of his own to proceed to New- York with this 
intelligence, and sailed with his despatches on the 6th, but was chased in a°-ain 
by seven sail. On the 7th, at night, he made another attempt, wherein there is 
every reason to hope he was successful. 

On the 8th, forty-one sail were discovered to the southward of Tybee plyin^ 
to windward. The wind being northerly, as it had been for some days past, 
drove them to the southward of this port. 

Major-General Prevost, at Savannah, was immediately acquainted with their 
appearance, who went to work with every exertion to increase the fortifications 
of the town. Despatches were sent to the Hon. Colonel Maitland, who was 
posted with part of the army on Port Royal Island, and to Captain Christian of 
his Majesty's ship Vigilant, to repair to Savannah as soon as possible with the 
troops, ships, and galleys there. 

The Fowey, Rose, Keppel, armed brig, and Germain, provincial armed ship, 
were so placed that if the French ships came in superior, we might run up the 
river; and the leading marks for the bar were cut down. 

On the 9th, the whole French fleet anchored off the bar, and next day four 
irigates weighed and came to Tybee anchorage. It was determined on their 
approach to run up the river with the King's ships, and join our force with the 
General for the defence of the town. At this time the French were sending 
troops from their ships, which were first put into small crafts from Charlestown 



344 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and run into Osabaw Inlet, from whence they were landed in launches at 
Bowley, thirteen miles from Savannah, under cover of four galleys; and their 
frigates were preparing to advance up the river. 

From the 10th to the 13th we were busy sending to town part of the Fowey 
and Rose's guns and ammunition, in vessels sent by the General for that pur- 
pose. On the 13th, the Fowey and Rose, being much lightened, sailed over the 
Mud Flat to Five-Fathom Hole, three miles below the town, from whence was 
sent up the remainder of the guns and ammunition. 

The Comet galley and Keppel armed brig were directed to place themselves 
below the Mud Flat, so as to cover the passage of Colonel Maitland with the 
King's troops from Port Royal, through Wall's Cut, from whom we had not 
heard since our despatches to him were sent, the communication by boats being 
cut off. 

The 14th and 15th the seamen were employed landing the cannon and ammu- 
nition of the ships from the small vessels ; and this having been done, the seamen 
were appointed to the different batteries, and the marines incorporated with the 
grenadiers of the 60th Regiment. 

On the lGth, the Count D'Estaing summoned the General to surrender the town 
to the arms of his most Christian Majesty ; at the same time saying, his troops 
were the same who so recently stormed and conquered the Grenades ; that their 
courage and present ardour were so great, that any works we should raise, or any 
opposition we could make, would be of no import. Not intimidated with this lan- 
guage, the General called a meeting of field and sea officers, when it was resolved 
to take twenty-four hours to consider. In that time the troops from Beaufort ar- 
rived in boats from the Vigilant and transports, (in Callibogie Sound,) through 
Wall's Cut, under the direction of Lieutenant Goldensborough, of the Vigilant ; 
and now the Count D'Estaing had his final answer, "that we were unanimously 
determined to defend the town.'' 

The General, ever attentive to increase the defences of the town, with Captain 
Moncrief, our principal engineer, was now indefatigably, night and day, raising 
new works and batteries, which astonished our enemies ; and every officer, sol- 
dier, and sailor worked with the utmost cheerfulness, and I have the pleasure to 
inform their Lordships, the General has been pleased to express his particulai 
satisfaction with the services of the officers of the King's ships and transports, 
during the whole siege. 

It being apprehended that the enemy's ships might come too near the town, 
and annoy the rear of our lines, it was judged expedient to sink a number of ves- 
sels to stop the passage ; his Majesty's ship Rose, making at this time seventeen 
inches of water an hour, after sheathing her as low as we could at Cockspur, her 
bottom worm-eaten quite through, and her stern rotten, as appears by a survey 
of shipwrights held on her a short time before, wherein it is declared she could 
not swim over two months, her guns, men, and ammunition being on shore, I 
thought her the most eligible to sink, as her weight would keep her across the 
channel, when lighter vessels could not, owing to the rapidity of the current, and 
hard sandy bottom, which prevented them sticking fast where they were sunk. 
The Savannah armed ship, purchased into the King's service some time before, 
by Commodore Sir James Wallace, was scuttled and sunk also ; four transports* 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 345 

were sunk besides, which, blocked up the channel; several smaller vessels 
were sunk above the town, and a boom laid across the river, to prevent the ene- 
my from sending down fire rafts among our shipping, or landing troops in our 
rear. 

The Fowey, Keppel brig, Comet galley, and Germain provincial armed ship, 
were got to town previous to sinking the vessels; the Germain having her guns 
in, was placed off Yamacraw to flank our lines. 

Three French frigates were now advanced up the river to the Mud Flat, one of 
them having 12-pounders, with two rebel galleys, carrying two 18-pounders in 
their prows, anchored in Five-Fathom Hole, from whence the frigate sailed into 
the back river, with intent to cannonade the rear of our lines; they threw a great 
number of shot, which being at their utmost range, did no execution. The gal- 
leys, advancing nearer, did some damage to the houses. A few shot now and 
then from the river battery, made them keep a respectable distance. 

The French having now made regular approaches, and finished their batteries 
of mortars and cannon, near enough to our works, on the 3d of October, at mid- 
night, opened their bomb battery of nine large mortars ; at daybreak, they also 
opened with thirty-seven pieces of heavy cannon, landed from their fleet, and 
fired on our lines and batteries with great fury. This lasted day and night until 
the morning of the 9th, when, finding little notice taken of their shot and shells, 
at daybreak stormed with their whole force, the Count D ; Estaing at their head. 
This attempt proved most fatal to them, for they met with so very severe a repulse 
from only three hundred men, assisted by the grape-shot from the batteries, that 
from this day they worked with indefatigable labour to carry off their cannon and 
mortars, and descended to a degree of civility we had hitherto been strangers to. 
Their loss was very great, most of their best officers and soldiers being killed or 
wounded, the Count D'Estaing among the latter. 

On the night of the 17th, the French entirely quitted their works, retreated to 
their boats, and embarked under cover of their galleys. General Lincoln, with 
the rebel army, retreated up the country with the greatest precipitation, burning 
every bridge behind them, and we are told that their army is totally dispersed. 

The French have been favoured by the weather to their utmost wishes the 
whole time of being on this coast, their great ships lying constantly at anchor in 
fourteen fathoms, and the small craft from Charlestown employed watering them 
from this river. The only accident we know they met with was losing one boat 
with one hundred men. 

When the French troops were all embarked, an officer was sent on shore to 
exchange prisoners. This being finished, they lost no time in returning down 
the river, with their frigates and galleys, to Tybee. 

The Vigilant, with the Scourge and Vindictive galleys, the Snake, half galley, 
and three transports, were obliged to remain at Callibogie the whole siege, where 
Captain Christian, of the Vigilant, secured them in so strong a position, and 
erected a battery on shore to protect them, that the French and rebels thought 
it most prudent to let them alone. They are now all at Tybee, the French fleet 
having left this coast the 26th of October, and their frigates left this river the 2d 
of November. 

On the 4th of November, the Myrtle, navy victualler, who was taken by the 



346 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

French, and turned into a watering vessel, being blown out of this river a few 
days before they left it, returned to Tybee with a rebel galley, expecting to find 
their friends. They both fell into our hands. The galley is called the Rutledge, 
carries two 18-pounders in her prow, and four sixes in her waist. I have 
named her the Viper, and appointed Mr. John Steel, Master's Mate of the Rose, 
to command her, with an establishment similar to other galleys, until the Admi- 
ral's pleasure is known. Mr. Steel's behaviour at the battery, on the spot where 
the French and rebels stormed our line, deserves particular notice. 

His Majesty's ship, Ariel, of twenty-four guns, on a cruise from Charlestown, 
(when the French came on this coast,) was taken on the 11th of September, after 
a gallant resistance, by the French frigate Amazon, of thirty-six guns. His 
Majesty's ship Experiment, having lost all her masts and bowsprit in a gale of 
wind, on her passage from New-York to Savannah, fell into the middle of the 
French fleet off this bar, and was taken on the 24th of September, together with 
the Myrtle, navy victualler, and Champion, store-ship. 

List of the French Fleet on this Coast, under Count DEstaing. 
First Division — Mr. Bougainville. 
Le Guerriere . . . 74 Le Province ... 64 
Le Magnifique . . 74 Le Marseilles ... 64 
Le Caesar .... 74 Le Fantasque ... 64 
Le Venguer ... 74 

Second Division — Comte D'Estaing. 
Le Languedoc . . . 74 Le Vaillant ... 74 
Le Robuste . ... 74 Le Artizien ... 64 

Le Zele 74 Le Sagitaire ... 54 

Le Annibal ... 74 

Third Division. 

Le Tonant .... 80 Le Fendant ... 74 

Le Diademe . . . 74 Le Refleche ... 64 

Le Hector .... 74 Le Sphynx .... 64 

Le Dauphine, Royal . 70 Le Roderique, store- 

Le Royal .... 70 ship 00 

Frigates. 

Le Fortune .... 38 La Chimere ... 36 

L' Amazon .... 36 La Bordeaux ... 36 

L'Iphigene .... 36 La Bricoli .... 36 

La Blanche . . . 36 La Lys 18 

English Ships taken. 

Experiment ... 50 Lively 20 

Ceres 18 Alert Cutter ... 14 

The land forces on board this fleet were the Irish Brigade, (Dillon,) the regi- 
ment of Foix, the grenadiers, light infantry, and a picquet of the regiments of 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 347 

Armagnac, Agenois, Bram, and Royal Rousillon, and of the colony troops of 
Guadaloupe, Martinique. Cape Francois, and Port au Prince, with marines of 
the ships, amounted to about five thousand five hundred men. They landed at 
first' four thousand, and at different landings about three hundred more, (the rebels 
had three thousand,) besides some hundreds of free blacks and mulattoes, taken 
on board in the West Indies. This fleet is very badly manned, very sickly, and 
the ships in very bad condition, — short of anchors and cables, having no running 
rigging to reel but what came out of the Champion store-ship, from New-York, 
and intended for this port. We have every reason to believe this expedition cost 
them two thousand men. 

Return of Seamen and Marines killed and wounded during the Siege. 
Fowey — One marine killed, one wounded. 

Return of the Officers of the American Forces who were killed and wounded 
in the action at Savannah, Oct. 9, 1779. 

Killed. Second Regiment — Major Motte ; Lieutenants Hume, Wickham, and 
Bush. 

Third Regiment — Major Wise, Lieutenant Bailey. 

General Williamson's Brigade — Captain Beraud. 

Charlestown Regiment — Captain Shepherd. 

South Carolina Artillery — Captain Lieutenant Donnom. 

Major Jones, aid to General Mcintosh. 

Wounded. Cavalry — Brigadier -General Count Pulaski; Captain Bendelo, 
Captain Giles. 

Second Regiment — Captain Roux; Lieutenants Gray and Petre. 

Third Regiment — Captain Tanar; Lieutenants Gaston and Dessasure. 

Sixth Regiment — Captain Bowie. 

Virginia Levies — Lieutenants Parker and Walker. 

Light Infantry — Captain Smith, of the Third; Captains Warren and Hogin, of 
the Fifth ; Lieutenant Vleland, of the Second ; Lieutenant Parsons, of the Fifth. 

South Carolina Militia — Captain Davis ; Lieutenants Bruneau, Wilkie, and 
Warded. 

After five hours' hard fighting, the combined armies displayed a 
white flag, and asked a truce to bury their dead. Prevost granted 
four hours ; and during that interval D'Estaing and General Lin- 
coln consulted in regard to further operations. The latter wished 
to continue the siege, but the Count D'Estaing, whose loss had been 
heavy, resolved on immediate departure. The siege was raised ; and 
on the 18th of October, 1779, the combined armies withdrew. 

The result of this siege was a death-blow to the hopes of the South. 
On the sea-board, every appearance of opposition to royal power was 
crushed ; and only in the interior did the spirit of armed resistance 
appear. In 1782, the British Parliament began to listen to the voice 
of reason, and steps were taken towards the establishment of peace 
between the United States and Great Britain. On the 11th of July 
the British army evacuated Savannah, after an occupation of three 



348 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

years and a half. General Wayne, in consideration of the services of 
"Colonel James Jackson, appointed him to receive the keys of Savan- 
nah from a committee of British officers. Three weeks after the 
evacuation, Governor Martin called a meeting of the Legislature. 




HOUSE IN WHICH THE LEGISLATURE MET. 

This house is on South Broad street, eastward from Drayton street, 
and is supposed to be the oldest brick house in Savannah. 

An account of the siege of Savannah was written by Major-General 
Prevost, commanding his Majesty's forces in the Province of Georgia. 
It does not differ very materially from the above account. It may 
be found in the "American Remembrancer," for 1780. From this ac- 
count we have only space for the letters which passed between the 
respective commanders. 

Copies of Letters which passed between Count D'Estaing and General 

Prevost. 

No. I. — Translation. 

Count D'Estaing summons his Excellency, General Prevost, to surrender to the 
arms of the King of France. He apprises him that he will be personally respon- 
sible for all the events and misfortunes that may arise from a defence, which, by 
the superiority of the force which attacks him, both by sea and land, is rendered 
manifestly vain and of no effect. 

He gives notice to him, also, that any resolution he may venture to come to, 
either before the attack, in the course of it. or at the moment of the assault, of 
setting fire to the shipping or small craft belonging to the army or the merchants, 
in the river of Savannah, as well as to all the magazines in the town, will be im- 
putable to him only. 

The situation of Hospital Hill in the Grenades, the strength of the three in- 
trenchments and stone redoubts which defended it, and the comparative disposi- 
tion of the troops before the town of Savannah, with a single detachment which 
carried the Grenades by assault, should be a lesson to futurity. Humanity obliges 
the Count D'Estaing to recall this event to his memory; having so done, he has 
nothing to reproach himself with. 



CHATHAM COUNTY- 349 

Lord Macartney had the good fortune to escape from the first transport of troops 
who entered a town sword in hand ; but notwithstanding the most valuable effects 
were deposited in a place supposed by all the officers and engineers to be impreg- 
nable, Count D'Estaing could not have the happiness of preventing their being 
pillaged. (Signed,) 

ESTAING. 

Camp before Savannah, the 16th of September, 1779. 



Answer No. I. 

Copy of a Letter from Major- General Prevost to Count D'Estaing, dated 
Camp, Savarinah, September 16th, 1779. 

Sir :— I am just now honoured with your Excellency's letter of this date, con- 
taining a summons for me to surrender this town to the arms of his Majesty, the 
King of France; which I had just delayed to answer till I had shown it to the 
King's civil governor. 

I hope your Excellency will have a better opinion of me, and of British troops, 
than to think either will surrender on general summons, without any specific 
terms. 

If you, Sir, have any to propose, that may with honour be accepted of by 

me, you can mention them, both with regard to civil and military; and I will then 

give my answer. In the mean time I will promise, upon my honour, that nothing, 

with my consent or knowledge, shall be destroyed, in either this town or river. 

(Signed,) 

A. Prevost. 

His Excellency Count D'Estaing, commanding the French Forces, &c, &c, <fcc. 



No. II. — Translation. 

Camp before Savannah, Sept. 16th. 1779. 

Sir : — I have just received your Excellency's answer to the letter I had the 
honour of writing to you this morning. You are sensible that it is the part of the 
besieged to propose such terms as they may desire ; and you cannot doubt of the 
satisfaction I shall have in consenting to those which I can accept consistently 
with my duty. 

I am informed that you continue intrenching yourself. It is a matter of 
very little importance to me; however, for form's sake, I must desire that you 
will desist during our conferences. 

The different columns which I had ordered to stop, will continue their march, 
but without approaching your posts, or reconnoitering your situation. 

I have the honour to be, with respect, Sir, your Excellency's most humble 
and most obedient servant, 

(Signed,) 

Estaing. 

His Excellency General Prevost, Major-General in the service of his Britannic 
Majesty, and Commander-in-Chief at Savannah, in Georgia. 



350 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

P. S. — I apprise your Excellency that I have not been able to refuse the army 
of the United States uniting itself with that of the King. 

The junction will probably be effected this day. If I have not an answer, 
therefore, immediately, you must confer in future with General Lincoln and me. 



Answer No. II. 

Copy of a Letter from Major- General Prevost to the Count D'Estaing, 
dated September Kith, 1779. 

Sir : — I am honoured with your Excellency's letter in reply to mine of this 
day. 

The business we have in hand being of importance, there being various in- 
terests to discuss, a just time is absolutely necessary to deliberate. I am there- 
fore to propose that a suspension of hostilities shall take place for twenty-four 
hours from this date ; and to request that 3'our Excellency will order your columns 
to fall back to a greater distance, and out of sight of our works, or I shall think 
myself under the necessity to direct their being fired upon. If they did not re- 
connoitre anything this afternoon, they were sure within the distance. 

(Signed,) 

A. Prevost. 

His Excellency Count D'Estaing, &c, &c 



(Translation.) 

Camp before Savannah, Sept. 16th, 1779. 

Sir : — I consent to the truce you ask. It shall continue till the signal for re- 
treat to-morrow night, the 17th, which will serve also to announce the recom- 
mencement of hostilities. It is unnecessary to observe to your Excellency, that 
this suspension of arms is entirely ill your favour, since I cannot be certain that you 
will not make use of it to fortify yourself, at the same time that the propositions 
you shall make may be inadmissible. 

I must observe to you, also, how important it is that you should be full aware 
of your own situation, as well as that of the troops under your command. Be 
assured that I am thoroughly acquainted with it. Your knowledge of military 
affairs will not suffer you to be ignorant, that a due examination of that circum- 
stance always precedes the march of the columns; and that this preliminary is 
not carried into execution by a mere show of troops. 

I have ordered them to withdraw before night comes on, to prevent any 
cause of complaint on your part. I understand that my civility in this respect 
has been the occasion, that the Chevalier de Chambis, a lieutenant in the navy, 
has been made a prisoner of war. 

I propose sending out some small advanced posts to-morrow morning. They 
will place themselves in such a situation as to have in view the four entrances 
into the the wood, in order to prevent a similar mistake in future. I do not know 
whether two columns commanded by the Viscount de Noailles and the Count 
de Dillon, have shown too much ardour, or whether your cannoniers have not 
paid a proper respect to the truce subsisting between us; but this I know, that what 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 351 

has happened this night is a proof that matters will soon come to a decision be- 
tween us one way or another. 
I have the honour to be, with respect, &c. 

(Signed.) 

E STAIN G. 
His Excellency General Prevost, Major-General in the service of his Britannic 
Majesty, and Commander-in-Chief at Savannah, in Georgia. 



No. III. 

Copy of a Letter from Major- General Prevost to Count D'Estaing, dated 
Savannah, September 17th, 1779. 

Sir : — In answer to the letter of your'Excellency, which I had the honour to 
receive about twelve last night, I am to acquaint you, that having laid the whole 
correspondence before the King's civil Governor, and the military officers of rank 
assembled in council of war, the unanimous determination has been, that though 
we cannot look upon our post as absolutely inexpugnable, yet that it may and 
ought to be defended; therefore, the evening gun to be fired this evening at an 
hour before sundown, shall be the signal for recommencing hostilities, agree- 
able to your Excellency's proposal. 

T have the honour to be, 

(Signed,) 

A. Prevost. 



Copy of a Letter from Major- General Prevost to Count D'Estaing, dated 
Camp, Savannah, October 6th, 1770. 

Sir : — I am persuaded that your Excellency will do me justice ; and that in 
efending this place, and the army committed to my charge, I fulfil what is due 
u> honour and duty to my prince. Sentiments of a different kind occasion the 
liberty of now addressing myself to your Excellency ; they are those of hu- 
manity. The houses of Savannah are occupied solely by women and children. 
Several of them have applied to me, that I might request the favour you would 
allow them to embark on board a ship or ships, and go down the river under the 
protection of yours, until this business is decided. If this requisition you are so 
good as to grant, my wife and children, with a few servants, shall be the first to 
profit by this indulgence. 

I have the honour to be, &c, &c, 

A. Prevost. 



Answer No. IV. 



Copy of a Letter from Count D'Estaing and General Lincoln to Major- 
General Prevost, dated Camp before Savannah, October 6th, 1779. 
Sir : — We are persuaded that your Excellency knows all that your duty pre- 
scribes ; perhaps your zeal has already interfered with your judgment. The 
Count D'Estaing, in his own name, notified to you that you would be personally 



352 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and alone responsible for the consequences of your obstinacy. The time which 
you informed him, in the commencement of the siege, would be necessary for 
the arrangement of articles, including the different orders of men in your town, 
had no other object than that of receiving succour. Such conduct, Sir, is suffi- 
cient to forbid every intercourse between us which might occasion the least loss 
of time. Besides, in the present application, latent reasons may again exist. 
There are military ones, which in frequent instances have prevented the in- 
dulgence you request. It is with regret we yield to the austerity of our 
functions; and we deplore the fate of those persons who will be the victims of 
your conduct, and the delusion which appears to prevail in your mind. 
We are, with respect, &c, &c, 

(Signed,) 

B. Lincoln. 

EsTAING. 



Return of the Casualties in the different Corps, during the Siege. 

One Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 4 Sergeants, 32 rank and file, killed. 
2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, 1 drummer, 56 rank and file, wounded. 
2 drummers, 2 rank and file, missing. 5 Sergeants, 2 drummers, 41 rank and file, 
deserted. 

Names of Officers killed. 

Lieutenant Henry McPherson, 1st battalion 71st, 24th September. 
Lieutenant Tawse, of ditto, and Captain Lieutenant of dragoons, 9th of Oc- 
tober. 

Captain Simpson, Georgia Loyalists, 8th of October. 
Ensign Pollard, 2d battalion, De Lancey's, 4th of ditto. 

Names of Officers killed. 

Captain Cozens, 3d battalion, Jersey Volunteers, 24th of September. 
Lieutenant Smollet Campbell, 2d battalion, 71st, and Lieutenant of dragoons, 
9th of October. 

Captain Henry, of the South Carolina Royaiists, 9th of October. 

(Signed,) 

A. Prevost, M. G. 

Camp, Savannah, Oct. \8th, 1779. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 363 



LOSS OF THE STEAMER PULASKi. 

A gentleman who was on board of this ill-fated steamer, has kindly 
furnished us with the following interesting narrative, entitled "A 
Memorandum of the Incidents of One Day at Sea." It was prepared 
for the sole use of his family, and it was only after earnest solicitation 
on the part of the author that he consented to furnish him with a copy 
for insertion among the " Historical Collections of Georgia." That 
it will be read with the most thrilling interest, we cannot entertain a 
doubt. 

The steam-packet Pulaski, Captain Dubois, left Savannah at. eight o'clock on 
Wednesday morning, the 13th of June, 1838, with about ninety passengers, and 
a crew of thirty-seven persons. She arrived at Charleston the same afternoon, 
and departed the next morning at six o'clock for Baltimore, with about sixty-five 
additional passengers. 

Of the passengers about forty-five were females, and from fifteen to twenty 
were children. As it was the period of the year when the usual summer migra- 
tion from the South to the North was at its height, and as the Pulaski was a 
favourite boat, particularly in Savannah, the passengers consisted of some of the 
most respectable persons of the two States of Georgia and South Carolina, em- 
bracing, in several instances, every, and in many, most of the members of distin- 
guished families. 

Attracted by the reputation of the packet, the shortness of the voyage, and the 
circumstance that it would embrace "only one night at sea," many persons had 
come to Savannah from distant points to embark in the Pulaski. Among them 
may be particularly mentioned Judge Rochester, of New- York, from Pensacola, 
and a party of eleven persons from Florida, consisting of the Rev. Mr. Woart, 

lady and child, the Rev. Mr. , Dr. Stewart, lady and child, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. 

Stewart, and Mr. McCrea.* From Savannah were Mr. G. B. Lamar, with his 
wife and seven children, being every member of his immediate family; 
Mr. Parkman, with three daughters and a son, Mr. Hutchinson, wife and two 
children, Dr. Cumming and lady, Mrs. William Mackay and two children,, with 
many others. 

The Pulaski, dressed out gaily in her flags, crossed the bar of Charleston be- 
tween seven and eight o'clock. The weather was clear, and apparently settled, 
the wind blowing freshly and coolly from the southeast, and both sky and sea 
giving every promise of a safe and pleasant passage. The appearance and feel- 
ings of the passengers were in harmony with the elements around them. Cheer- 
fulness and pleasure were depicted in every countenance. All appeared happy 
and disposed to contribute to the happiness of others; and the observation was 
general, that to travel in such a way was, truly, a mere jaunt of pleasure. 

As the day advanced the wind increased in force, and shifted to the east. 
During the latter part of the afternoon the waves became high, and the vessel 

* Of this party of eleven persons^ only one escaped. 
23 



354 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

rolled so much that most of the ladies retired to their berths, and at tea many 
even of the gentlemen were missing. 

About sunset the clouds began to muster heavily towards the northeast, and 
predictions were made that a gale was brewing in that quarter. At nine, how- 
ever, the clouds had very generally dispersed, and the stars shone out with great 
brilliancy above; beneath, the sea heaved in long waves, the inky darkness of 
which was relieved only as the wind broke their crests into wreaths of snowy 
foam. 

The sea striking the vessel under the weather bow. and impeding her progress, 
a full pressure of steam was given, to enable her to overcome the resistance, 
which she did in gallant style ; and at ten o'clock, when I left the deck, she was 
dashing through the water at the rate of eleven miles an hour, with a steadiness 
and ease which indicated power, but no unusual effort. At this time nearly all 
of the passengers had retired from the deck to the cabins, where a few still con- 
tinued to converse or read, until half after ten, when the last stragglers went to 
their berths, anticipating a quiet and refreshing night's rest. Having exchanged 
with Colonel and Mrs. Dunham, who occupied the next berths to my own, and 
with whom I had been conversing, the usual wishes for a pleasant night's rest, 
undressing myself, I soon fell into a sound slumber. 

I could not have been asleep more than half an hour when I was suddenly 
awoke by a deep, hollow, and heavy sound, like the discharge of a battery of 
cannon at a short distance, which was instantly followed by a violent concussion 
of the air, a universal tremor of the vessel, and a loud and general crash, as if 
the sides and decks had been, by some irresistible force, crushed together. The 
report and the crash left no doubt that the boiler had exploded; and, as I sprung 
up from my berth, the conviction was strong in my mind that the vessel was in 
a sinking condition. 

The lights having been extinguished in the after cabin, in which I was, by 
the concussion of the air, it was some moments before I could ascertain the posi- 
tion of the companion stairway; and it was only after stumbling over the floor, 
which was torn up, that, placing my hand on the table, and following it down, I 
perceived the light at the head of the companion. On reaching the deck, I pro- 
ceeded to the door of the ladies' cabin — which was immediately above that of 
the gentlemen's — with the intention of seeing two ladies who were under my 
charge, with the double object of calming their fears, and of placing them where 
I could find them. At the door, I met the ladies with their children, all in their 
night-dresses, huddled together, with an expression of wild dismay and horroi 
depicted on every countenance, anxiously inquiring what was the matter. 1 
called for the ladies under my care, when one of them, holding her son by the 
hand, answered, and came to me. I requested her to be composed, and not to 
leave that spot, until I could ascertain the character of the accident, and return 
to her. Proceeding over the fragments of glass with which the deck was 
strewed, and which gashed my feet, I met several persons crying out that the 
boat was on fire, and calling for buckets and water. For an instant I turned; 
but, reflecting that the fire must soon be checked by the leaks, I proceeded over 
the starboard deck to the centre of the vessel, where the engine was placed. 

The scene of wild destruction which there presented itself precluded all hope 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 355 

of safety, and rendered it certain that the vessel must sink in a very few minutes. 
The promenade deck and wheel-house, (which were above the boilers.) with the 
state-rooms on the right side, were all blown off, the decks ripped up, the bar- 
room and bulkhead, between the boilers and the forward cabin, crushed, and the 
right side of the hull so shattered, that the sea rushed in most fearfully. The 
boiler appeared to have been rent in the top, throughout its whole length, and 
the end next to the bow of the boat burst out on the right side. 

The Jefl boiler and that side of the vessel were comparatively uninjured, in 
consequence of which, she careened over to the left^ and fortunately threw the 
shattered side partially out of water. As she, however, soon fell into the trough 
of the sea, at every roll the water rushed in, and increased in quantity as she set- 
tled down. Perceiving that the boat was inevitably and rapidly sinking, I 
returned towards the stern. 

As I reached the companion of the after cabin, I met a poor wretch dragging 
himself on the deck, and calling out most piteously, "0 God! both of my legs 
are blown off.'' It was the barber, whose shop was near the boilers. 

At this moment, the ladies' cabin and the deck in front of it presented a most 
heart-rending spectacle. Ladies, children, and men, all in their night-clothes, 
were grouped together. The wildest expression of alarm and despair marked the 
countenances of the ladies, while the gentlemen were anxiously seeking for their 
wives and children, and endeavouring to calm their fears by holding out hopes 
which they knew to be utterly vain. There were frantic and wild calls for hus- 
bands and children — despairing inquiries if there was no hope of safety — horror 
and utter dismay; but there was little shrieking. The shock was, as yet, too 
sudden and stupefying, the danger too undefined, for loud exclamations of grief or 
alarm. There seemed to be a general, deep, and appalling feeling, that some 
terrible and overwhelming calamity had occurred; but as yet everything was 
uncertain and undefined. 

As I reached the companion of the gentlemen's cabin, I stood still for a moment 
to rally myself. I felt that the final hour of my existence had arrived, that there 
was no possible escape, and I summoned up all my energies to meet my fate with 
calmness and fortitude. The images of my wife, children, father and mother, 
flashed before my mind; the bitter pang of the last separation wrung my soul for 
an instant ; — the struggle was over, and I w T as collected and ready to meet the 
emergency. 

My thoughts were now directed to the ladies and children under my care, 
whose helpless and dependent situation called for every effort to save them. Im- 
mediately descending to my berth, I drew on my pantaloons, and made the mental 
inquiry, what articles of clothing would be most useful. Boots and shoes were 
rejected, as too cumbrous for swimming; and, throwing a large camlet cloak 
over my arm, for the protection of the ladies and children, I reached the deck, 
and passed rapidly to the starboard quarter, where I had noticed one of the small 
yawls hanging, and many settees and tables. As I got to it, I found two of the 
crew casting off the ropes, and in the act of lowering the boat. I had now but 
to spring in, and my individual safety was insured; — the ladies were, however, 
not there. The time lost in searching for them would probably deprive me 
of this only chance of life; but the occasion called for the risk. 



356 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Proceeding to (he door of the ladies' cabin, and assuming as calm a tone as I 
could, I called for the ladies under my care. They instantly replied ; when, 
merely observing, •' Follow me, ladies — you have not a moment to lose, ; ' I turned 
towards the yawl, and the ladies followed. We had not proceeded far when 

Mrs. 's foot slipped, and she fell with her son. I turned to assist them, but 

before I reached her she had recovered. This accident placed one of the ladies 
in advance, and, by the time I had got up with her, she had reached the boat. 
The hands were in it, and had nearly lowered it down to the water. Taking the 

infant from Mrs. , I assisted her on to the bulwarks, and requested her to 

jump into the boat, which she immediately did — a distance of ten feet. Her 
fall was fortunately broken by striking on one of the persons in the boat. Per- 
ceiving that the boat was about to be shoved off, I then sprang down myself, with 
the infant in my arms. The yawl surged off as I sprang, my feet struck the 
gunwale, and I fell backwards into the sea. When I arose to the surface, I re- 
gained the boat, and threw the infant into its mother's arms. Getting in. I 

requested Mrs. to throw down her son, which she immediately did. I 

caught him, and called to her to jump herself; — she fell into my arms, and the 
whole of our party were safe in the yawl. The next instant it was shoved off. 
As I looked up, the side of the steamboat was thronged with persons, calling out, 
'•Hold on to that boat — don't shove off that boat." In another moment, had the 
boat not been pushed off, they would have precipitated themselves in a mass on 
us, and sunk it. 

There are moments in life, when the escape from impending danger has ex- 
ceeded all possible hope, that the belief of an overruling Providence is felt 
with irresistible force. The heart then, overflowing with gratitude, bows with 
deep-felt thankfulness to the hand that has been stretched out to save. Never were 
persons in a situation more calculated to inspire such a feeling than we were at 
this moment. 

When the yawl left the side of the Pulaski, it was agreed that we should place 
ourselves at such a distance from her as to be beyond the vortex, if she sunk sud- 
denly, and yet near enough to regain her, if, contrary to our expectations, she 
should continue to float. In pursuance of this intention, the yawl was allowed 
to drift about one hundred and fifty yards astern of the steamer, and, keeping her 
head on to the sea, the two sailors, who had taken the oars, endeavoured to pre- 
serve that distance. 

Having accomplished the great object of getting out of the sinking vessel, our 
attention was now directed to our own situation. We found ourselves in a 
small yawl from sixteen to eighteen feet long, crowded with twelve persons, 
who consisted, besides the ladies and children under my care, of Captain Pooler 
and son, Mr. William Robertson, a seaman, (alias Barney,) a negro waiter, (Solo- 
mon,) and two negro women. For some minutes it was doubtful whether the 
boat could live in the sea, or whether she could be kept from filling with water. 
She leaked very much, and the only article to bail with was a slipper of one of 
the negro women. The wind was blowing freshly, and the sea running high, 
and there were but two oars in the boat with which to manage her. These dan- 
gers appeared, however, small to that which had just been escaped, and there 
was a feeling of comparative safety. The two seamen rowing to keep the head 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 357 

of the boat to the sea, and to avoid drifting, and one person bailing incessantly. 
we remained at one hundred to two hundred yards from the Pulaski, awaiting, 
with feelings of intensely painful anxiety, the closing scene of the awful catas- 
trophe. The wind was blowing freshly and keenly from the east, tne sea rolling 
in heavy black waves below us, whilst the sky above was partially obscured by 
flying clouds. The galley lights of the steamer were still burning brilliantly, 
and, as she rose and fell with the heaving ocean, she appeared as if illuminated 
for some fete. This brilliant and holy- day appearance, compared with the utter 
wretchedness and despair of the helpless human beings in her, who were rapidly 
approaching that awful moment when the ocean was to swallow up them and 
her, presented a contrast the most touching and painful. 

From our position, we could perceive that she was fast settling in the water ■ 
and in profound silence, and with the most intensely painful feelings, we awaited 
the moment when nearly two hundred human beings, many of them our intimate 
friends, were to experience the agony of the last mortal struggle, in the darkness 
of the night, on the wild abyss of the ocean, remote from friends or human suc- 
cour, and suddenly called from the deep slumber which had followed a day of 
happiness and of hope, to meet not only a fearful death themselves, but to witness 
the expiring agonies, and to hear the dying shrieks, of those most dear to 
them. 

The mass above the waters gradually diminished, and in a moment every lio-ht 
was extinguished, and all was darkness. As the water approached the upper 
deck, a single wave had swept over the whole of the galley lights, and with 
them hope seemed also to be extinguished. 

Soon afterwards a heavy crash was heard, followed by a loud and piercing 
shriek. The boat had broken in two; then came the crackling of planks, as if 
the decks were breaking up; shrill, wild, and prolonged shrieks ensued, with the 
quick and agonizing cry of the dying, all rising at once, and ringing wildly over 
the waste of waters. In a few minutes the burst of frantic despair and agony 
had ceased; the larger portion of the sufferers had experiened the short and bitter 
pang of death, and had sunk to rise no more. Instead of shrieks, were now heard 
the long and deep halloo for assistance from persons who were clinging to such 
fragments of the wreck as they had grasped when they were precipitated in the 
ocean by the breaking of the boat, and the separation of the deck from the 
hull. 

Soon after this time, the other quarter-boat, under charge of the mate, Mr. 
Hibbert, came near us. Having hailed each other, it was agreed that we 
should keep together, to render such mutual assistance as might be in our 
power. Understanding that we were in a leaky situation, the mate gave us a 
hat to bail with, and an oar to aid in steering. We then, supposing that he had 
in his boat as many as it could carry, proposed to steer for the shore. To this he 
replied, that he would not quit the wreck until daylight, and that he would con- 
sider it an act of murder if he did. We very cheerfully assented, when we found 
that he had but five persons in his boat, to cruise with him among the fragments 
of the wreck, in order to pick up as many persons as his boat could carry. In 
our leaky state, we had already as many on board as she could well float 
with. 



358 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Following at a-short distance from the other boat, we continued for several 
hours to cruise among the fragments of the wreck, which were thickly strewed 
over the sea, and which threatened, from the darkness of the night, to stave in 
our frail barks. The mate directed his course as he heard the calls for assistance. 
The first person relieved was Mr. Bird, of Georgia, who was nearly exhausted 
with the effort of supporting himself. The next were two firemen, dreadfully 
scalded. We were then hailed by some persons on a raft, who said they were 
ten in number. Fearing that they would sink our boats, we turned away from 
them. The next person picked up was a young German, a son of the Duke of 
Leuchtenberg, who was found floating on a settee. The last was an old gentle- 
man, Judge Rochester, of New-York. The mate then came alongside, and re- 
quested us to take the last gentleman into our boat, which we did, and proposed 
to go in search of one of the deck boats, which had sunk after having been 
launched. When he had placed Judge Rochester in our boat, and was turning 
off, the judge, filled with joy at his escape, and gratitude to his preserver, called 
out, in the most heartfelt manner, ' : Mr. Hibbert, you are a noble fellow — God 
bless you ! ; ' Alas! at that moment of supposed safely, he little thought that he 
had received but a brief respite from that watery grave into which he was des- 
tined to sink, after enjoying for a few short hours the cheerful light of day. 

We soon reached the yawl we were seeking, and the united efforts of the per- 
sons in the two boats were directed to bail her out. After a long but fruitless 
attempt, she was abandoned, as the water poured in through the open seams faster 
than we could bail it out with hats, the only instruments for that purpose we had. 

As both boats had now as many persons in them as they could safely carry, 
it was proposed that we should direct our course for the land. Our longer stay 
with the wreck could be productive of no good to others, and might endanger our 
own lives, should a change of wind or stormy weather occur. We were also de- 
sirous of avoiding the harrowing sight of recognizing our perishing friends, and of 
leaving them, with a knowledge of who they were, to die without being able to 
render them any assistance. These reasons, added to the threatening appearance 
of the sky, from which a squall of wind and rain had just burst on us, overruled 
the objections of the mate, and at half past three o'clock the heads of the boats 
were turned towards the land. 

The moon, which had arisen about two hours before, gave but a very feeble 
light from behind a mass of heavy clouds; and the first faint streaks of the 
morning light were just appearing in the east. The sky was gloomy and 
threatening, and the sea. under a fresh wind, was heaving in long inky waves, 
the crests of which broke incessantly into sheets of white spray. The fragments 
of the wreck floated by us ; but we saw nothing of the hull of the Pulaski ; 
and we presumed, from its sudden disappearance from our eyes, and the assur- 
ances of those we had picked up, that it had sunk with the machinery. The 
only survivors were supposed to be those who were clinging to fragments of 
the wreck, to whom we could render no farther assistance; and with heavy 
hearts we turned away from the melancholy scene. The calls for aid were 
still heard around us. As they came faintly and despairingly from the dis- 
tance, — now drowned by the winds and the waves, and again swelling mourn- 
fully on the ear, — the unseen spirits of the deep seemed to be wailing for the un- 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 359 

timely fate of the young, the beautiful, the wise, and the brave, whose lifeless, 
but yet warm bodies, were sinking to that deep tomb where rest "the sea- 
buried." 

The land was supposed to lie in a northwest direction, about thirty-five miles 
distant; and the mate steering one boat, and myself the other, we struck off for 
it. Few words were exchanged ; and in silence, broken only by the incessant 
moaning of the scalded firemen, one of whom was fast dying from the acuteness 
of his sufferings, we proceeded on our melancholy and dangerous voyage. The 
sea and wind were both high ; but the boats, which became tighter, rode the 
waves admirably, although they appeared every moment in danger of destruc- 
tion, as they reeled on the crests of the waves, or plunged into the deep gulfs 
between them. 

Day at length broke, and all eyes were directed to every point of the horizon, 
in the hope of seeing some friendly sail ; but nothing met the sight but the 
boundless ocean, which seemed the more dreary and solitary when con- 
trasted with the small and frail barks which were tossing on its bosom. The 
sun rose brilliantly, and the hearts of all were insensibly cheered by its en- 
livening influence. The heat, however, soon became oppressive, as it fell with 
tropical fervour on the unprotected heads of the half-naked party; and such ex- 
pedients as were in the power of each, were adopted for protection. The ladies 
and children found the ample folds of the cloak almost, as valuable a screen 
against the fervid rays of the sun, as it had proved against the chill wind of 
the night. The gentlemen resorted to handkerchiefs, waistcoats, and aprons, as 
substitutes for hats. The half-clad and grotesque appearance of every one 
tended to excite feelings of the ridiculous, which were suppressed as soon as 
they arose, by the recollection of the awful scene that had just been witnessed, 
and of the dangers yet before us. Notwithstanding this, there was yet an obvi- 
ous feeling of cheerfulness pervading the party. The mind, after the intense 
excitement of the night, required relief, and passed rapidly from a state of de- 
spair to that of hope. Conversation became general ; and the ladies, who during 
the most trying period of the night had never uttered an expression of fear, 
showed a calmness and cheerfulness which did them the greatest honour. 

Directing our course by the position of the sun, we continued to pull steadily 
for the shore. The only coat in the boat was extended by two of the seats, and 
erected into a temporary sail. Aided by it, the oars, the waves, and the wind, 
which blew directly on to the shore, we proceeded at the rate of three miles an 
hour. 

The moanings of the scalded seamen increased as the day advanced; and it 
was a piteous sight to witness the swollen, blackened, and skinless faces of the 
two poor wretches as they writhed under the burning sun, and tossed their arms 
about in the agony of their pain. About nine o'clock, the persons in the mate's 
boat lay on their oars, and allowed us to pass ahead of them, until they were 
sufficiently astern to escape the observation of the ladies, when the body of one 
of the scalded men, who had died, was consigned to the deep. The boat then 
came alongside, and it was proposed to relieve us of some of our crew, as we 
were found to be overloaded. Judge Rochester and the negro women were ac- 
cordingly transferred to it. 



360 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The men in the boats taking their turns at the oars, now continued to row 
under a most scalding sun, which blistered their faces, hands, and feet, and oc- 
casioned the most painful thirst. There being neither water nor food in the 
boats, the only relief to be found was in keeping the feet and arms wet with 
salt water. 

About ten o'clock a large shark came near the boats, but after some time, 
left us. 

The persons in the boats, who had been incessantly exerting themselves since 
midnight, now began to sink from fatigue and thirst, and every eye was 
anxiously directed towards the land. Deceived by their wishes, there were fre- 
quent false reports that it was in sight. At last, about twelve o'clock, the mate, 
who was standing up in his boat, was observed to wave his handkerchief and 
point to the west. As we strained our eyes in that direction, a faint line of blue 
hanging above the water, and scarcely distinguishable from it, gave us the glad 
assurance that we were really in sight of land. The hopes of the party re- 
vived, and with it their strength. Even the poor negro, whose tongue had been 
for some time hanging from his mouth from exhaustion, cheered up and renewed 
his efforts. 

As we neared the land, it was found to be low, with a white sandy beach 
skirting it. 

Deceived by our wishes, we imagined that we saw houses and villages, but 
they vanished from our eyes as we approached, and melted into barren hillocks 
and a desert shore. 

At three o'clock, we were within a quarter of a mile of the land, and endea- 
voured to discover some inlet or bay which would afford us a safe landing. But 
as far as the eye could extend, there was between us and the land an uninter- 
rupted wall of heavy breakers roaring and dashing on it with irresistible force. 
Beyond the beach, at the distance of two miles, the country appeared to be 
better wooded ; and in the midst of a field several buildings were distinguish- 
able. Behind us was the ocean, with all the recollections of the fearful night 
fresh in every memory; before us the firm land, associated with the idea of per- 
fect safety ; but between us and that place of security dashed the breakers, 
threatening destruction to all who should attempt to reach it through them. 

The mate, who was some distance in advance, as he approached the shore 
laid on his oars until we came up. He then mentioned that the persons in his 
boat, worn out with fatigue, thirst, and hunger, refused to row any farther, and 
had determined to attempt a landing; but that he himself regarded it as a very 
dangerous measure. Fully agreeing with him in opinion, I urged the propriety 
of keeping down the coast, in the hope of reaching some inlet, or of meeting with 
aid from the shore. Being overruled by the persons in both boats, who insisted 
on landing at once, we most reluctantly consented to do so. Mr. Hibbert then 
proposed, as there were ladies and children in our boat, that we should lie off 
until he had made the attempt, when he would be prepared to point out the 
best course to us. and be ready to assist us as we reached the shore. 

In pursuance of this advice, our yawl was kept with her head to the sea about 
one hundred and fifty yards from the breakers, to await the result of the at- 
tempted landing of the other boat. Every eye was fixed on her. We saw her 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 361 

rise to the summit of the first breaker and disappear behind it. Anxiously we 
sought to catch a view of her rising on the crest of the next, but nothing for 
some minutes was to be seen but the sheet of angry foam which extended for a 
hundred yards from the shore. It was now certain that she had upset, and that 
all in her were struggling for life in the boiling surf. In a short time two per- 
sons were seen issuing from the waves, and reaching the shore. They turned, 
after resting a few seconds, entered the water, and dragged two others to the 
shore, who were thrown on the beach, where they lay apparently insensible. 
The two first persons were then seen to walk in a hurried manner up and down 
the beach, again enter the water, and bring out another. After a considerable 
interval of time, a sixth was dragged to the shore. Those who had landed were 
then observed to spread themselves along the beach, as if searching for the re- 
maining persons of their party; but no more appeared. After some time, they 
were seen to drag their boat out of the water. All further hope then ceased ; 
and it was certain that five out of the eleven had perished. They were, as we 
afterwards learned, Judge Rochester, of New- York, Mr. Bird, of Georgia, the 
scalded fireman, and the two negro women. 

Deterred by the fate of the other boat, my companions now consented to keep 
off, until they could receive aid from shore, through those who had just landed ; 
but they positively refused to row any farther, as I earnestly urged them to do. 
It was now but three o'clock, and as the sun set after seven, we had still four 
hours of light, in which time, feeble and exhausted as we were, we could row, 
with the aid of the wind, eight or ten miles, in which distance there was every 
probability of finding some inlet or safer place of landing. There was also the 
probability that the wind, which was blowing freshly from the southeast, would sub- . 
side at sunset; or that a squall, then forming over the land, would come out, and 
enable us to run in with safety when the first gust of wind should flatten the sea, 
which was breaking on the shore from the southeast. On men suffering from 
intense thirst, and exhausted by fatigue, these arguments had, however, no in- 
fluence. Exertion had become severely painful; and as long as there was the 
faintest hope of safety, they were willing to encounter the danger before them, 
rather than continue their labour and sufferings. 

Those who had landed were observed to drag their boat across the beach, with 
the intention, as we supposed, of proceeding to the settlement which was observ- 
ed in the distance beyond it. The mate was at the same time seen to walk down 
the beach in the direction of a fisherman's hut about a mile and a half south. 
After having been out of sight for some time, the men who had dragged the boat 
across the beach returned, except two, and the mate soon afterwards joined them. 
To our signals of inquiry what we should do, they replied by gestures not to be 
misunderstood that we should continue to keep off, and by no means attempt to 
land. Our party now became desponding, and insisted on landing. Against this 
I warmly remonstrated; but was compelled finally to enter into the compromise 
with them, that if, when the sun touched the horizon, no aid came to our relief, 
I would steer them to land. 

The time dragged heavily along as, with the bow to the sea, the boat was 
merely kept from drifting into the breakers; while we watched anxiously, but in 
vain, for the hoped-for succour. The wished-for squall, after rising for some time, 



362 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

was borne back by the wind from the sea, which, instead of diminishing, fresh- 
ened up considerably as the evening approached. The sun at last sunk behind 
the heavy mass of clouds that obscured the western sky, and admonished me 
that the lime had arrived when the perilous act of landing was to be attempted. 
When I beheld the two helpless ladies and their children, doomed, as it appeared 
to me, to almost certain destruction, I again appealed to the men to abandon the 
attempt. It was, however, made in vain; and submitting to the necessity of the 
case, I proceeded to make such arrangements as promised to increase the proba- 
bility of safety. 

Barney, the young sailor, as the person most to be relied on, was requested to 

endeavour to save Mrs. , should we be upset. Solomon, the negro man, 

was to take care of her child; and as Mr. had his son to attend to, 

Mr. was requested to take Mrs. 's child. But as he declared him- 
self unable to render any assistance, the only alternative was to adopt Mrs. 

's suggestion, to lash her infant to her person, and to endeavour to save 

them both myself. Having requested the ladies to avoid grasping any one around 
the neck or waist who came to their assistance; and the general direction hav- 
ing been given to the party to advance forward rapidly as the breakers struck 
them, to stand still and brace themselves as they receded, and to recover, if pos- 
sible, their footing, should they fall, I requested Barney and Solomon to prepare 
themselves for the attempt of landing, by taking some rest in the bottom of the 
boat. Following their example, I instantly fell asleep ; and remained in that 
state for a quarter of an hour, when, being awoke by one of the men, I took 
the steering oar, whilst Barney and Solomon rowed. 

Proceeding down the coast about a quarter of a mile, the head of the boat was 
turned to the shore; and waiting until the third heavy roller raised us on its 
crest, the order to row was given ; and in an instant we were among the break- 
ers. The sea broke under and around us in one wide sheet of hissing and boil- 
ing foam ; and the boat darted forward with the velocity of an arrow, as it was 
hnpelled by the breaker, which was roaring and dashing with headlong fury to 
the shore. For a moment there was a hope that the boat would preserve her 
course, and escape upsetting; but the next instant the following wave dashed 
tiie oar out of the hands of the negro, and before he could use that which I threw 
to him, the boat broached-to. Another breaker came roaring behind! For a 
moment it hung with its curling crest threatening over us, then rushed down 
with the noise and force of a cataract. The water dashed madly into the boat, and 
in an instant she was turned bottom up, and we were all precipitated into the sea. 
I felt a severe blow on the back of my head, and another on my breast ; the water 
hissed with a confused and rushing sound as it entered ray ears and nostrils, and 
I found myself under the water, and the boat above me. Holding my breath, I 
dove down perpendicularly, struck off horizontally until the light was seen above, 
and then arose to the surface. As I reached it, the boat was floating a few yards 
from me, keel up; and beyond it the men, who had just reached the surface, 
were swimming for the shore. 

Glancing my eyes rapidly around, neither of the ladies nor the children were 
to be seen; but in a few seconds the back of Mrs. came slowly to the sur- 
face. Her head and feet were under water, and she appeared to be struggling. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 363 

As I reached her and brought her head above the water, T found that she had 
her son by the wrist, having convulsively retained the grasp she had of his arm 
as she sat by him before the boat upset. Keeping them above the water, I re- 
gained the bottom of the boat; and supporting them across it, called to Barney 
and Solomon, and reminded them of their promise to save that lady and her child. 
They both immediately turned back, and came to my assistance. I then gave 
one to each; and perceiving that they were in a fair way of being saved, directed 

my attention to Mrs. and her child. They were nowhere to be seen ; 

and I was about diving under the boat, supposing that they might be entangled 
there, when something brushed against my feet, and looking down, I saw a body 
floating, about three feet deep, with the undertow out to sea. Diving down and 

grasping at the head, I caught Mrs. by the hair, and brought her to the 

surface. She was still conscious ; and glancing my eyes down to the infant, 
which continued bound to her body, I had the happiness to find that it was also 
alive, and so little injured that it was as composed as if resting in its nurse's arms. 
Supporting them with my right hand, I swam back to the boat, and held on to 
the keel with my left. In this situation we were forced towards the shore by 
the breakers, which rolled over us with such violence that it was with difficulty 
I retained my hold, as each wave buried me and my charge beneath it. Feeling 
the bottom with my feet, as the fourth wave passed over us, I determined to 
abandon my hold of the boat, as there was danger that it would be dashed against 

us ; and taking Mrs. by the arm, we waded for the shore. The bottom 

was in ridges, and the sand slipped from under our feet, whilst the receding 
waves rushed past us with great force. We had not proceeded very far, when 

Mrs. fell. I made several ineffectual attempts to raise her up; and as 

the water was sweeping us back into the sea, I felt assured that she must perish 
unless she could be got up. Reminding her of my observation that her safety 
depended on her keeping her feet, I requested her to attempt to rise. Fortunate- 
ly, she was sufficiently collected to do so ; and after a further effort, we reached 
the edge of the beach ; when the gentlemen of the first boat, who, seeing us about 
making the attempt to land, had run forward to meet us, came into the water and 
relieved me. 

The excitement being now over, my strength suddenly failed me, and I fell 
down in the water. As the waves passed over me, I crawled forward on my 
hands and knees; and sinking my fingers in the sand, held on as they receded. 
With painful effort. I at length reached the beach beyond the waves, when, 
being completely exhausted, I threw myself in an almost insensible state on 
the sand. I had the happiness, however, before I did so, of knowing that the 
ladies and their children, with every person belonging to our boat, were safely 
landed. 

The first object, after reaching the shore, was to screen the ladies and children 
from the keen easterly wind, which, in their thin and drenched clothes, threat- 
ened to chill them with an ague. The only protection which offered was the lee 
side of a small sandy hillock ; and to this they were taken and covered with dry 
grass and sand, to protect them against the air. The mate then, with the aid of 
some shells which were picked up on the beach, dug a hole in the sand, and pro- 
cured a scanty supply of muddy and brackish water. Nauseous as it would 



364 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

have proved under ordinary circumstances, it was now most grateful and re- 
freshing to persons, none of whom had tasted food or water for twenty-four hours. 
After this slight refreshment, the gentlemen of the party placed themselves in a 
row on the sand, lying as closely as they could together, for mutual warmth, and 
were all soon asleep. 

Soon after ten o'clock, we heard the welcome hail of those who had gone for as- 
sistance ; and in a few minutes we received the glad assurance that they had 
returned with boats, food, and clothing. 

A jug of coffee, another of water, with fried bacon and corn bread, were di- 
vided among us ; and a most welcome distribution of homespun garments, of 
every size and kind, was made among the half-clad and shivering party. We 
then embarked in canoes, and crossed Stump Sound, which separated the small 
barren island, called the Bermudas, from the main-land; and as the clock struck 
eleven, we found ourselves in the house of the kind-hearted Mr. Tigler Kedd, of 
Onslow County, North Carolina. 

One day had just elapsed since the deep sound of the bursting boiler had 
awoke two hundred human beings in the darkness of the night, and in the 
midst of the wild ocean, from their unsuspecting slumbers, to the certainty of a 
speedy and terrible death. We, a small remnant of that gallant crew, found 
ourselves, by the blessing of Providence, alive and on land, after a day of suffer- 
ing, which embraced within its brief space more of excitement, and of danger, 
of horrible and painful recollection, than occur in many long years of ordinary 
existence. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 



365 



DISTINGUISHED MEN OF CHATHAM. 

Rev. J. J. Zubly.— This gentleman was a native of Saltzburg, 
Germany, and appeared to be active among the sons of liberty at the 
commencement of the Revolution. In the first Provincial Congress 
of Georgia he was placed on the most important committees, and 
appointed a member of the Continental Congress. He suddenly left 
the Congress at Philadelphia, and took sides with the crown. He 
was accused of treasonable correspondence with Sir James Wright. 
He returned to Savannah, and, to avoid the indignation of the peo- 
ple, for some time lay concealed in the cellar of a Whig lady, Mrs. 
Smith, the grandmother of A. Smith, Esq., of Roswell. 

We believe that he was afterwards restored to favour with the 
public, so as to be useful during the remainder of his life as a clergy- 
man. He died in Savannah in 1781. 




COLONEL FRANCIS H. HARRIS. 

In the " Magnolia," published in 1842, by P. C. Pendleton, Esq., we 
find the following notice of Colonel Harris : — 

Lieutenant-Colonel Francis H. Harris was a native of Georgia. 
His father, the Hon. Francis Harris, was among the earliest settlers 
of this State, having come from England immediately after Ogle- 
thorpe had planted the colony. When a boy, he was sent to England 
to receive his education, and whilst he was prosecuting his studies, 
the disturbances between the mother country and the colonies com- 
menced. His devotion to his native country would not permit him to 



366 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

remain in England, and accordingly he left college, and arrived in 
Georgia just in time to be amongst the first to take up arms in resist- 
ing the oppressions of Great Britain. He was appointed a Captain by 
the Continental Congress, and in a short time afterwards was pro- 
moted to the command of a battalion. In this capacity, he is men- 
tioned, in the History of South Carolina, as leading a detachment of 
Continental troops to relieve Charleston when it was besieged by 
General Prevost. At Ashe's defeat at Briar Creek, after a gallant 
defence, he was taken prisoner by the enemy. He was present in 
the battles at Camden and Eutaw, and displayed great prowess and 
skill. He died in 1782, and was buried at the high hills of Santee ; 
but his relatives have never been able to discover his grave. 

The Hon. Jonathan Bryan was a prominent man in the early his- 
tory of Georgia, and distinguished himself by his opposition to the 
arbitrary measures of the crown. This patriot, with his son James, 
was sent to New- York and placed on board of a prison-ship. He was 
finally exchanged ; and afterwards, although eighty years of age, fought 
under General Wayne. He died March 12, 178b.* 

David Montaigut, Esq., died in 1796, aged eighty years. This gen- 
tleman had been Speaker of the House of Assembly, Judge of the 
Court of Conscience, Naval Officer, Vice-Consul of France, and Sec- 
retary to most of the societies in Savannah. His father and mother 
lived to be about the same age with himself. 

Major John Habersham died on the 19th of November, 1799, at 
the age of forty-five years. In the American Revolution he early de- 
fended the rights of his country, and was promoted to the rank of 
Major in the First Continental Regiment of Georgia. He was a 
member of Congress in 1785 and '86. Upon the organization of the 
Federal Constitution, he was appointed Collector of the Port of 
Savannah, in which office he continued until his death. 

Major John Barnard, a soldier of the Revolution, died in this 
county at the age of sixty-nine years. Unequivocal in his attachment 
to our republican institutions, he always raised his voice in favour of 
those men and those measures which he believed most friendly to re- 
publican principles. 

Hon. Anthony Stokes. — This gentleman was a native of Wales, 
and upon coming to Georgia, became Chief Justice. He was decided 
on the part of the crown, and, at the evacuation of Charleston by 
the British troops, he became a loyalist refugee. 

* Extract from a letter addressed to Lord George Germain by Major- General Prevost, 
dated January 18th, 1779 : — " On the first of January, Lieutenan Clarke, of the Phoenix, 
was detached with row-boats about seventeen miles up the river Savannah, above Savan- 
nah, upon information that the late rebel Governor of Georgia was at a plantation on 
the South Carolina shore. He did not get the Governor, but returned with one Bryan, 
a notorious ringleader of rebellion.'' 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 367 

Hon. William Stephens, District Judge of Georgia, died in this 
county, at the age of sixty-seven. He was the son of William Ste- 
phens, Esq., President of the Colony of Georgia, and was distinguish- 
ed for his fine intellect and amiable disposition. 

Hon. James Jones was born in Maryland, and came to Georgia when 
very young. After he was admitted to the practice of the law, he 
settled in Savannah, where he soon became very popular. He was 
often a member of the Legislature, and in 1 798 was elected to Con- 
gress. He died at Washington City, 12th January, 1801. 

Hon. Noble Wymberley Jones. — This patriot was born near Lon- 
don, in the year 1723 or 1724. At the commencement of the dissensions 
between Great Britain and the colonies, Mr. Jones took a decided stand 
in favour of the latter. He was among the first of those who asso- 
ciated for the purpose of sending delegates to a General Congress at 
Philadelphia, and would have gone himself as one, had it not been 
for the entreaties of his father, then the Treasurer of the Province, 
and a member of the Council, who was far advanced in years. 

He was, however, chosen Speaker of the Provincial Legislature ; 
and at every new election consequent upon the frequent dissolutions 
of the House of Commons by the Governor, he was returned, and 
elected to that office. When Savannah fell under the power of the 
British, in 1778, he removed to Charleston, where he was arrested, 
by order of the British commander, and carried to St. Augustine. On 
the following July he was released, and went to Philadelphia. 

In this city he remained some time, practising medicine. Whilst 
here, he was appointed by the Legislature of Georgia a delegate to 
Congress, and continued in that capacity until 1782, when he returned 
to Savannah. He died on the 9th of January, 1805, honoured by the 
community as an honest man, a sterling patriot, and a skilful physi- 
cian.* 

John Y. Noel, Esq., died in Savannah — acknowledged to be one of 
the first lawyers of his day. 

Hon. Judge William Davies died in Savannah. His talents were 
of a high order. He was a gentleman of unspotted integrity. 

Hon. Thomas U. P. Charlton died in the city of Savannah. He was 
distinguished for his legal learning. In 1808 he published the Life of 
General James Jackson. 

Colonel John White. — This gentleman was an Englishman by 
birth, of Irish parentage, and was atone time a surgeon in the British 
navy. On leaving the naval service, he embarked with his family for 
America, and purchased a suitable residence near Philadelphia. 

* Abridged from a sketch in the " Americana Encyclopaedia," vol. T : "., p. 479 



368 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

When the Revolution commenced, and all aliens were ordered to 
quit the country or to take the oath of allegiance, he preferred the 
latter, saying " that he had fought for the King as long as he ate 
his bread, but that now America was his home, and for America he 
would now fight." He entered the American army as a captain, and 
was promoted to the rank of colonel. His regiment (4th Georgia 
Battalion) was ordered to Savannah. His exposure and fatigue 
brought on a pulmonary disease, of which he died in Virginia.* 

Colonel White effected, during the siege of Savannah, one of the most 
extraordinary captures the annals of warfare ever recorded. When 
General Prevost called in his detachments, he ordered the com- 
mandant at Sunbury, on the Georgia coast, upon evacuating that 
post, to put the invalids on board of the small-armed vessels, and to 
send them by the inland navigation to Savannah, under the care of 
Captain French, of the British Regulars. In consequence of head 
winds, Captain French and his command were detained until some 
of D'Estaing's fleet wejje in possession of the pass, and he was in- 
duced to sail up the Ogeechee River until he reached a point about 
twenty-five miles from the city of Savannah. Having arrived here, 
he learned that the passage over land was also blocked up by the 
allied force, and he therefore made a descent upon the shore, and 
finally took post with his party about fifteen or twenty miles 
from Savannah. Colonel White, having ascertained that Captain 
French's force consisted of one hundred and eleven soldiers, possessing 
one hundred and thirty stand of arms, and that he also had under his 
charge, in the river Ogeechee, adjacent to his camp, five vessels, 
four of them fully armed, and one of them mounting fourteen guns, 
and manned by forty seamen, formed the resolution of capturing the 
detachment. He disclosed his plan to those who were with him. 
McCall, in his History of Georgia, says that the party consisted of 
Colonel White, Captains Geo. Melvin and A. E. Elholm, a sergeant 
and three privates, seven in all. Other historians make no mention 
of Captain Melvin, or of a sergeant, but give the whole praise to Col- 
onel White, Elholm, and three soldiers, reducing the number to five. 
White built many watch-fires around the camp, placing them in such 
a position, and at such intervals, as to induce Captain French and his 
soldiers to believe that he was absolutely surrounded by a large 
force. The deception was kept up through the night by White and 
his companions, marching from fire to fire with the measured tread 
and the loud challenge of sentinels, now hailing from the east of 
the British camp, and then shifting rapidly their position and 
challenging from the extreme west. Nor was this the only strata- 
gem ; each mounted a horse and rode with haste in divers directions, 
imitating the manner of the staff, and giving orders with a loud 
voice. The delusion was complete. Captain French suffered hinv 
self to be completely trapped. White carried his daring plan for- 
ward by dashing boldly and alone to the camp of the British, and 

• Extract from MSS. furnished by the Hon. R. M. Charlton, of Savannah. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 369 

demanding a conference with French. "I am the commander, 
Sir," he said, " of the American soldiers in your vicinity. If you 
will surrender at once to my force, I will see to it that no injury is 
done to you or your command. If you decline to do this, I must 
candidly inform you that the feelings of my troops are highly in- 
censed against you, and I can by no means be responsible for any 
consequences that may ensue." French thanked him for his hu- 
manity, and said, despond ingly, that it was useless to contend with 
fate or with the large force that he saw was around him, and an- 
nounced, his willingness to surrender his vessels, his arms, his men, 
and himself to Colonel White. At this instant Captain Elholm 
came suddenly dashing up at full speed, and saluting White, in- 
quired of him where he should place the artillery. " Keep them 
back, keep them back, Sir," answered White, " the British have sur- 
rendered. Move your men off, and send me three guides to conduct 
them to the American post at Sunbury." The three guides arrived. 
The five vessels were burned, and the British, urged by White to 
keep clear of his men, and to hasten their departure from the en- 
raged and formidable Americans, pushed on with great celerity, 
whilst White retired with one or two of his associates, stating that 
he would go to his troops in the rear and restrain them. He now 
employed himself in collecting the neighbourhood militia, with 
which he overtook his guides, and conducted, them in safety to the 
Sunbury post. 

Lee, in his account of this affair, says : — 

" The extraordinary address of White was contrasted by the extra- 
ordinary folly of French, and both were necdfesary to produce this 
wonderful issue. The affair approaches too near the marvellous to 
have been admitted into these memoirs, had it not been uniformly 
asserted, as uniformly accredited, and never contradicted." Captain 
Elholm was an officer of Pulaski's Legion. Captain Melvin, it is be- 
lieved, lived and died in Savannah. 

Hon. Joseph Habersham was the son of James Habersham, born 28th 
July, 1751. Among all the patriots of Georgia, there were none 
more devoted to liberty than Joseph Habersham. On every occasion 
in which danger was to be encountered, or service performed, he was 
actively engaged. In 1795 he was appointed by Washington Post- 
master-General of the United States. He died on the 17th of No- 
vember, 1815. 

The Rev. Henry Kollock, D. D., was for many years the pastor of 
the Independent Presbyterian Church in the City of Savannah. This 
distinguished minister was born in New-Jersey, on the 14th of De- 
cember, 1778. On the 7th of May, 1800, he was licensed to preach, 
andl was shortly afterwards invited to become the pastor of a church 
in Elisabethtown, which he accepted, and continued there until 1803, 
when he removed to Princeton, to take upon him the office of Profes- 
sor of Divinity, to which he had been elected. In 1806, he entered 

24 



370 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

upon his duties as pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church in 
Savannah, and continued in that relation until the 29th of December, 
1819, when he was removed by death. As a preacher, Dr. Kollock 
possessed a reputation surpassed by few in America. As a pastor, he 
was diligent and prudent. In private life he was kind and tender. A 
beautiful monument has been erected to his memory in the Savannah 
Cemetery, by his congregation. 

Rev. Henry Holcombe was the son of Grimes and Elisabeth Hol- 
combe, and was born in the County of Prince Edward, Va., on the 
22d of September, 17G2. When very young, his parents removed to 
South Carolina. At " eleven years of age he completed all the edu- 
cation he ever received from a living preceptor." When the Revolu- 
tion commenced, he hastened to the standard of liberty, joined the 
army, and was made a Captain, but soon directing his mind to reli- 
gious subjects, he resigned his commission, connected himself with 
the Baptist denomination, and immediately commenced preaching. 
In a short time afterwards he accepted a call to become the pastor of 
a church at Pipe Creek, South Carolina. Here he continued la- 
bouring to advance the interests of religion, and multitudes under his 
ministry were brought to the knowledge of the truth. Whilst pastor 
of this church, he was honoured by being appointed a member of the 
South Carolina Convention, which ratified the Constitution of the 
United States. On the first of February, 1791, he became pastor of 
the church at the Euhaw, in Beaufort District, South Carolina. Here 
his influence was immediately felt, in removing the prejudices which 
had long existed against the denomination to which he was attached, 
and he may be considered as the founder of the Baptist Church at 
Beaufort. The citizens of Beaufort elected him President of a so- 
ciety for the encouragement of literature. Mr. Holcombe discharged 
his duty with uncommon zeal, and took great interest in the estab- 
lishment of the Beaufort College, of which he was made a trustee. 
In 1799 he removed to Savannah, and in 1800 became pastor of the 
Baptist Church in Savannah. In every scheme proposing the reli- 
gious and intellectual improvement of the people, no one could ex- 
hibit more zeal than Mr. Holcombe. The " Georgia Analytical Repo- 
sitory," the first periodical published in Georgia, originated with, and 
was conducted by him. In 1804 he selected a site for a seminary, 
and petitioned the General Assembly of Georgia for an act of incor- 
poration, but was refused, a small majority supposing that if the 
Baptists became directors of a college, their numbers and influence 
would be dangerous to the religious liberties of the State. It was 
insinuated in the public papers that the Baptists were the leading de- 
nomination in Georgia, and if they obtained a charter with a cele- 
brated writer at their head, the treasury would be in an alarming 
condition, and eventually everything would be under Baptist direc- 
tion. Several applications for an act of incorporation were after- 
wards made, and finally the General Assembly incorporated the se- 
minary, under the title of the " Trustees of the Mount Enon Aca- 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 371 

demy," which for several years was in successful^ operation. In 1810 
he resigned his charge of the church in Savannah, and retired to 
Mount Enon for the purpose of recruiting his health. Whilst here, 
he was called to Beaufort and Boston, both of which calls he de- 
clined. He afterwards accepted a call to be pastor of the First Bap- 
tist Church in Philadelphia, in which city he died on the 22d of May, 
1824. 

Hon. Charles Harris was born in England, and received his edu- 
cation in France. He came to Georgia in 1788, settled in Savannah, 
and became one of the most profound lawyers in Georgia. He died 
March 17, 1827. 

Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. — We feel that we would be failing 
in our duty did we not give this gentleman a place in our Collections. 
At the age of twenty he took his degree at Columbia College, New- 
York, and entered upon the study of divinity in the General Theo- 
logical Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He received deacon's 
orders in 1824. His first and only parish, save the one in which he 
died, (Christ Church, Savannah,) was Prince William's, South Caro- 
lina. Upon the death of the Rev. Abiel Carter, in 1827, then pastor 
of Christ Church, Dr. Neufville was called to fill the. vacancy. For 
nearly a quarter of a century did he continue to occupy this respon- 
sible station, and we hazard nothing in saying, " that few ministers 
have passed so blamelessly, and so successfully, through so long a 
course of service." He died on the first of January, 1851. 

Hon. John Macpherson Berrien. — The paternal ancestors of this 
gentleman were Huguenots. Fleeing from France to Holland on the 
revocation of the Edict of Nantes, two brothers emigrated to this 
country, and settled, the one on Long Island, the other in New- Jer- 
sey. 

His paternal grandfather, John Berrien, was one of the Judges of 
the Supreme Court of New-Jersey. 

The father of the subject of this memoir, Major John Berrien, of 
whom we give a brief sketch in another part of this work, came 
to Georgia at a very early age. Towards the close of the Revolu- 
tionary War he married, in Philadelphia, Margaret Macpherson, the 
sister of John Macpherson, (aid-de-camp of General Montgomery, 
who fell with him at Quebec,) and of General William Macpherson, 
who served in the American army until the close of the war. The 
latter gentleman had a commission in the British army, and the com- 
pany under his command was stationed at New-York ; but beino- un- 
willing to bear arms against his countrymen, he applied for permis- 
sion to resign, which was granted, coupled with a condition that he 
should not leave the British lines, within which he remained under 
the surveillance of a soldier, being indulged, however, with the liberty 
of going in pursuit of ducks on the East River, attended by his guard. 
Having one day advanced some distance from the city, he put his fu- 



372 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

see to the head of his attendant, and ordered him to pull him over to 
the Long Island shore, where he was received by a party of Ameri- 
cans. 

This fact being- known to Congress, that body gave him a Major's 
commission in the American army. Major Berrien having returned 
to Georgia, after the termination of his military service, to prepare 
for the reception of his family, his wife was left at his mother's 
house in New-Jersey. 

This house had been the head-quarters of the army, and from it 
Washington's farewell address to that gallant band was issued. 
Here the subject of this sketch was born, on the 23d of August, 1781. 

Mr. Berrien, then, can claim a double nativity : in New-Jersey, the 
place of his actual birth, and in Georgia, that of his father's domicil, 
to which he was brought when a few months old. His academical 
education was obtained at various schools in New- York and New- 
Jersey, and he was graduated at Princeton at the age of fifteen. It 
is not unworthy of note that this time-honoured institution, in 1830, 
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, on the occasion 
of his delivering an address before its two literary societies. 

Returning to Georgia, he commenced the study of law under the 
direction of the Hon. Joseph Clay, and such was his assiduity, 
that before he had attained the age of eighteen years he was admitted 
to the bar. He opened his office first at Louisville, then the seat ot 
government, and afterwards in the city of Savannah, and applied 
himself with indefatigable industry to the profession in which he had 
embarked. His books were his delight, and to his studious habits in 
the early stages of his legal career may doubtless be attributed the 
great success which he afterwards met with, and which at this time 
places him among the first lawyers in America. 

In November, 1809, he was elected Solicitor of the Eastern Dis- 
trict of the State of Georgia, and the following year judge of the 
same district. At this period the judicial term was limited to three 
years, and Mr. Berrien was elected four times to that office. The 
war with England from 1812 to 1815, in the earlier portion of Mr 
Berrien's judicial career, and the excitement of the public mind in 
such a crisis, in no small degree added to the responsibilities of his 
station. The excesses which prevailed at that period are doubtless 
remembered by many persons now living, and we are sure that they will 
award to Mr. Berrien the praise of having administered the laws with 
prudence, firmness, and impartiality. During the period of his judi- 
cial service, the State was agitated by the advocates and opponents 
of what were called " the alleviating laws" — certain legislative acts 
which prevented the collection of debts, and in effect almost closed 
the courts of justice for all civil suits. The question of the constitu 
tionality of these acts was brought before a Convention of Judges of 
the State, assembled at Augusta, at which Mr. Berrien prepared and 
delivered the unanimous opinion of those judges, declaring the law 
to be unconstitutional, and thus reopening the courts of justice to 
the people. Whilst upon the bench, Mr. Berrien frequently recom- 







^*"*n jtoxD-jp-*^" 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 373 

mended to the General Assembly, at their annual sessions, changes in 
our penal code, which changes have since been made, and their utility 
acknowledged by the wisest men in our State. 

Believing that the defects then existing in our judiciary system could 
be more efficiently corrected by the adoption of measures that would in 
sure uniformity of interpretation, rather than by any new legislative 
enactments which might again be liable to variety of construction, he 
strenuously advocated the establishment of a Court of Errors and 
Appeals. 

During the long period in which Mr. Berrien presided in the East- 
ern Circuit, it is natural to conclude that cases involving human life 
must have been often brought before him. Upon such occasions, 
whilst he felt it to be his duty to see that the mandates of the law 
were strictly observed, he never failed to show to those arraigned be- 
fore him for offences, the utmost sympathy, and every indulgence not 
inconsistent with the obligations he owed to the public weal. 

In discharging the last duty which the law requires in cases punish- 
able by death, it was hardly possible for a judge to be more solemn 
and impressive. We happen to have in our possession a copy of the 
remarks which he delivered to an unfortunate man who had been 
found guilty of murder at Effingham Superior Court in 1818, and 
from it we make a brief extract, to give our readers some idea of Mr. 
Berrien's feelings and language upon such melancholy occasions. 

Addressing himself to the culprit, the Judge said : " You are 
young ; would I could add that you are innocent. The bloom of youth 
still plays upon your cheeks ; would that I could add that the con- 
sciousness of rectitude beams from your countenance. But it may 
not be. The sad reality is before me, and even in your youthful vis- 
age I behold the deep, indelible impressions with which guilt ever 
marks her fallen victims. Alas ! what is man ? The child of error 
— the sport of every furious passion — a helpless vessel on the tem- 
pestuous ocean of life, without a rudder to guide it from the shoals 
and quicksands of vice. Such is the wretched condition of him who 
madly refuses to yield to reason's guidance." 

In Mcintosh, one of the counties embraced in Judge Berrien's 
circuit, a case of homicide occurred, which at the time produced 
much excitement. At the session of the Legislature of 1818, a reso- 
lution was adopted directing inquiries to be made in reference to the 
conduct of the Court and Sheriff. Learning that reports as injurious to 
his reputation as they were unfounded, had been circulated in some 
portions of the State, Mr. Berrien came to Milledgeville, and ad- 
dressed a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in 
which he demanded a full investigation of his conduct. A commit- 
tee, composed of some of the first men in Georgia, was appointed to 
examine the matter, and after a patient investigation, both houses re- 
ported unanimously that Judge Berrien stood acquitted and dis- 
charged, and that whilst they would watch with an attentive and 
jealous eye the administration of the public justice, they would guard 
and protect with a steady hand the inestimable boon of private vir- 



374 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tue and judicial reputation ; and they therefore recommended the fol- 
lowing resolution, which was adopted : — 

u That in the trial, conviction, and sentence of John L. Hopkins, the conduct 
of the Hon. John Macpherson Berrien was identified with ability, unyielding' vir- 
tue, and rigid integrity." 

During a part of trie time in which Mr. Berrien occupied a seat 
upon the bench, as has already been stated, war existed between 
England and the United States. With a regiment of volunteer 
cavalry under his command, he performed a short tour of service at 
Darien, while the British forces were upon the Island of St. Simons, 
and in the adjacent waters, but did not come into contact with the 
enemy. 

Mr. Berrien resigned his office as Judge in the second year of his 
fourth term, and returned to the practice of law, which soon became 
very extensive. 

In 1822 and 1823, he represented the County of Chatham in the 
State Senate, and as the journals of that body will show, with dis- 
tinguished ability. 

A wider field, however, for the exercise of his talents was reserved 
for Mr. Berrien, viz., the Senate of the United States, to which he 
was transferred by the Legislature of Georgia in 1824, and took his 
seat in that body on the 4th of March, 1825. 

It is not in accordance with the plan of this work to express 
opinions in regard to the policy and propriety of any measures advo- 
cated in their official capacity by those whose memoirs we have pre- 
pared. This task we leave for others ; remarking, however, at the 
same time, that during the period of Mr. Berrien's senatorial term, 
above referred to, there was not a subject of general interest with 
which he did not display consummate knowledge. His speeches 
before the Senate were always listened to with profound attention, 
and acquired for him the reputation of being one of the most gifted 
orators and able statesmen in our country. 

In 1829, Mr. Berrien received the appointment of Attorney 
General of the United States, in consequence of which he resigned 
his seat in the Senate. For this office his great .legal attainments 
eminently qualified him, but owing to a want of concert in President 
Jackson's Cabinet, Mr. Berrien resigned his office in 1831, and re- 
sumed the practice of his profession in the city of Savannah, and 
continued in it until 1841, serving intermediately in a State Con- 
vention which had been called to consider the ratio of representatior 
in the Legislature. 

In 1840, Mr. Berrien was again elected to the Senate of the United 
States, and took his seat on the 4th of March, 1841. This period of 
our country's history will long be remembered for the important and 
delicate political questions which agitated the councils of the* nation. 
In them Mr. Berrien took a prominent part, and added to the fame 
he had already acquired. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 375 

At the session of the Legislature of Georgia in 1841, the Com- 
mittee upon the State of the Republic reported a series of resolu- 
tions expressive of disapprobation of the political course of Mr. 
Berrien, particularly in regard to his support of the nomination of 
the Hon. Mr. Everett as Minister to England, the subject of a Na 
tional Bank, the bill to distribute the proceeds of the public lands 
among the States, the Bankrupt Law, and the Revenue and Loan Bills. 

The report occupied the attention of the Legislature for several 
days, and was finally passed, accompanied by resolutions requesting 
the Senators and Representatives in Congress from Georgia to vote 
against the establishment of a Bank of the United States, bankrupt 
law, &c, &c, and directing the Governor to send a copy of these re- 
solutions to each of the Senators and Representatives in Congress 
from the State of Georgia. 

Thirty of the members declined voting on the resolutions censur- 
ing Mr. Berrien, believing that he had not done anything worthy of 
censure. 

Governor McDonald, in compliance with the directions of the 
Legislature, sent a copy of these resolutions to Mr. Berrien ; and in 
his message to the Legislature of 1842, informed that body that he 
had complied with the resolutions, accompanied by some remarks 
in regard to Mr. Berrien's course. This part of his message was re- 
ferred to the Committee upon the State of the Republic. 

The report of this Committee excited much feeling in the Senate. 
On the 6th of December, a minority of said Committee made a re- 
port, in which the following resolution was embraced : — " That the 
Hon. John M. Berrien, our Senator in Congress, for the able and 
distinguished manner in which he has discharged his public duties, 
receives our warmest approbation, and is entitled to the thanks and 
confidence of the people of Georgia." Upon receiving the report of 
a majority of the Committee, the votes stood thus — yeas, 46 ; nays, 
35 ; so the report was adopted, and Mr. Berrien was virtually pro- 
claimed as not representing the sentiments of the people of Georgia. 

The communication of Governor McDonald did not reach Mr. 
Berrien until after the adjournment of the Legislature ; and being 
thus deprived of the opportunity of replying directly to his accusers, 
he determined to appeal from the decision of that body to the people 
at large. He accordingly issued an address to the people of Georgia, 
in which, after discussing various political questions, he entered into 
a full consideration of the doctrine of legislative instruction, and 
denounced it, as a usurpation of power, equally inconsistent with 
the Constitution of the State, and of the United States. 

Judge Story, in a letter addressed to Mr. Berrien, dated Cambridge, 
14th of February, 1843, from which we are permitted to make the fol- 
lowing extract, says : — 

"I read your address with unfeigned satisfaction. It was in every respect 
worthy of yourself, and of your principles ; and I heartily concur in your power- 
ful, and, in my judgment, conclusive reasoning on all the topics which you have 



376 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

discussed. My only regret is, that the address is not put in pamphlet form, so as 
to be capable of a more enduring mode of preservation. Your argument upon 
what is called ' the right of instruction ' is exceedingly cogent, and, as I think, 
unanswerable. If ever my work on the Constitution shall reach another edi- 
tion, I mean to extract the passage, and use it in that work. [ have laid aside 
the newspaper for this purpose, among my choice collections." 

This appeal of Mr. Berrien was generally circulated among the 
people of Georgia. 

At the session of the Legislature of 1843, the following preamble 
and resolutions were adopted: — 

The last General Assembly of the State of Georgia having adopted a series 
of resolutions, approved on the 28th of December, 1842. censuring the course of 
the Hon. John M. Berrien, one of our Senators in Congress, withdrawing their 
confidence from him, and declaring that they would not receive from, nor address 
to him any communication to further the interests or defend the rights of the 
people of Georgia, the General Assembly feel constrained to restore the relations 
thus dissevered between the people of Georgia and their faithful Senator, and to 
express their confidence in his worth and patriotism. 

Be it therefore Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
State of Georgia, in General Assembly met, That we and our constituents approve 
the course of the Hon. John M. Berrien in the Senate of the United States, and 
cherish an honest pride in his enlightened patriotism and distinguished ability. 

Resolved further, That we especially commend his uncompromising resistance 
to the disorganizing doctrine of legislative instruction. 

Resolved further, That this General Assembly hereby express their unqualified 
confidence in their honourable Senator; that it will always be their pride and 
their pleasure to communicate with him; and that, in any and every emergency, 
they will address themselves to him as the willing champion and able de- 
fender of the rights and interests of the people of Georgia. 

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions 
to our Senators in Congress, with the request that they be laid before the Senate 
of the United States. 

Thus sustained by the Legislature and people of Georgia, Mr. Ber- 
rien continued in the discharge of his public duties in the Senate oi 
the United States ; and in 1847 was re-elected for another term of six 
years, which would have terminated on the 4th of March, 1853; but 
he resigned his seat in May, 1852, and retired to private life. 

The manner in which his resignation was announced to the Senate 
by that excellent man, the late Vice-President King, and the remarks 
of the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee on the occasion, afford 
evidence of the high estimation in which Mr. Berrien was held in that 
body. As we have already said, Mr. Berrien bore his full share in 
the discussion of the exciting subjects which agitated the Senate. 
He was ever the uncompromising advocate of the constitutional rights 
of the people of Georgia ; but he sought with equal zeal to advance 
the interests, and steadfastly to preserve the integrity of the Union. 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 377 

Two of Mr. Berrien's speeches are now before us : one on the sub- 
ject of Slavery in the Territories, and the other on the President's 
Message, in relation to the slave rescue at Boston, Mass. From both 
of these speeches we conceive it to be our duty to give a few extracts, 
to show that he has never lost sight of his duty to Georgia. 

From the first of these we make the following extract in reference 
to the right of the people of the South to participate in the benefits 
of all public property, and in the territories of the Union : — 

"This right is based upon the equality of the States. If they be equal in dig- 
nity, in right; if they were so at the formation of the Constitution; if nothing has 
intervened since to produce an inequality, then the right which is claimed rests 
upon the basis of their equality. It is the inevitable consequence of it. You can 
perceive that such an equality of rights between the members of the Union must 
apply not only to actual possessions at any given time, but also to all future ac- 
quisitions. 

"It is difficult to prove so self-evident a proposition, as the equality of the States 
of this Union at the formation of this Constitution. But let us for a moment con- 
sider it. Thirteen independent States, loosely connected by the Articles of Con- 
federation, with a view to form a more perfect union, established our federal 
charter. That they were free and independent States, they affirmed in their De- 
claration of Independence, and they maintained that declaration by their wisdom 
in council and by their gallantry in the field. That they were sovereign States 
was recognized by the country of which they were colonies, by a treaty in which 
they were severally and byname acknowledged as free, sovereign, and indepen 
dent. Well now, sir, their equality necessarily resulted from their sovereignty, 
as sovereignty is correlative to equality. I do not know whether upon a question 
of this sort it may be necessary to resort to authorities; but Vattel says:— 'Since 
men are naturally equal, and a perfect equality prevails in their rights and obli- 
gations, as equally proceeding from nature ; nations composed of men, and con- 
sidered as so many free persons living together in a state of nature, are naturally 
equal, and inherit from nature the same obligations and rights. Power or weak- 
ness does not in this respect produce any difference. A dwarf is as much a man 
as a giant ; a small republic is no less a sovereign State than the most powerful 
kingdom.' The thirteen States of this Union, then, entered into the bond which 
now unites us as equals. The Constitution of the United States recognizes that 
equality as existing between the States, not only by its grants, but also by its 
reservations of power. 

" In the exercise of these, their equal rights, they formed a Constitution and 
established a government to administer it. Now, is it to be doubted— this is the 
inquiry which I would address to the Senate— is it to be doubted that a govern- 
ment so formed was to be conducted for the common and equal benefit of all 
those equal and sovereign States who formed it?" 

We wish we had space to allow us to give more extracts from this 
speech, particularly that portion of it which relates to the Mexican laws 
on the subject of slavery ; but we are compelled to omit it. 

Mr. Berrien concluded his speech in the following language : — 



378 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

"I hope to return to that people, bearing to them the evidence of your disposi- 
tion to preserve the peace and harmony of the Union. I know their devotion to 
it. For myself. I do not hesitate to say that disunion is an idea which, even in 
imagination, I cannot fully realize. In moments of despondency, it floats before 
my mind, as a shapeless vision, to which I can give no distinct form, dimly ex- 
posing to my view, in the background, the horrors of anarchy and civil commo- 
tion. I could not draw the dividing line by any effort of imagination of which I 
am capable. I am not — within the broad limits of the State in which I dwell 
I do not believe there is a single advocate of disunion ; but that which the under- 
standing cannot devise, which the imagination cannot conceive, desperation, 
produced by a sense of injustice, may accomplish. I pray that it may be averted. 
My best efforts shall be employed to avert it. 1 do not indicate the course which 
Georgia will pursue, if the measures which you propose are carried into execu- 
tion. That is for her people to determine ; and I am but one of these. I can 
only say, that the rights and the interests of that people are mine ; that they are 
endeared to me by a thousand recollections which can never be obliterated ; that 
I cannot separate myself from a gallant and patriotic people, the protectors of my 
infancy, who have in manhood extended to me a generous and unwavering con- 
fidence which commands all my gratitude. Beneath the soil of Georgia the ashes 
of my parents and of my children repose ; and there, too, my own must shortly 
rest. Whether in weal or woe, the lot of her people shall be mine." 

The motion of the Hon. Mr. Clay in the Senate of the United 
States, in 1851, to refer the Message of the President, in relation to 
the slave rescue at Boston, to the Committee on the Judiciary, gave 
rise to a very animated debate. Mr. Berrien expressed the opinion 
that the President of the United States ought to be armed with all 
power which can be constitutionally conferred upon him, for the pur- 
pose of carrying the Fugitive Slave Bill into execution. In support of 
the opinion, that those States in which abolition societies exist should 
by their own laws repress them, Mr. Berrien argued thus : — 

" Mr. President, I may be told that freedom of speech and of the press are guar- 
anteed by the Constitution. Be it so. But there are other rights also which are 
guaranteed by that instrument. One principle of law, of justice, and of common 
sense, is, that however absolute the right which any man possesses, he may not 
so use it as to inflict injury upon others. Sic uterc tuo, ut non alienum laderc, is a 
maxim of law, but it is also a maxim of common sense and of justice. If the 
people thus associated, and claiming this right of freedom of speech and of the 
press, exercise it for no legitimate purpose within theii own limits, for the enjoy- 
ment of no right which they possess, but solely for the purpose of disturbing the 
peace, and violating the rights of others residing in States in which slavery ex- 
ists, they violate that principle, and are no longer within the pale of the protection 
of the Constitution. 

" The Senate will bear with me in a very brief view of this subject. They 
will not, I trust, consider that time as misspent which is employed in fixing this 
great principle on the basis on which truth, justice, the laws of nations, the Con- 
stitution of the country, and our own uniform practice, have established it. I 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 379 

say, then, it is an established principle of the law of nations, that no one State 
has a right to do anything, even within her own limits, which may operate inju- 
riously to the people of another, although a foreign State, with whom they are at 
peace. The proposition is laid down so simply, so briefly, and yet so forcibly, by 
Vatfel, that I will for a moment refer to it. After stfetmg that no hation ought 
to commit actions tending to injure others, Vattel says: 'The general principle 
forbids nations to practise any evil manoeuvres tending to create disturbance in 
another State, to foment disorder, Sfc, to raise enemies against it,'' &c, &c. 

" This principle of the law of nations, thus stated by this writer, and recognized 
by every other on the subject, is enforced (as you have seen by reading a portion 
of the report of the Convention of Georgia) by the Constitution of the United 
States, one of the objects declared in the preamble being to insure the ' domestic 
tranquillity' of each State. The obligation, then, which exists between foreign 
States, not by any act committed within their limits, to disturb the repose of any 
State, is recognized, enforced, and applied by the Constitution of the United 
States to the people of the several States composing this Confederacy. And, sir, 
the Government of the United States has acted upon this principle from its very 
foundation. It is now acting upon it at the very moment in which I am speaking 
to you. That principle lies at the foundation of all the laws on your statute-book, 
which inhibit citizens of the United States from fitting out armed vessels within 
the United States to cruise against a nation at peace with them. The offence is 
complete before the injury is done to the foreign nation. It is the act of fitting 
out with the intent to cruise against a nation with which the United States are 
at peace. So, also, the provisions which forbid any warlike preparation for the 
purpose of doing an injury to the people of such foreign State." 

Since the resignation of his seat in the Senate of the United States, 
Mr. Berrien has remained in retirement, under the pressure of a do- 
mestic calamity, devoting- himself to the care and education of his 
young family. He appears occasionally in the courts ;is assistant 
counsel, and at the meetings of his fellow-citizens of Savannah, who 
at this time are extensively engaged in measures of internal improve- 
ment, of which he has always been a zealous advocate. 

We cannot conclude this sketch without remarking, that Mr. Ber- 
rien has long been a worthy member of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, and in its State and General Conventions has always acted 
a prominent part. 

Hon. James Moore Wayne was born in the city of Savannah, in 
the State of Georgia. 

His father, an Englishman by birth, came to this country early in 
life, and marrying a Miss Clifford, a descendant of a family which 
emigrated from England to South Carolina as early as 1687, esta- 
blished himself in business in Charleston, whence he removed t 
Savannah. Of the thirteen children born of this union, but two no\ 
survive — the subject of this memoir, and his younger brother, Genera 
William C. Wayne, at present residing in South Carolina. 

Mr. Wayne received the rudiments of his education under the care 



380 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

of Mr. Mackay. At a proper age, he joined the Freshman Class of 
Princeton College, at which he was graduated. 

Returning to Savannah, he entered upon the study of law in the 
office of John Y. Noel, Esq., where he remained, however, only a 
few months, being advised by his friends to prosecute his legal studies 
at the North. 

He accordingly repaired to New-Haven, and became the law pupil 
of the Hon. Judge Chauncey, a gentleman of high legal education. 

As commemorative of this high-minded and estimable gentleman's 
peculiarities, which will be instantly recognized by all who knew him, 
and as illustrative of his method of instruction, conveying useful hints 
for legal education, we shall here quote Judge Wayne's own description 
of his New-Haven course. " I can never forget Judge Chauncey," he 
writes, " for in his parlour and office was laid the foundation of my 
professional career. But I did not get into either, without much ques- 
tioning of, ' who I was' — ' where I had been' — ' what I had done' — 
' why I came to him' — and not before he verified, in some measure, 
my answers, by examining me in both Latin and Greek ; saying, that 
he had never undertaken to teach any one the law, who was not pre- 
pared for it by previous education. The end of it was, that after a 
week, I was sent for to begin my course. He was well acquainted 
with his profession and its literature. First, he gave to me alone, for 
his other students were advanced, several lectures upon the ethics of 
the profession, illustrating them by narratives and anecdotes from the 
lives of eminent lawyers. These were not conversations, but precisely 
written chapters upon the practice of the profession, in the different 
relations of lawyer and client, lawyer with lawyer, and lawyer with 
the court and jury, in which were traced their obligations to each 
other, with exactness and truth. I was then lectured for three or four 
months upon the Roman law. First, historically, as to its sources and 
its reception in modern Europe, and then in its subdivisions concerning 
persons, things, rights, the modes of prosecuting them, and in all of 
those analogies in relation to contracts, which exist between it and the 
English common law. It was in this course that the Latin I had learned 
was of use to me, and it has been so ever since professionally. In 
connection with this course, I was carried through the history of the 
English common law, before I was permitted to take up any of the 
works ordinarily first used in getting a knowledge of the law. Hale's 
History of the Common Law was his text, and Edward I. his hero. 
Every statute of that prince's reign, and of each succeeding reign, in 
any way bearing upon the improvement of the law, I was made to 
know something of, in contrast with the antecedent defective condition 
of English law. My instructor did everything he could to point out 
the road for my future travel in the profession, and it is my own fault 
jf I have not made the journey. Circumstances which I could not con- 
trol, forced me to leave Judge Chauncey sooner than I wished, after I 
had been with him for twenty months. When taking my leave of him, 
he put into my hand a complimentary certificate, with one of his charac- 
teristic remarks. It was to this effect : ' I have tried to make alawver 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 381 

of you — go — but do not think yourself one yet. Continue to do as you 
have done with me, and I may hear before I die that you are one.' 
Nor did his interest in me cease with our separation ; for, having been 
told some time afterwards, that I was more devoted to social pleasures 
than he thought consistent with my becoming a lawyer, he wrote a 
friendly letter to me, very much in his peculiar way. It was as fol- 
lows : ' I hear of your health, and am glad of it ; but I hear also, that 
your time is very much given to balls and dinners. That is not the 
way for you to become a lawyer. Others have tried it without suc- 
cess, and so will you.' As regards myself, he was more than half 
right. Under strong allurements, I was giving myself too much to 
society, in a vain hope that I could divide my time between study and 
pleasure." 

After he left Judge Chauncey's office he returned to Savannah, 
where he passed five months in the office of Mr. Stites, for the 
purpose of becoming familiar with the practice in Georgia. He then 
entered upon his profession, and in a few years acquired an extensive 
practice. Mr. Wayne was first drawn into public life by an induce- 
ment which bore hard upon the profession in Georgia. 

The Legislature had passed what is commonly known as a relief law 
for debtors. Suits could not be commenced against them : such as had 
been begun, were stayed in the courts from being carried into judg- 
ment and execution ; and levies could not be made for the payment of 
judgments obtained before the enactment of the law. Judge Berrien, 
then presiding in the Superior Court of Georgia, took the lead in show- 
ing and deciding that such a law was unconstitutional. ' Mr. Richard 
Henry Wilde, of Augusta, published a well-written and learned pam- 
phlet against it, with great success ; and there was organized an oppo- 
sition to the law, for its repeal at the sitting of the next General 
Assembly. Public sentiment in Savannah was against the law, and 
became more efficient from the stand Judge Berrien had taken, and 
from the violence of the advocates of the law against him, in other parts 
of the State. Candidates for the General Assembly were selected in 
every county of the State with reference to their advocacy or opposition 
to the Relief Act. In Chatham County, in which is the city of Savannah, 
Mr. Wayne was put forward as a candidate, and was elected by a large 
majority. It was his first appearance in public life, or in politics, and 
was the means of introducing him to an extensive circle of gentlemen 
in the General Assembly, who had been prominent in Georgia affairs 
for a longtime, but many of whom had been, voluntarily, in retirement 
for years, and had only left it for the occasion, to help in restoring the 
State to an upright position. The proposition to repeal the law 
brought out the speakers on both sides, and it was thoroughly dis- 
cussed. 

The part borne in this discussion by Mr. Wayne was his first 
attempt in political debate, and gained for him the favourable opin- 
ion of all who thought with him, and of many of those who were 
opposed to him. A large number, on both sides, united in asking him 
to write out his speech for publication. He did so ; and it being very 



382 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

generally circulated, formed the beginning of that good-will which the 
people of Georgia have always since shown to him, in every instance in 
which he has been put before them, or the Legislature, as a candi- 
date. 

The next year, he was again elected a member of the General As- 
sembly ; but the year after, he declined being a candidate, having been 
placed at the head of the municipality of his native city. As Mayor of 
Savannah, he introduced and established the system of financial ac- 
countability in the management of the city affairs, which still exists, 
and under which they have prospered, without loss by the defalcation 
of any of its officers. Resigning the mayoralty as soon as he could, 
he returned, exclusively, to the practice of his profession, and worked 
at it, in partnership with Mr. Richard R. Cuyler, earnestly, indus- 
triously, and profitably, until he received a written communication, 
signed by every practising member of the bar in the Eastern Circuit of 
the State, requesting him to become a candidate before the General 
Assembly for the bench of the Superior Court. He did so, and was 
elected. He presided in this court for five years and a half, and 
then resigned, to take his seat in the Congress of the United States, 
in the session of 1829-30, to which he had been elected by the peo- 
ple of the State — Georgia then electing her representatives by a gen- 
eral ticket. 

The State Reports, and the records of the Superior Court, suffi- 
ciently show how his judicial duties during this period were discharged ; 
and to the reputation he then earned must mainly be attributed his sub- 
sequent appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. 

The period of Mr. Wayne's entry into public life was an exceed- 
ingly interesting one in the history of our country. The administra- 
tion of the younger Adams had been terminated in the March previous 
by the inauguration of General Jackson. The United States were at 
peace with all the world ; but there were unsettled questions with 
England, France, and Spain, requiring, on our part, delicate treatment 
and consideration. They had been the subjects of an unsuccessful 
negotiation, our people were impatient of the delays which had attend- 
ed the same, and the time had come when, in order to avoid greater 
difficulties, it was necessary for our Government to arrange the dis- 
puted boundary with England, and to settle the claims of our citizens 
with France and Spain for spoliations upon our commerce. With the 
new republics of the American Continent we were in friendly relation, 
but against all of them we had complaints, which were to be adjust- 
ed before commercial arrangements for mutual benefit could be ma- 
tured. 

At home, the many questions of domestic policy, bearing directly 
upon sectional interests and the constitutional powers of the govern- 
ment in legislation, were more perplexing even than our foreign affairs 
— more embarrassing, perhaps, than ever before in the history of the 
nation. The tariff — internal improvements — the Bank of the United 
States — the public lands — the policy to be adopted in relation to the 



CHATHAM COUNTY. 383 

tribes of Indians within the limits of some of the States — were all 
engrossing and dividing public attention. 

There were other difficulties which brought upon the administra- 
tion many responsibilities, present and prospective. 

Coming into Congress under these circumstances, and with the con- 
fidence of the people of this State, particularly as regarded her Indian 
difficulties, Judge Wayne, soon after taking his seat, was brought 
into frequent and close intercourse with the President and his Cabinet. 

In the arrangement of the committees, he was placed on that of com- 
merce, of which the Hon. C. C. Cambreleng was chairman, to whom was 
conceded by all, an enlarged knowledge of the principles of trade, with 
great practical experience in their operation. It was in the business 
of this committee that it was first seen that the representative from 
Georgia possessed industry with great application, and the ability to 
defend its action in debate when brought before the House. He was, 
at the same time, a member of the Library Committee, which brought 
him into frequent and pleasant intercourse with many of the mem- 
bers. 

Subsequently, as chairman of a special committee, he reported a 
plan for the reorganization of the Treasury Department ; and after- 
wards he occupied the responsible position of chairman of the Com- 
mittee on Foreign Affairs, until removed from it to the bench of the 
Supreme Court. 

Notwithstanding the engrossing duties which devolved upon him as 
a member of different committees, he found time to inform himself in 
relation to the other business before Congress, and to participate in 
the discussion of every measure of importance, connected or uncon- 
nected with our foreign or domestic policy. 

His support of the administration was liberal, without partisan in- 
tention, or advocacy of what he could not approve. Its foreign policy 
had his uniform support. He sustained free trade, without denying 
the constitutionality of protection. He opposed internal improvements 
by Congress, except of rivers and harbours, which he always upheld. 
He differed from the President as to the distribution to the States of 
the revenue received from the sale of public lands. He opposed the 
rechartering of the United States Bank, on account of its misman- 
agement and its power, always admitting, however, that Congress had 
constitutional power to charter a bank ; and he took an active part 
in the removal of the Indians to a permanent home. 

His position in regard to the rechartering of the United States 
Bank we find clearly defined in his speech delivered on the 13th 
March, 1832. (Gales and Seaton's Debates, vol. viii., part 2, page 
2129.) 

This speech was widely circulated, and brought him into corres- 
pondence and connection with the most distinguished bankers and 
financiers of the country. Judge Wayne defended President Jack- 
son's course in relation to the South Carolina resolutions, proposing 
to nullify the acts of Congress for the collection of the revenues. He 
voted for the Force Bill, and, in consequence, was denounced by a 



384 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

portion of his own party. But the people of Georgia sustained him, 
and returned him to Congress by a larger majority than he had eve* 
before received. 

In debate, Judge Wayne is ready, quick, ingenuous, and courteous, 
never forgetting, in the excitement of the subject or the moment, the 
respect due to himself, to the House, or to individuals. His legal 
practice, and the early habit of noting the arguments of eminent 
counsel, served him here to great advantage, and we find him, gene- 
rally, attacking the turning point of his adversary's argument. In his 
speeches we find no efforts at declamation, nor attempts at rounded 
or inflated periods for popular applause, but great research and varied 
information, exhibiting a thorough and extensive range of examination, 
with much and careful study. In their arrangement, the system and 
habit of legal argument are evident ; and we find him adhering to the 
main points of the case with a tenacity that no diversions of his oppo- 
nents could relax. In his politics, he uniformly assumed high nation- 
al ground ; yet no one has defended the constitutional rights of the 
States more consistently, or with more vigour and ability, when those 
rights have been assailed. 

The impressions and influences of his political career are to be 
seen in many of the measurss of public policy to which he gave his 
support, and which are now matters of national history. But in none 
have they been more apparent and decisive than in the advancement 
and prosperity of his native State, resulting from the removal of the 
Indian tribes within her borders. 

Withdrawing from political strife upon the acceptance of the appoint- 
ment to the supreme bench, Judge Wayne has taken but little part 
since in public affairs, and then, only upon the urgent solicitations of 
his friends, or the unequivocal demands of national obligations. As a 
delegate from Savannah, he attended the famous Knoxville Internal 
Improvement Convention ; but perceiving upon its organization thai 
it was merely called to confirm a predetermined conclusion, without 
an examination of, or regard to, the route through Georgia, he sug- 
gested to his colleagues, and impressed it upon them as essential to 
the interests of their own State, the imperative necessity of unani- 
mous action ; and recommended, as best calculated to promote agree- 
ment among them, and to render their action effectual, that the dele- 
gates from Georgia should meet daily, after the adjournment of the 
Convention, for the purpose of examining and criticising its proceed- 
ings. The suggestion and recommendation were both approved and 
acted upon, and the result of these meetings was the subsequent Con- 
vention of the people of Georgia, in which he presided, and in which 
was laid the foundation of that line of internal improvements, uniting 
the current of the Mississippi with the tide-waters of the Atlantic, so 
successfully undertaken, and now almost completed. He has also 
presided in two conventions called for revising the constitution of his 
natwe State. 

Before we close this memoir, we conceive it to be a duty we owe 
to Judge Wayne to say something of his judicial career. 



CHATHAM COUNTV. 385 

Two important branches of the law, in which Mr. Justice Wayne 
has exerted an especial influence, demand particular notice here. 

One of the most interesting subjects, in every point of view, which 
is exhibited in our judicial history, is that of admiralty jurisdiction. 
It is perfectly well known to the profession, and to his brethren on 
the bench, that no individual has more earnestly devoted himself to 
this particular topic, nor exhibited more industry or research in ex- 
ploring it, nor contributed more effectively to the establishment of 
those principles which are now recognized as governing this inter- 
esting and important branch of jurisprudence, than the subject of the 
present memoir. In the year 1847, the case of Waring v. Clark was 
brought to the consideration of the court. It was a suit in the admi- 
ralty, originating in a collision which occurred between the vessels on 
the Mississippi River, about ninety five miles above New-Orleans. In 
the judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Wayne, it became necessary 
to examine at great length the history of the admiralty jurisdiction in 
both England and the United States, to institute a comparison, and to 
discriminate between them, and to lay down certain and precise rules, 
by which the courts of the Union are to be governed in the adminis- 
tration of their functions. This task was performed with great ability ; 
and it is believed that the lines there drawn will henceforward be re- 
garded as permanently settled landmarks on this subject. 

There is, perhaps, no one department of the law involving greater 
or more momentous interests than those which concern the public 
lands, particularly that portion of them which lies within the terri- 
tories which the United States have acquired from foreign powers. 
In the investigation of such causes, it is perfectly well known that 
no member of the bench has been more laborious, more conversant 
with the law by which they were to be decided, nor, above all, more 
distinguished for high appreciation of the obligations of treaties, and 
impartiality in the adjudication of them, than the subject of this me- 
moir.* 

Georgia is proud to own Judge Wayne as one of her most gifted 
sons. 

The Right Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr., Bishop of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia, was born at Beaufort, 
in South Carolina, on the 31st of August, 1806. His father was Ste- 
phen Elliott — one among the most eminent scholars which the South 
has ever produced, and a gentleman universally beloved. His mo- 
ther was the grand-daughter of the Hon. James Habersham, who was 
Governor of Georgia in 1771, and sister to the Hon. Richard W. 
Habersham, formerly a member of Congress from this State. 

Bishop Elliott received the rudiments of his education in Charles- 
ton, under a celebrated teacher, Mr. Hurlbert, and entered the Sopho- 
more class at Harvard University, where he remained one year, and 

* Abridged from a memoir in " Biographical Sketches of Eminent American Law- 
yers," edited by John Livingston, of the New-York bar. 

25 



386 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

then returned to South Carolina, and entered Columbia College, at 
which he was graduated in 1825. 

Under James L. Pettigrew, Esq., an eminent barrister in Charles- 
ton, he studied law, and was admitted to practice as soon as he be- 
came of age. He pursued his profession in Charleston and Beaufort 
until 1833, when he determined to study for the ministry, and became 
a candidate for orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church. Anterior 
to this, his mind had been directed to religious subjects. It will be 
remembered by some, that, in 1830 and '31, the churches of almost 
every denomination in the lower part of South Carolina were uncom- 
monly excited upon the subject of religion. The Rev. Daniel Baker, 
we believe, was at this time the instrument in the hands of the 
Almighty of bringing many to feel that religion was the " one thing 
needful," and among whom, if we are not mistaken, was Mr. Elliott. 
He was ordained deacon by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bowen in 1835, and 
shortly afterwards took charge of the parish at Wilton, South Caro- 
lina, where he remained but one month, and was elected Professor of 
Sacred Literature in South Carolina College, the duties of which pro- 
fessorship he assumed early in January, 1836. 

When, in 1840, the weak Diocese of Georgia believed that the time 
had arrived when Providence seemed to open a way by which a 
Bishop might be secured, attention was turned to Mr. Elliott, and at 
the Convention held at Clarkesville, May 1st, 1840, he was elected, 
and consecrated in Christ Church, at Savannah, in 1841. 



CHATTOOGA COUNTY. 

Tins county was laid out from Walker and Floyd, in 1838, and de- 
rived its name from its principal river, Chattooga. 

The most prominent streams are Chattooga River ; Snake, Euke- 
lanaquaw, Jobns, and Amuchee Creeks. 

Summerville is the county town, situated in Chattooga Valley, 
one hundred and ninety-five miles from Milledgeville. 

The climate is considered healthy. Among the instances of longe- 
vity are, Joseph Pollard and Henry Laurence, 80 ; Mrs. Margaret 
Middleton, 90. 

The face of the country is uneven, traversed by mountains and 
ridges running N. E. and "S. W. Although a small county, it con- 
tains much good land. It is interspered with rich and delightful 
valleys and mountains, unfolding picturesque and highly interesting 
scenery. The names of the principal valleys are Broomtown, Chat- 
tooga, and Amuchee. The mountains are Taylor's Ridge and John's 
Mountain ; there is also a very high peak which stands by itself, 
called Dirtseller Mountain ; the Indians called it Karte Kunteesky. 



CHATTOOGA COUNTY. 387 

w » 

Tryon Factory, on Chattooga River, is five miles N. of Summer- 
ville, — 864 spindles, 10 looms, averaging 45 yards per loom; 45 
operatives. Factory 114 feet by 44; 2 stories high. Water power 
good. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Robert Cameron, 
Charles Price, Francis Kirby, John Lamar, Wm. McConnell, 
Isaac Chandler, James Herndon, James Wells, John Johnson, 
Philip Burns, Sanders Dickson, Wm. Price, Hugh Montgomery, 
Albert Mitchell, Edward Adams, Reuben Slaton, N. Allman, 
Elijah Mosley, Thomas Tredaway, Albert Quinn, Joseph Crook, 
Charles A. Heard, John F. Beavers, Hugh McMullin, James 
Price. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — 869 dwellings; 869 families; 
2,628 white males ; 2,503 white females ; 1 free coloured male ; 3 
free coloured females. Total free population, 5,135 ; slaves, 1,680. 
Deaths, 79. Farms, 419 ; manufacturing establishments, 10. Value 
of real estate, $861,066 ; value of personal estate, $1,018,308. 



3fi.isrilia-iiifl.ttH. 

In the vicinity of Summerville there was a very large Indian town 
called Island Town, the principal chief of which in 17 — was 
Cabin Smith, one of the signers of the treaty concluded at the 
Cherokee Agency, July 8, 1817, and also of the treaty at Washington, 
February 27, 1819. About the end of the American Revolution, the 
small-pox made great ravages among the inhabitants of this town. 

Broomtown was situated west of Island Town, and took its name 
from its chief, The Broom, whose name is affixed to the treaty con- 
cluded at Tellico, October 24, 1804. 

Sequoia, or George Guess, the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet, 
formerly resided in this county. 

Cherokee Alphabet. — We find the following interesting article in the mis- 
cellaneous department of a Northern paper, but without any acknowledgment 
of the source whence it. was derived. The material facts here stated are, 
however, well established, but we do not recollect to have before seen so par- 
ticular an account of this singular aboriginal invention. — Sparta Republican. 

The invention of the new Cherokee alphabet is one of the most remarkable 
circumstances which has ever occurred in the history of the Indian tribes of 
America. We lately conversed with a reverend gentleman, who has for some 
time laboured as a missionary in the territories of that tribe, and who, from the 
station he lately held, was able to give us some information respecting this in- 
teresting piece of aboriginal improvement. The American Cadmus, it seems, is 
an illiterate Cherokee, unacquainted both with the English language and the 
powers and system of the English alphabet. The language of the tribe, though 



388 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

perhaps the most copious of any Indian dialect on the continent, is wholl)'' com- 
posed of the various combinations of about sixty monosyllables. The ingenious 
savage, after a persevering labour of two years, having ascertained the certain 
number of those radical particles of his native tongue, invented for each a re 
presentative character, and thus formed a complete, and perhaps the only sylla 
bic alphabet in the world. The accomplishment of this among a people sc 
little addicted to inventive study as the savages of our country, is truly astonish 
ing, and proclaims the author of it to be a person of no ordinary mind. During 
the course of his labours, it is said, his fellow-savages often remarked the singu- 
larity of his behaviour in generally sitting apart from his companions, apparently 
deep in thought, and employed in making marks on the ground. He, however, 
with true Indian taciturnity, declined speaking to any one of the object of his 
study till his work was finished. He then took one of his brethren aside, and 
explained to him his new invention, and ended with saying, " We can now have 
speaking papers as well as white men. 1 ' 

The newly discovered art was seized with avidity by the people of the tribe, 
and, from the extreme simplicity of the plan, the use of it soon became general. 
Any one, on fixing in his memory the names and forms of the letters, imme- 
diately possessed the art of reading and writing; and the whole could be ac- 
quired in one day. It is now but two or three years since this discovery was 
made, and reading and writing have already become so general among the 
Cherokees, that they not only carry on a correspondence by letter between the 
different parts of their territory, but are also in the habit of taking receipts and 
giving promissory notes in affairs of trade. The gentleman from whom we re- 
ceived this information told us, that it is now common, in travelling the lands of 
the tribes, to see directions for the different paths inscribed on the trees. The 
inventor of the alphabet adopted a few of our manuscript letters. Those were 
probably the only ones he knew of; and it is certain that he was unacquainted 
with their power, for he gives proof of it, by applying them to sounds wholly 
different from those they stood for in English. Nearly all his characters, how- 
ever, are of his own invention. 

The following interesting particulars are taken from the Missionary 
Herald for October, 1828 : — 

Mr. Guess is, in appearance and habits, a full Cherokee, though his grand- 
father on his father's side was a white man. He has no knowledge of any 
language but the Cherokee, consequently, in his invention of the alphabet, he 
had to depend entirely on his own native resources. He was led to think on the 
subject of writing the Cherokee language, by a conversation which took place 
one evening at Sauta. Some young men were making remarks on the superior 
talents of the white people ; one said that white men could put a talk on paper 
and send it to any distance, and it would be understood by those who received 
it. They all agreed that this was very strange, and they could not see how it 
could be done. Mr. Guess, after silently listening to their conversation for a 
while, raised himself, and putting on an air of importance, said: "You are all 
fools; why, the thing is very easy; I can do it myself;" and picking up a flat 
stone, he commenced scratching on it with a pin, and after a few minutes read 



CHATTOOGA COUNTY. 389 

to them a sentence which he had written, by making a mark for each word. 
This produced a laugh, and the conversation on that subject ended. But the 
inventive powers of Guess's mind were now roused to action, and nothing short 
of being able to write the Cherokee language would satisfy him. He went 
home, purchased materials, and sat down to paint the Cherokee language on 
paper. He at first thought of no way but to make a character for each word. 
He pursued this plan for about a year, in which time he had made several 
thousand characters. He was then convinced that the object was not attainable 
in that way ; but he was not discouraged. He firmly believed that there was 
some way in which the Cherokee language could be expressed on paper, as 
well as the English ; and after trying several other methods, he at length con- 
ceived the idea of dividing the words into parts. He had not proceeded far on 
this plan, before he found, to his great satisfaction, that the same characters 
would apply in different words, and the number of characters would be com- 
paratively few. After putting down and learning all the syllables that he could 
think of, he would listen to speeches, and the conversation of strangers, and 
whenever a word occurred which had a part or syllable in it which he had not 
before thought of, he would bear it on his mind until he had made a character 
for it. In this way he soon discovered all the syllables in the language. In 
forming his characters, he made some use of the English letters, as he found 
them in a spelling-book which he had in his possession. After commencing 
upon the last- mentioned plan, I believe he completed his system in about a 
month. During the time he was occupied in inventing the alphabet, he was 
strenuously opposed by all his friends and neighbours. He was frequently told 
that he was throwing away his time and labour, and that none but a delirious 
person, or an idiot, would do as he did. But this did not discourage him. He 
would listen to the expostulations of his friends, and then deliberately light his 
pipe, pull his spectacles over his eyes, and sit down to his w r ork, without attempt- 
ing to vindicate his conduct. After completing his system, he found much diffi- 
culty in persuading the people to learn it; nor could he succeed, until he went 
to the Arkansas and taught a few persons there, one of whom wrote a letter to 
some friends in this nation, and sent it by Mr. Guess, who read it to the people. 
This letter excited much curiosity. Here was a talk in the Cherokee language, 
which had come all the way from the Arkansas sealed up in a paper, yet it was 
very plain. This convinced many that Mr. Guess's mode of writing would be 
of some use. Several persons immediately determined to try to learn. They 
succeeded in a few days, and from this it quickly spread all over the nation, and 
the Cherokees (who, as a people, had always been illiterate) were, in the course 
of a few months, without school or expense of time or money, able to read and 
write in their own language. 



390 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



CHEROKEE COUNTY 

This division of the State was laid out in 1832. 

The Etowah River flows almost through the centre of the county. 
The Little River empties into the Etowah. The creeks are, Cooper's, 
Sandy, Chicken, &c 

Canton is the seat of justice, on the southeast bank of the Etowah 
River, one hundred and thirty miles northwest of Milledgeville. 

The portion of the county west of the Etowah, and south of Long- 
Swamp, is very hilly. The part that is traversed by Little River and 
its tributaries is undulating. The section of the county east of the 
Etowah is hilly, except some portions contiguous to Forsyth. Lands 
of the first quality are on Etowah River and Long Swamp. 

Sharp Mountain, in the northwest part of the county, is remarkable 
for its peak, running up like a sugar-loaf. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,970; families, 
1,994; white males, 5,921; white females, 5,708; free coloured 
males, 6; free coloured females, 8. Total free population, 11,643. 
Slaves, 1,157. Deaths, 81. Farms, 1,000, ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 5 ; value of real estate, $1,637,037; value of personal estate, 
$790,175. 

Gold is found in this county. Sixes' Mines are six miles southwest 
of Canton, on the road to Allatoona. 

Williamson's Mines are on the waters of Little River. 

Franklin Mines are on Etowah River, five miles from Frog Town. 

The other minerals are iron, sulphate of iron, sulphate of cop- 
per, titanium, quartz, granite and marble. Quicksilver and cobalt 
are said to exist. 

On Long Swamp there are large quarries of marble, which are be- 
ginning to be a source of profit to the owners. 

Old Sixes, an Indian town, was situated about seven miles S. W. 
of Canton. In 1833 about four hundred Indians resided here. Stop 
was the chief. 

The Ball-ground was a prominent place among the Cherokees. 

Little River Town, fourteen miles S. E. of Canton, was in 1833 in- 
habited by three hundred Indians. Chicken was the chief. 

Among the early settlers were, Daniel H. Bird, John P. Brooks, 
John Wagner, General Eli McConnell, John McConnell, John B, 
Garrison, R. F. Daniel, James ^Daniel, William Grisham, John 
Eperson, Washington Ltjmpkin,TIenry Cobb,jCharles Christian, 
John Maddox, Thomas Johnston, William Greene, Samuel Tate, 
Peter Ktjykendall, John P. Winn, Joseph S. Dyer, Martin 
Evans, John M. Chambers, Joseph Donaldson, Merrick Ford, E. 



CLARKE COUNTY. 391 

Putnam, T. Chamlee, M. Chamlee, S. Rucker, James Dorris, 
David Rusk, John Hunt, Sen., John Leonard, William May, Wil- 
liam Key, James A. Maddox, B. Bailey, John" Mullins, John Pugh, 
John Henson, John Wheeler, Henry Wheeler, P. C. Boger, E. 
Dyer, &c. 

This county derived its name from the Cherokee Indians. 
The word Cherokee is derived from Chera, fire, and the prophets 
of the nation were called Cheralaghye, men of divine fire. 



CLARKE COUNTY. 

This portion of the State was laid out from Jackson in 1801 ; a part 
taken from Greene, 1802, 1807; part set off to Madison in 1811; 
part added to Oglethorpe, 1813 ; and part added to Madison in 1829. 
'Length, 20 m. ; breadth, 14 m. ; area square miles, 280. 

Watkinsville, named after Colonel Robert Watkins, of Augusta, 
was made the county site in 1802. 

It is situated three miles west of the Oconee, and sixty-four miles 
north-northwest of Milledgeville. 

Athens is on the west bank of the Oconee. The public buildings, 
not including those connected with the University, are the Episcopal, 
Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and two churches for coloured peo- 
ple, Town Hall, &c. 

Franklin College is located in Athens. As early as 1788-9, the 
Legislature of Georgia made liberal endowments for the establish- 
ment of the University ; but it did not go into operation until 1801. 
Its first President was Mr. Josiah Meigs, Professor of Natural Philo- 
sophy and Astronomy iu Yale College. Mr. Meigs resigned the Pre 
sidency in 1811, and the Rev. Dr. Kollock was elected to fill the va- 
cancy. This gentleman, however, declined the appointment, and Dr. 
Brown, Professor of Moral Philosophy, Columbia College, South Ca- 
rolina, was then chosen to the office, who continued to preside over 
the University until 1816, when he resigned. Dr. Finley, of New 
Jersey, was appointed his successor. This great and good man ap- 
plied himself with indefatigable zeal to the advancement of the Col- 
lege, and confidence was felt throughout the State that it would soon 
occupy a prominent stand among the literary institutions of the United 
States ; but his sudden and lamented death for a time obscured 
the cheering prospect. The Rev. N. S. S. Beman was selected 
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the demise of Dr. Finley ; but 
this gentleman declined serving. In 1819, Dr. Moses Waddel was 
elected President, under whose administration the University suc- 
ceeded. Dr. Waddel resigned in 1829, when the present incumbent, 
Dr. Alonzo Church, of Brattleborough, Vermont, was appointed to 
this distinguished station. 



392 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The resources of the University are 100,000 dollars in stock of the 
Bank oi the State of Georgia, and about $1,500 in other stocks, to- 
gether with the proceeds of the tuition of students, and a small 
amount oi town lots. The buildings are : Two three-story, 120 by 
45 feet, for lodging rooms for students ; a philosophical hall and che- 
mical laboratory, a chapel, a library and cabinet, president's house, 
and three houses for the professors. The library contains between 
eight and nine thousand volumes. The philosophical apparatus is one 
of the most extensive and complete in the country ; the chemical la- 
boratory is ample, the cabinet of minerals large, and the botanic 
garden in good order. 

The College has forty-four acres oi ground, on which the build- 
ings are erected, and which are set apart by the Legislature of the 
State for that purpose, and can never be diminished. 

Salem is eleven miles south oi Watkinsville. 

Farminu'ton is six miles south of Watkinsville. 

The face oi the country is hilly. One-third oi the land is worn 
out : but. in the opinion oi many, may be restored with proper care. 
The richest lauds are on the different forks of the Oconee. 

Among the early settlers oi tins county were. Thomas Grf.er, 
Charles Dean, F. Eobersox, James Greer, Col. Wm. Craig, Solo- 
mon Edwards. Wm. Clark, Wm. Williams, William Jones, Francis 
Oliver, Thomas Wade, David Elder. Zadock Cook. John Jack- 
son. High Neisler, Thomas Mitchell, James Cook, Wyatt Lee, 
Robert Barber. Rev. Hope Hull, A. Boggs, Jesse White, General 
Meriwether, Thomas Mitchell, Joseph Espey, John Espey. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,024; families, 
1,00 1; white males. 2,711; white females. 2,804; free coloured 
males, 11; free coloured females. -1. Total population of free 
persons. 5,53 ) : si; i i - 5,589 ; deaths, 149 ; farms. 400 ; manufactur- 
ing establishments, 55; value of real estate, $2,122,644 ; value of 
personal estate, $3,039,428. 

In this county great attention has been paid to manufactures. The 
following are the factories : — 

Athens Manufacturing Company, capital. $92,600 : spindles. 2,500 ; 
looms, 40; operatives, mostly females. 85; overseers.:?; expenses 
per month. $800 : goods manufactured per day. 1.500 yards; bunches 
of yarn per day, 100 ; machinery made in New-Jersey ; cost. $60,000. 

Princeton Manufacturing Company, capital $54,000, organized in 
1S;?0, and purchased by the present company in 1845, is situated two 
miles southwest oi Athens, On the middle branch of the Oconee. 
Cotton spindles, 2,184; wool do.. 040; looms. 45; bales of cot- 
ton used per week. 21 ; yards oi cloth made per day. 1.700 ; bundles 
of yam per day, 90; mattresses made per year. 100. The goods 
manufactured are shirtings, bed-ticking, linsey-woolsey, jeans, and 
checks, quality very superior. 



CLARKE COUNTY. .'!(».'} 

Mars Hill Factory is situated on Barber's ('reck, seven miles south- 
west of Athens. Capital, $20,000 ; owned by Moses & Jenkinson. 
Waterpower fine. Spindles, 850 ; looms, 12; machinery cost $8,000; 

yards of cloth made per day, 400 ; bales of cotton consumed per day, 
l£; number of operatives, 25; wages of operatives per month, from 
$5 to $25; saw-mill, 1 ; grist-mill, 1. 

Georgia Factory, owned by John White, Esq. ; situated lour miles 
south of Athens. Machinery cost $50,000 ; spindles, 1,704; bundles 
of yarn per day, 140; looms, 20; yards of cloth per day, 800; opera- 
tives, 70. Goods sent to North and South Carolina, Philadelphia, 
and New-Orleans. New machinery has recently been erected. 

Pioneer Paper Mill, owned by Albon Chase and .1. S. Linton. 
Located on Barber's Creek, three and a half miles southwest of 
Athens. Building of wood, upon a stone basement, two stories 
high. At this mill is manufactured writing, printing, and wrapping 
paper. 

The Watkinsville Tanning, &c, Company is situated at Watkins- 
ville. There are two brick buildings; the larger, 40 by 50 feet, 
three stories high ; engine 25 horsepower; mill can turn out 200 
bushels of grain per day. Saw-mill turns out 1,500 feet of lumber 
per day. Connected with the establishment is a lulling mill for hides ; 
7 or 8,000 pairs of shoes are made per annum. Establishment sup- 
plied with water from a spring fifty yards distant. 



DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

Rev. Hope Hull. — This gentleman was one of the founders of 
Methodism in Georgia. He was born on the Eastern Shore of Mary- 
land, in 1703, and was admitted to the travelling ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1785. His itineranl career, with the 
exception of a short interval which he spent in the New-England 
States, was devoted to the introduction and propagation of Methodism 
in North and South Carolina and Georgia, to which last Slate he 
came in 1788. Wherever he preached he produced a deep sensation. 
There are a few persons now living in Wilkes, Burke, and Chatham 
Counties, who retain a recollection of the great eloquence of Mr. Hull. 
A venerable clergyman, who remembers him well, says, "I knew Mr. 
Hull, and almost envied him his talents. I thought, indeed, if i pos- 
sessed his qualifications, I could be instrumental in saving thousands. 
This extraordinary young man drew multitudes after him, who, dis- 
armed of their prejudices, were under the influence of his discourses 
like clay in the hands of the potter." In 1796, Mr. Hull married Miss 
Ann Wingfield, of Wilkes County; and about this time, or perhaps 
before, ceased to be a travelling minister. In connection with the 
Rev. Mr. Springer, Mr. Hull established a classical school at Wash- 
ington, in Wilkes County. In 1803 he settled at Athens, the seat of 
the State University, having been appointed one of its trustees. In 



394 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the prosperity of this institution he took a very deep interest ; and 
perhaps we may venture to say, that to very few persons is our Uni- 
versity more indebted than to Mr. Hull. He died at Athens, October 
1, 1818. 

He left two sons, the elder of whom, the Hon. Asbury Hull, is well 
known to the people of Georgia. He has filled a number of important 
stations in the State, such as Judge of the Inferior Court, member and 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, delegate, &c. 

The second son, Dr. Henry Hull, has been a successful practitioner 
of medicine, and subsequently Professor of Mathematics in the State 
University. 

Mr. Hull left one daughter, the wife of Professor James P. Waddel, 
of Franklin College. 

Rev. Moses Waddel, D.D., was born on the 29th of July, 1770, in 
Iredell County, North Carolina. So confident were his parents that 
Moses would not survive his birth a single day, that when they found 
themselves mistaken, they gave him the name of the Patriarch, who 
was providentially preserved in his infancy. 

In May, 1777, he entered, as a half scholar, a school about three 
miles from his father's residence. At his tender age, it was believed 
that he would not be able to attend more than half the year ; and 
this proved true. In the May following, he left this school, having 
received at it, in all, about six months' instruction. In this time 
he learned to read accurately, and to write a fair hand. His profi- 
ciency here, which was unequalled by any child of his age in the 
school, opened the way to all his subsequent usefulness. 

In 1 778, by the instrumentality of the Rev. James Hall, a Pres- 
byterian divine, a grammar school was established in the neighbour- 
hood, and Mr. Waddel's friends besought him to enter his son Moses 
in the Latin department. The old man objected, upon the very 
reasonable ground that he was not able to purchase the books, much 
less to endure the more heavy expenses of such a course of study. 
He at length, however, yielded to the importunities of his friends, 
casting himself on Providence for the means. 

On the 15th of October, 1784, he took charge of a school not far 
from his father's residence. This was the beginning of his labours in 
that field in which he reaped so much renown. 

At this place, near the waters of Hunting Creek, in what is now 
Iredell County, and in its vicinity, he continued to teach, giving gene- 
ral satisfaction to his employers, until the latter part of the year 
1786, when he removed to Greene County, in the State of Georgia. 
In January following, he established a school, composed mostly of 
English scholars, with one or two in Latin. This, his first establish- 
ment in Georgia, was near the North Ogeechee River. In the sum- 
mer of 1787, a threatened invasion of the Creeks forced him to 
break up his school, and being now out of employment, he visited 
his parents in North Carolina, who determined to accompany him to 
Georgia. He preceded them, however, about a month ; and on his 





/^t^ 



CLARKE COUNTY. 395 

return, found that the Indian alarms had been but too well founded. 
The Creeks had invaded the white settlements, burnt Greenes- 
borough, and committed several murders still farther to the east- 
ward. Mr. Waddel found his old patrons and friends had abandoned 
their houses, and taken refuge in forts. He now went to Augusta, 
and after having spent nearly a month in an ineffectual attempt to 
procure a place in the Richmond Academy, he returned to Greene, 
where he found quiet restored, and his parents just arrived from 
North Carolina. In 1788 he opened another school ; and while en- 
gaged in its duties, received religious impressions. 

Mr. Waddel now determined to enter the ministry, and prepara- 
tory thereto, to obtain a collegiate education. In the fall of the 
year 1790, he set out, by the advice of the Rev. John Springer, for 
Hampden Sydney College. He arrived there in September, and after 
employing himself in preparatory studies until the 3d of January fol- 
lowing, entered the Senior Class in that Institution. On the 29th 
September, 1791, he graduated, after remaining in College but eight 
months and twenty-six days. 

In 1793 or 1794 he opened a school in Columbia County. In 
1804 he removed to Wellington, in South Carolina, where he re- 
mained until 1819, when he was elected President of Franklin Col- 
lege, and immediately entered upon its duties. 

The effect of his coming to take the Presidency of this institution 
was magical. It rose instantly to a rank which it had never before 
held. In 1829 he resigned, and retired to Wellington ; and on the 
21st of July, 1840, died at the residence of his son in Athens.* 

Joseph Henry Lumpkin! was born in Oglethorpe County, on the 
23d of December, 1799. At an early age he entered the University 
of Georgia, but upon the death of President Finley, he left it and 
entered the Junior Class at Princeton, half advanced. Here he 
soon distinguished himself, and was graduated with high honour, the 
salutatory address being awarded to him. Soon after his. return 
from college he organized the Phi Kappa Society at the University 
of Georgia. In 1846, he was elected Professor of Rhetoric and 
Oratory in the University, which chair, however, he declined. In 
1820, he was admitted to the bar, and opened an office in Lexington. 
He lingered, not as many great men have done, for many years a 
briefless lawyer, but sprung almost per saltern to the head of his pro- 
fession. He had to contend with the first men of that day. They 
had experience and reputation; he had neither; but he possessed, in 
a high degree, integrity, talent, and industry. With these qualities 
to support him in the contest, the most celebrated lawyers acknow- 
ledged him an equal. 

His devotion to his profession for twenty-four years greatly en- 

* Abridged from a discourse delivered by the Rev. Dr. Lon?street. 
t We have drawn freely in the preparation of this sketch from an article in the 
" United States Law Magazine," vol. iv., page 34. 



396 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

feebled his health, and in 184-1 he retired from the bar. In 1845, 
whilst he was in Europe, his friends offered his name as a candidate 
for a scat upon the bench of the Supreme Court, and he. was elected. 
As a judge, lie has a profound sense ofthe solemnity of judicial func- 
tions. In the discharge of his duties, he exhibits labour, conscien- 
tiousness, and independence. It is believed that his opinions, to be 
found in the nine volumes el" the Reports of the Supreme Court of 
Georgia, will compare well with those 1 of any of the judges in the 
United Stales. Mr. Lumpkin has net had much to do with politics. 
He was a member of the Legislature from Oglethorpe County two 
years, which embraced a period when party spiril raged with great 
violence. Mr. Lumpkin belonged to the State Rights parly, at the 
head of which was George M. Troup. Had he though.1 proper to'con- 
tinue his political career, he might have received any distinction that 
he asked, but he abandoned politics, and although he still acts with 
his party, he is by no means uncharitable or exclusive. 

For the classics Mr. Lumpkin has always had a great fondness. 
His use of the Latin language in his public addresses, and in the 
graver literature of his judicial opinions, is very happy. 

As a speaker, he has acquired a high reputation. His action is 
free and natural, very often emphatic, and rarely otherwise than 
graceful. 

At the bar, Judge Lumpkin was mostly distinguished as an advo- 
cate — not because he did not deserve distinction for his deep re- 
search, his quick perception, and his sound judgment of the law, but 
because public opinion, which hesitates to award to one man more 
than one excellence, having cheerfully yielded to him the palm of 
eloquence and power as an advocate, was partially blind to his other 
attainments. As an advocate-, however, in criminal causes especially 
— in opening the fountains of the heart — in awakening the spirit of 
mercy and charity— in skilfully grouping the facts in favour of the 
hypothesis of innocence — in staving and driving back the mad pas- 
sions of the human soul, which, in the reckless mob, are generally 
found arrayed against the prisoner, and crying out "Crucify him, 
crucify him" — in those higher efforts of genius and eloquence, "for the 
display of which our criminal trials furnish frequent occasions, we 
hazard little in saying that Judge Lumpkin was without equal orrival 
in his native Stale. 

\ ery soon alter beginning public life, he enlisted in the cause of 
temperance. Steadily and zealously, by example, by argument, the 
most fruitful illustrations, by appeals the most persuasive, and by 
a judicious patronage of every feasible expedient, he has given him- 
self to the temperance reform. 

We are glad to inform our readers that Mr. Lumpkin is a religious 
man. For twenty-five years he has been a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. In the person of . Indue Lumpkin, religion has never 
suffered. His study has been to let his light shine; and his life 
proves that he endeavours to imitate the example of Him who went 
about doinu uood. 



CLARKE COUNTY. 3'J7 

His attachment to Georgia is great ; and whilst he feels interested 
for the welfare of every section of his wide-spread country, we believ< 
there is not a Georgian that can say with greater truth than Judge 
Lumpkin : — 

l 'I love thee next to Heaven above — 
Land of my fathers! thee I love! 
And, rail thy slanderers as they will, 
With all thy faults, I love thee still." 

General David Meriwether resided in this county for many years. 
By birth he was a Virginian. During the whole Revolutionary con- 
flict he was actively engaged. He was at the siege of Savannah, and 
there taken prisoner by the British. In a former work, the compiler 
has spoken of this gentleman. He died in Clarke County. 

Cory of General Meriwether's Parole. — I do hereby acknowledge myself 
to be a prisoner of war. upon my parole to his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton ; 
and that I am thereby engaged, until 1 shall be exchanged, or otherwise released 
therefrom, to remain at the barracks at HaddrelPs Point, or within six miles thereof, 

without passing any rivers, creek, or arm of the sea; and that 1 shall not in the 
meantime do, or cause anything to be done, prejudicial to the success of his 
Majesty's arms, or have intercourse or hold correspondence with his enemies; 
and that upon a summons from his Excellency, or other person having authority 
thereto, that I will surrender myself to him or them at such time and place as I 
shall hereafter be required. 

Witness my hand this 18th day of May, 1780. 

(Signed) David Meriwether, Lieutenant. 

Witness : C. H. Simmons. 

I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the parole this day signed 
by Major Sluart, Com. of Prisoners. 

Josiah Meigs was one of the ablest men of his day. Dr. Church, in 
a discourse delivered before the Georgia Historical Society, says : — 

" President Meigs commenced the exercises of the University when 
no College buildings of any description had been erected. Recita- 
tions were often heard, and lectures delivered, under the shade of 
the forest oak ; and for years he had the almost entire instruction 
of the College, aided only by a tutor or some member of one of the 
higher classes. The institution was without library — without appa- 
ratus — without professors — without buildings — without productive 
funds ! And yet the President was called upon to instruct from forty 
to sixty students, to superintend the erection of buildings, and fre- 
quently to meet the Board of Trustees and the Legislature at a dis- 
tance from the seat of the College, leaving the institution under the 
superintendence of a tutor, or without any control but the discretion 
of inexperienced youth. And yet, because he did not, in a few years, 
call together as many students as were found at Harvard or Yale, and 
give to the College as high a reputation as was enjoyed by those 



398 KIST0RICA1 COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ancient seminaries, he has been thoughl by some to have been * K m i - 
cienl ui eeal and in talents. 

•• Few men, perhaps, ever laboured \\ nh more untiring Beal and unre- 
mitting uulustvN than this faithful pioneer in the cause of learning in 
our State. His views upon the subject of instruction were enlarged, 
and the measures which he recommended to the Trustees of the Col- 
lege and to the Legislature were judicious— such as fully to sustain 
his character as a man of Learning, and our who had carefully studied 
the subject o( general education. The only failure on his pari was a 
failure to accomplish an impossibility — to build up, without means, a 
flourishing College. The Israelites had not a harder task when re- 
quired to make brickwithout straw, than President Meigs, when, 
under such circumstances, he was required to raise up in a few years 
an institution which would compare with those which had been 
established and well endowed." 

In a letter addressed by Mr. Meigs to Governor Milledge, dated 
May 11, i>i w . now in our possession, referring to the arrival of the 
philosophical apparatus, he says — " I have been much embarrassed 
with company since its arrival, but 1 have patiently attended to the 
wishes of the people. It is thought we know everything. Alas' how 
Limited is all our knowledge ! yet when we compare ourselves with oth- 
ers, we look down with a species of pride, but upwards with humility." 

mel Reynolds, father of the Late Governor Reynolds, of Ala- 
bama, was among the most enterprising ot the tirst settlors. 

Edy ird Payne, attorney at Law, was among the early settlors of 
this county. As a lawyer, he occupied a very high position. 

Colonel Barber was a man of urea t integrity. In the Indian wars 
he greatly distinguished himself. He was much confided in by his 
men, and under his command they seemed to tear no danger. Colonel 
Harbor had many escapes from the savages, some o( which were 
almost miraculous. 

Hon. Zadock Cook is still living near Athens, over 85 years of age. 
He has frequently been a member of the Legislature o( Georgia. He 
was a member of Congress in I s 1 7 and 1819, Mr. Cook lias been a 
great reader. His memory is wonderful. We have heard that, after 
reading a chapter in the Bible, he can repeat from memory every 
word of it. 

Hon. Areasns S. CLAYTON was one among the most eminent 
men in Georgia. lie was a member oi the tirst elass that gra- 
duated at our University. In a knowledge of the elassies he made 
• proficiency, and was esteemed one of the best w liters in Georgia. 
He was a member of Congress, and a Judge of the Superior Court. 
VS en Washington visited Augusta, in 1? — .he attended an exhibi- 
tion of the students of the Richmond Aeademv. The great chief 



CLINCH COOTH V ■ 3W 

th the performance* of the young i 
v)0 , ; i eparture he desired a list of theii namef to b 

him, which riydone. Upon bit return ho 

of the upeakeri a hook. Mr. Clayton was amo 
and received from Washington a copy of Ca r 

,- DoUGHEEl ettlef of ( 

Lty. II' . :' '";•" I 

Judg< Dougherl f 

■ riflemen who do honour to their father. 

Mr. Thomj i Mitchell, an <^r\y settler of Clarki 
and worthy citizen- 
Genera! .J. V. II long been a r< r 
one of the firsl 

Elbert, in winch I il. i J,: 

ober of i ; .< Legislature, a r 

have been educated at /. 

tional pov • '"- 

teresting reminiscenci cted with the I 

We i our obligations to him for most of I 

concerning the promi • of Clari 



CLIN MI COUNTY 

'! .. 
by tl 

.. Clinch. 
'I \ 

Magnolia is the county sil 

crag the / 

ganizs ' - ..I.e... 

Register, 3 : -. I. J. ! - . .. E. 

if. MORGAH, JoHM NoETH, W L £ H. 

•Sir.- e wa» written, tl this life. » 

of'... '-'•*' 



400 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



COBB COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee in 1832, and named after Judge Thomas 
W. Cobb. 

The Chattahoochee is the principal stream. Numerous creeks 
water the county. 

Marietta is the seat of justice, situated near the highest point be- 
tween the Atlantic Ocean and the Tennessee River, and is distant 
from Milledgeville 113 miles. 

The city is rapidly improving, and a more pleasant residence there 
is not to be found in the United States. 




WATER-CURE ESTABLISHMENT. 



The above is a view of Dr. Cox's Water-Cure establishment. It 
is located at the base of the Kenesaw Mountain, and immediately 
upon the Western and Atlantic Railroad, one and a half miles from 
Marietta. 

For purposes of health, so far as pure water, bracing atmosphere, 
and fine scenery are concerned, a more desirable situation can scarcely 
be found. 

It is not our business to enter into any discussion as to the merits 
of the Hydropathic system, but justice requires we should say, that 
hundreds have derived important benefits from the regimen adopted 
by Dr. Cox. 

The Georgia Military Institute is within a short distance of Mari- 
etta. This Institute originated in 1851, under the direction of Colonel 
A. V. Brumby. Its first session opened on the 10th of July, with 
only seven cadets ; but before the close of that term the number had 



COBB COUNTY 401 

increased to twenty-eight. Since that time the number has steadily 
and rapidly increased at each session up to the present time ; and 
now, having completed but two years of its history, it numbers one 
hundred and twenty cadets, five professors, and one assistant pro- 
fessor. 

It was incorporated as a college by the Legislature, at their session 
of 1851-2. At the same session an act was passed, entitled, "An 
Act to provide for the education of a certain number of State Cadets 
in 'the Georgia Military Institute, to defray the expenses of the same, 
and for other purposes therein mentioned." 

The Legislature also directed the Governor to make requisition 
upon the Government of the United States, to furnish the Institute 
with arms and accoutrements ; these arms have been received, and 
are of the most beautiful and appropriate kind for their purpose. 

The government and discipline of the Institute are strictly military. 
The course of studies is thoroughly scientific and practical, modelled 
as nearly as possible after that of the United States Military Academy 
at West Point. 

Acworth is on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. 

Powder Springs are twelve miles S. W. of Marietta. They are 
highly impregnated with sulphur and magnesia, and are efficacious in 
the cure of diseases, particularly those of a cutaneous character, and 
dyspepsia. 

Roswell, a pretty village, so called from Roswell King, Esq., is 
situated thirteen miles from Marietta, and one mile from the Chatta- 
hoochee. It was settled by persons chiefly from the seaboard of Geor- 

Kenesaw Mountain, (Indian name, Chuquetah,) 2J miles from 
Marietta, is 1,828 feet above the level of the ocean. Lost Mountain, 
Brushy Mountain, and Sweat Mountain, are considerable elevations. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,918; families, 
1,918; white males, 5,872; white females, 5,696; free coloured 
male, 1 ; free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 11,571. 
Slaves, 2,272. Deaths, 24. Farms, 931 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 10. Value of real estate, $1,881,269; value of personal 
estate, $1,447,370. 

Denmead's Mill, situated on Soap Creek, is 6J miles from Marietta. 
The main building is three stories high — 40 by 50 feet. It has four 
run of stones, capable of turning out 125 barrels of flour per day. 
Capital, $15,000. The flour is of excellent quality. 

Marietta Tannery, propelled by steam, is situated one mile from 
Marietta; proprietor, J. H. Glover, Esq. ; capital employed, $50,000. 
Connected with this establishment are three brick buildings. The 
main building for machinery is 30 by 54 feet, 2 stories, having a' 
smoke-stack 85 feet high. The wet bark is used for fuel. The 
finishing-room is 30 by 54 feet, 2 stories. The third building is oc- 
cupied by the hands ; number of hands emploved, 15 ; cords of 
bark used per annum, 700 ; 7,000 hides prepared in one year. It is 

26 



402 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

proposed to furnish the Southern market with leather finished in the 
best style, equal to anv manufactured at the North. 

William M'Elfresh & Company's Variety Works, Marietta, Georgia ; 
dimensions of budding, 64 by 84 feet ; built of granite ; 3 stories 
high ; manufactures all kinds of furniture, sashes, blinds, &c. ; 18 or 
20 hands employed ; more than $12,000 worth of work done in twelve 
months. 

The establishment of the Roswell Manufacturing Company is situ- 
ated at Roswell, containing 2 cotton mills, 1 wool factory, and 1 
flouring mill ; capital, $220,000. The old factory is built of brick ; 
3 stories, with basement, 88 feet by 48 ; 2,208 fly spindles, turning 
off 1,000 pounds of yarn, No. 6 to 12, per day. The building is in 
the process of enlargement, and it is expected that at an early period 
there will be added 8 frames, 1,152 spindles, which will make 650 
pounds No. 16 yarn ; also, machinery for cotton rope ; 400 lbs. per 
day. 

The new factory is built of brick, with rock foundation ; 140 feet 
by 53 ; 4 stories ; overshot iron wheel, 16 feet, face 20 feet diameter; 
contains 5,184 Danforth cap spindles, 32 thirty-six inch cards, and 
120 looms, making 2,575 pounds per day No. 20 yarn ; number of 
hands, 250. After the present year, 300 will be required. 

The water-power fine. Wages of operatives dependent upon their 
industry. The temperance principle strictly enforced. Provision 
made for the instruction of the children. Goods manufactured have 
a high character, and are sent to Tennessee, Alabama, and to various 
parts of Georgia. 

Nickajack factory is on Nickajack Creek. 

The surface of the country is broken. The lands upon the Chat- 
tahoochee are rich. The creek bottoms are also fertile, and well 
adapted to cotton, wheat, and corn. The uplands are of a mulatto 
and gray colour. Best Chattahoochee lands are worth $20 per acre ; 
creek bottoms, $8 ; uplands, from $1 to $8 per acre. 

The roads are as good as the nature of the country will allow. 
The principal road crosses the Chattahoochee at the Standing Peach- 
tree, passing through Marietta and Allatoona to Cassville. Another 
main road passes through Sand Town, in Campbell County, to Alla- 
toona, and is known as the Alabama road. Another road much tra- 
velled is the one which crosses the Chattahoochee River, at McAfee's 
Bridge, and passes near Roswell to Vann's Valley and North Alabama. 

Gold has been found on Proctor's Creek, in "the northern part of 
the county ; at Allatoona, on Powder Spring Creek, on Sweet Wa- 
ter Creek, near Kenesaw Mountain, and in Marietta. Silver, iron, 
lead, copper, talc, soapstone, plumbago, quartz, &c, abound. 

There are many respectable schools in various sections of the 
county, particularly at Marietta and Roswell. 

On Mud Creek there are the remains of an ancient fortification, 
and on the Chattahoochee River several small mounds. 

The climate, though variable, is as healthy as any portion of the 



COBB COUNTY. 403 

United States. Exposure to cold and rain is hardly ever attended by 
serious consequences. No case of consumption has ever occurred in 
the county. The summer diseases are bowel complaints, &c. The 
winter diseases are pleurisy and pneumonia. 

Among the instances of longevity are, Mr. Fleming, who was over 
94 years of age when he died; Mr. J. Collins, a Revolutionary soldier, 
over 88 ; Mrs. Henry was over 80 ; Mrs. Dougherty was over 85 ; 
Mr. Smith, 80 ; Mr. Edwards died at 90. 

Early Settlers. — Taliaferro McAfee, Colonel Merritt, 
Osborn Mullins, Daniel Reid, Isaac Grey, Thos. Hairston, 
Daniel R. Turner, L. Simpson, Matthias Bates, John L. Moore, - 
James Anderson, Josiah Massey, Wm. C. Greene, Simeon Strick- 
land, Reuben Benson, Allen A. Winn, R. Groves, D. Moore, 
Samuel M. and Wm. Malony, Joseph D. Shewmake, Samuel 
Y^oung, Wm. Mayes, Robert Lemmon, Wm. Guess, Martin Adams, 
Bradley Smith, Jackson Gregory, Wm. W. Duncan, Lema 
Kirtley, John Rowe, Geo. W. Winter, Thos. Pritchard, Alfred 
Edwards, Wiley Roberts, James Foot, Sr., Geo. W. Gober, 
Wm. B. Crane, John B. Brockman, T. H. McClusky, P. M. 
Oliver, Thos. Whitehead, &c. 

The first Superior Court for this county was held on the 16th 
day of September, 1833, at Marietta, — Judge John W. Hooper pre- 
siding. 

FIRST GRAND JURORS. 

Jacob R. Brooks. Wm. Pursell. 

Geo. Baber. John Pace. 

Simpson Dyer. Wm. Harris. 

James Berry. Daniel May. 

Ferdinand Jett. John Clay. 

Wm. B. Malone. John James. 

Sidney F. Fouche. Samuel Hannon. 

John W. Lowery. David Kennedy 

John Moore. James Power. 
James L. Davis. 

The population of this county, like that of the greater part of newly settled 
countries, was composed of many rough and lawless persons, which rendered 
decided and summary action necessary on the part of the presiding officer to 
maintain the authority of the Courts, and the supremacy of the law; there was 
no jail at Marietta, and nothing but a small log-cabin erected for the administra- 
tion of justice, and just in the rear of which there was a small inclosure about twelve 
rails high, intended for a horse lot. During the session of one of the Courts at 
which Judge Warner presided, a man somewhat intoxicated, or pretending 
to be so, became very boisterous, disturbing the business of the Court. The 
judge ordered the Sheriff to take him away, and request his friends to keep him 
away, but in a few minutes he returned more vociferous than ever, cursing the 



404 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Court and its officers, telling the judge to put him in jail and be d d. The 

judge hesitated for a moment, and then very deliberately ordered the Sheriff to 
take the disturber of the public business and place his head under the horse lot 
fence, until he became sober. The Sheriff promptly executed the order, and 
shortly afterwards, when he was wanted in Court, he could not be found, and it 
was ascertained that, in obedience to what he considered the order of the judge, 
after putting the man's neck between the heavy rails of the fence, about two 
feet from the ground, his body on one side, and his head on the other, he had 
taken his seat on the top rail of the fence above his prisoner, that he might be 
securely kept. The prisoner, however, soon reported himself sober, and was re- 
leased. The next morning he met the judge, and after thanking him for his 
imprisonment, said that he had made a sober man of him during life. This de- 
cided conduct on the part of Judge Warner prevented any further disturbance of 
the Court. 

There was a tradition among the Indians that the line between the Creeks and 
Cherokees commenced on the Chattahoochee, about the Lower Shallow Ford, 
running out to the ridge dividing the Etowah and the Chattahoochee rivers, 
around to the head waters of the Tallapoosa and those streams that flow into the 
Etowah, and thence on to the Coosa River. At a ball play in which the Creeks 
and Cherokees were engaged, the former staked that portion of their territory 
that lay south of this line, and the latter won the game and obtained pos- 
session of the territory, in which the counties of Cobb, Paulding, and Polk are 
now included. 

Kenesaw Town was situated upon the plantation now owned by- 
Mr. Roberts. Kenesaw was the chief. In 1833 it had 200 inhabi- 
tants. 

Alatoona was on the Etowah River. In 1830 it had 500 in- 
habitants. 

Sweet Water Old Town was situated upon the plantation now 
owned by Israel Causey. Sweet Water was the chief. 

Buffalo Fish Town was upon the plantation now owned by Mrs. 
Varner. 



COLUMBIA COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Richmond in 1790. Length, 25 
m. ; breadth, 20 m. ; area square miles, 500. 

The Savannah River separates this county from South Carolina, 
and Little River from Wilkes and Lincoln counties. 

Appling is the seat of justice, on the Great Kiokee Creek, 82 
miles from Milledgeville. Incorporated in 1826. 

Wrightsborough is on Town Creek, 16 miles from Appling. It 
was settled before the Revolution by a colony of Quakers, under the 
direction of Joseph Mattock, who had obtained for himself and fol- 



COLUMBIA COUNTY. 405 

lowers a tract of land embraciug 40,000 acres. It was named after 
Sir James Wright, formerly Governor of Georgia. 
Raysville is on Little River, 10 miles from Appling. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 751 ; families, 751 ; 
white males, 1,838 ; white females, 1,779 ; free coloured males, 38 ; 
free coloured females, 34. Total free population, 3,689. Slaves, 
8,272. Deaths, 24. Farms, 931 ; manufacturing establishments, 
10. Value of real estate, $1,881,269; value of personal estate, 
$1,447,370. 

The climate is mild. A long list of instances of longevity might 
be given. We insert a few names. 

Captain Thomas Cobb, aged 110. " He was a native of Buckingham 
County, Virginia. His patriotism induced him to take part with the 
country in the struggle for the independence of these States, and he 
was often associated in the counsels of the chiefs of those startling 
times. He held offices under the Commonwealth, after it had ob- 
tained self-government, and removed to Georgia about the year 
1783. He was an agriculturist, and the efficient manager of his 
plantation for eighty or ninety years. Such was the comprehensive- 
ness of his mind and physical activity, that he was surrounded with 
abundance under every difficulty of season. Perhaps no man ever in 
Georgia, during so long a space of time, enjoyed so much entirely 
from his own resources." 

Captain Leonard Marbury, aged 93. He left three sons, three 
daughters, and ninety-six other descendants. 

Mr. David Hodge, aged 102. His marriage was thus announced 
in a paper of the day : — 

Ihe Spirit of Seventy-six ! — Another hero of the Revolution has fallen — before 
the shrine of Hymen ! — but even in his fall he triumphed ! Thus runs the proud 
memorial of his glory : On the 25th ult. was united in the hohy bands of matri- 
mony, by John McGehee, Esq., Mr. David Hodge, aged one hundred and two 
years and two months, to Miss Elisabeth Baily, aged forty years, both of Columbia 
County, Georgia. Mr. Hodge was at Braddock's defeat, and served throughout 
the whole period of the Revolutionary War. — Augusta Chronicle. 

Mr. Gibson, who resides in this county, has in his possession a re- 
markable stone, which it is affirmed has the property of curing the 
bite of a snake or mad dog. The compiler of this work has been 
assured by more than fifty respectable gentlemen, some of whom have 
been eye-witnesses to experiments made with this stone, that when 
applied to the wound it extracts the poison. Many instances have 
occurred in which persons were relieved who had been severely bitten 
by poisonous snakes and mad dogs. It is not our business to specu- 
late on this subject. We only state the fact, and remark that it is too 
well authenticated to admit of any doubt. 



406 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

The Rev. Daniel Marshall, a zealous minister of the Baptist de- 
nomination, lived and died in this county. His grave is near the 
court-house in Appling. 

-Captain Ignatius Few died at the age of sixty. He was an ardent 
patriot of the Revolution. 

David Bushnell, a very remarkable man, was first known to the 
people of Georgia, in 1795 or '96, as a teacher in the County of Co- 
lumbia. He was eminently distinguished for his classical and scien- 
tific learning. His chief enjoyments were found in the instruction of 
his classes, and an occasional visit to a few men of congenial spirit. 

He had, doubtless, been an officer in our Revolutionary army — a 
captain of a corps of sappers and miners. It was in this capacity, 
according to a statement in Colonel Humphrey's Life of General 
Putnam, that Captain Bushnell contrived a submarine engine, for the 
purpose of destroying the British fleet, then lying in the Delaware 
Bay, below Philadelphia. 

Owing to some cause, the enterprise against the fleet failed ; but 
the explosion of combustible matter, contained in two or three hun- 
dred kegs of powder, floating beneath the surface of the water, brought 
to view such strange and frightful pyrotechnical phenomena, that the 
British admiral took alarm, and his fleet left the Delaware with the 
utmost haste and confusion. This ridiculous panic of the admiral 
stirred the mirthful muse of Francis Hopkinson, Esq., of Philadelphia, 
whose description of the scene is contained in the following verses, 
entitled 

"the battle of the kegs." 

Gallants, attend, and hear a friend 

Trill forth harmonious ditty : 
Strange things I'll tell, which late befell 

In Philadelphia city. 

'Twas early day, as poets say, 

Just when the sun was rising, 
A soldier stood on log of wood, 

And saw a thing surprising. 

As in amaze he stood to gaze, 

(The truth can't be denied, sir,) 
He spied a score of kegs, or more, 

Come floating down the tide, sir. 

A sailor, too, in jerkin blue, 

The strange appearance viewing, 



COLUMBIA COUNTY. 407 

First d (1 his eyes, in great surprise, 

Then said, " Some mischief's brewing. 

" These kegs, I'm told, the rebels hold, 
Paek'd up like pickled herring; 
And they've come down t' attack the town, 
In this new way of ferry'ng.'' 

The soldier flew, the sailor too, 

And, scar'd almost to death, sir, 
Wore out their shoes to spread the news, 

And ran till out of breath, sir. 

Now, up and down, throughout the town, 

Most frantic scenes were acted ; 
And some ran here, and others there, 

Like men almost distracted. 

Some fire cried, which some denied, 

But said the earth had quaked ; 
And girls and boys, with hideous noise, 

Ran through the streets half naked. 

Sir William* he, snug as a flea, 

Lay all this time a snoring ; 
Nor dream'd of harm, as he lay warm 

In bed. 

Now, in a fright, he starts upright, 

Awak'd by such a clatter ; 
He rubs both eyes, and boldly cries, 

" For God's sake, what's the matter ?" 

At his bedside, he then espied 

Sir Erskine,f at command, sir ; 
Upon one foot he had one boot, 
And t' other in his hand, sir. 

"Arise! arise!'' Sir Erskine cries; 
" The rebels — more's the pity — 
Without a boat, are all afloat, 
And rang'd before the city. 

" The motley crew, in vessels new, 
With Satan for their guide, sir, 
Paek'd up in bags, or wooden kegs, 
Come driving down the tide, sir. 

* Sir William Howe. f Sir William Erskine. 



408 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGiA 

" Therefore prepare for bloody war — 
These kegs must all be routed, 
Or surely we despised shall be. 
And British courage doubted." 

The royal band now ready stand, 

All rang'd in dread array, sir, 
With stomachs stout to see it out, 

And make a bloody day, sir. 

The cannons roar from shore to shore ; 

The small arms loud did rattle : 
Since wars began, I'm sure no man 

E'er saw so strange a battle. 

The rebel dales, the rebel vales, 

With rebel trees surrounded, 
The distant woods, the hills and floods, 

With rebel echoes sounded. 

The fish below swam to and fro, 

Attack'd from every quarter : 
Why, sure, (thought they,) the devil's to pay 

'Mongst folks above the water. 

The kegs, 'tis said, though strongly made 

Of rebel staves and hoops, sir, 
Could not oppose their powerful foes, 

The conqu'ring British troops, sir. 

From morn to night, these men of might 

Display'd amazing courage ; 
And when Ihe sun was fairly down, 

Retired to sup their porridge. 

A hundred men, with each a pen, 

Or more, upon my word, sir, 
It is most true, would be too.few, 

Their valour to record, sir. 

Such feats did they perform that day, 

Against these wicked kegs, sir, 
That, years to come, if they get home, 

They'll make their boasts and brags, sir. 

After the close of the Revolutionary War, Captain Bushnell travelled 
in Europe, and subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits wtiicn 
are said to have terminated in heavy losses. Whether a hope of te- 



COLUMBIA COUNTY. 409 

instating himself in the possession of an independent fortune induced 
him to come to Georgia, we are unable to say. His old fellow-sol- 
dier, the Hon. Abraham Baldwin, received him into his family, under 
whose auspices he had no difficulty in placing himself at the head of 
one of the most respectable schools in Georgia. In this vocation he 
spent several years, and under his guidance and tuition many of our 
most useful citizens received valuable instructions in Learning and mo- 
rals. Late in life, he settled in Warrenton as a practitioner of physic. 
Then, and ever afterwards, he was known as Dr. Bush. For reasons 
which have never been disclosed, he had, some time before he settled 
in Georgia, dropped the last syllable of his name ; and until the pub- 
lication of his last will and testament, no person in this country, ex- 
cept his old friend Baldwin, was apprised of the fact that his family 
name was Bushnell. It was probably a device of his own, for the 
purpose of concealing his personal identity ; but what considerations 
induced him to desire such concealment, will probably never be known. 
Those who knew the man best, however, during his residence of 
thirty or forty years in Georgia, could not be led to think that it had 
its origin in circumstances disreputable to his character. 

At an age little short of ninety years, Dr. Bush departed this life, 
leaving, by his last will and. testament, his whole estate to be disposed 
of at the discretion of his executors, Peter Crawford, Esq., a promi- 
nent citizen of Columbia County, and George Hargroves, Esq., a 
gentleman of known probity, a resident, at that time, in Warrenton. 

According to the will, these executors were required to make in- 
quiries in the town of Seabrook, in Connecticut ; and if any persons 
should be ascertained to be of the blood and family of the testator, 
and, in the opinion of the executors, to have fair claims, on the score 
of moral worth, to such bounty, they were required to regard the 
most meritorious individual of the family as the true legatee, to whom 
the whole estate was to be transferred. But should none of the kin- 
dred be found to fulfil the condition set forth in the will, then they 
were directed to transfer the estate to the Trustees of Franklin Col- 
lege, in this State, as part of the permanent fund of that institution. 
Legatees were found in Connecticut. 

Colonel Daniel Appling was born on the 25th of August, 1787, 
in this county. At the age of eighteen he entered the army of the 
United States, and during the war of 1812, distinguished himself in 
several engagements with the enemy. He died 18th March, 1818. 

Colonel William Few, a descendant of one of the original settlers 
of Pennsylvania, was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, on the 8th 
of June, 1748. His paternal ancestor, who was from Wales, and whose 
family name was written Ffew, accompanied William Penn in his 
migration to this country. When William was ten years of age, 
his parents removed with their family to Orange County, North 
Carolina, and here his education was conducted by an able teacher. 
His book was his constant companion in the field and during the in- 



410 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tervals of labour. Qualified by his sound principles and virtuous habits, 
at the very beginning of the Revolution he espoused the cause of his 
country. In conjunction with some young men of his acquaintance, 
he formed a volunteer company of infantry. Of those who joined 
this company, the greater part were appointed officers in the regiment 
of Continental troops raised by the Convention of North Carolina in 
1776. In one of these regiments, Mr. Few was offered a captain's 
commission ; but, in pursuance of arrangements previously made, he 
removed, in the autumn of 1776, to Georgia, where the Revolution 
was in active progress, the affairs of government having been trans- 
ferred to a Committee of Public Safety. Shortly after his arrival, 
the knowledge of his character having preceded him, he was elected 
a member of the Convention about to be called to form a constitution 
for the future government of the State. 

At the coming election, he was chosen, by a unanimous vote, a 
member of the Assembly for the County of Richmond, and in the 
meeting of that body was appointed one of the Council. From this 
period to that of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, 
and afterwards, with short intervals, to the close of 1804, he was con- 
stantly employed in public affairs. 

His earliest military service was performed in repulsing a British 
force which invaded Georgia from East Florida. After the capture 
of Savannah in 1778, and the subsequent occupation of Augusta by 
the British, he was engaged in several hazardous marches and suc- 
cessful actions, which resulted in expelling the enemy from the in- 
terior. Soon after this, with a small force of militia, he dispersed a 
body of Creek Indians, who, to the number of seven hundred, under 
the influence of Tate, a British agent, were approaching the frontier 
settlements from the West. As Lieutenant-Colonel of Militia, he was 
for a length of time occupied in the perilous and difficult service of 
guarding the interior portions of the State from the incursions of the 
Indians. In 1778 he accepted the appointment of Surveyor-General 
of the State, and also that of Presiding Judge of the County of Rich- 
mond ; and in 1779, he was re-elected a member of the Legislature 
for the ensuing year; by which body, in January, 1780, he was ap- 
pointed a member of Congress, and in the following May proceeded to 
Philadelphia, and took his seat. 

The British forces continued, in 1781, to occupy the coast and 
southern part of Georgia, when information was communicated to 
Congress, by their minister in Europe, of a disposition on the part of 
the British Government to treat for peace, in view of which the dele- 
gates from Georgia feared that a negotiation might proceed, on con- 
dition that each party should retain the places of which it held pos- 
session ; and Colonel Few, by the advice of Congress, and on the 
request of his colleagues, returned to his constituents, to advise with 
them on the subject, and to assist in appointing officers, and reorgani- 
zing the government in the several counties of the State. 

Having accomplished these objects, he was reappointed to Con- 
gress, and again took his seat in that body, in May, 1782. 



COLUMBIA COUNTY. 411 

Soon after the peace in 1783, Colonel Few returned to Georgia, 
and was immediately elected by the County of Richmond a member 
of the Legislature, which assembled in January, 1784, for the purpose 
of revising the laws, and providing for an effective administration of 
the government, which, from the events of the war on the coast, and 
the disturbed state of the frontier, had for a length of time been wholly 
inoperative. He now engaged in the practice of law, and by his in- 
timate knowledge of the affairs of the State, his experience in public 
life, his talents as a debater, and his integrity, industry, and prudence, 
was rapidly rising to eminence in his profession, when a controversy, 
arising between Georgia and South Carolina, in relation to territory 
which was referred to Congress for adjustment, he was appointed 
agent for the claims of his State, and was again elected a member of 
Congress. 

On the 25th of May, 1787, the Convention for forming the Consti- 
tution of the United States met in Philadelphia. Colonel Few was a 
member of the Convention, and one of those who, by their signatures, 
testified their approbation of that instrument, and recommended it to 
their constituents. He soon after repaired to Georgia, to exert his 
influence in favour of the adoption by that State of the proposed Con- 
stitution, and was elected a delegate from the County of Richmond 
to the State Convention, which met in Augusta the ensuing Decem- 
ber, and by which the Constitution was ratified and adopted. The 
Legislature, shortly afterwards, appointed him one of the Senators of 
that State. In 1788, Colonel Few married Catharine, daughter of 
the venerable Commodore Nicholson, of the United States Navy, 
with whom he lived in all harmony and affection until the day of his 
death. 

About the time of his marriage the frontier citizens of Georgia were 
much harassed by the predatory incursions of the Creek Indians, and 
a commission, on an application, through their Senators, from the Le- 
gislature of that State, to the President of the United States, for re- 
lief, being appointed to adjust the controversy between the parties by 
treaty, Colonel Few, having personal knowledge of the Indian chiefs, 
and of the nature of the difficulties to be overcome, and feeling a deep 
interest in the success of a friendly negotiation, voluntarily accompa- 
nied the Commissioners on their mission. After their first interview 
with the chiefs and head men, on the banks of the Oconee River, the 
latter, contrary to their friendly professions, suddenly retired, under 
the influence of their perfidious advisers, to the interior of their coun- 
try. At the instance of Colonel Few, the Commissioners, under the 
escort of two friendly kings, were induced to follow the retiring party. 
They accordingly pursued, and overtook them, but all their efforts to 
renew the negotiation were unavailing. 

His term of service in the Senate of the United States, by which 
the classification was limited to four years, having expired in March, 
1793, Colonel Few retired with his family to his estate in Georgia, 
and resumed his agricultural pursuits. In 1795, Mr. Few was elected 
a member of the Legislature which declared the Yazoo act null and 



412 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

void. About the same time, the State having been divided into four 
Judicial Districts, he was appointed Judge of the Second District, the 
arduous duties of which he continued to discharge for three years, 
when his health being impaired, he resigned, and in the summer of 
1799, removed with his family to the City of New- York, where he 
continued to reside to the close of his life, having filled many impor- 
tant offices in the gift of the citv, as Mayor, &c. He died 16th 
July, 1828. 

Hon. Thomas W. Cobb attained to a degree of eminence in his pro- 
fession scarcely surpassed by that of any lawyer in Georgia. He was 
a native of Columbia County. He was elected to Congress in 1818, 
and in 1823 and 1824 was elected Senator, which office he resigned 
in 1828, and became a Judge of the Superior Court. He died at 
Greenesborough in 1830. 



REVOLUTIONARY PAPERS CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY OF 

COLUMBIA.* 

We, the inhabitants of the town of Wrightsborough and places adjacent, un- 
derstanding that fourteen persons have drawn up several resolutions respecting 
the disputes between Great Britain and the town of Boston, concerning the 
destroying of a quantity of tea, the property of the East India Company, and have 
published them as the act of the Province, and which we look upon as a great 
imposition, having no knowledge of them till after they were passed : therefore 
we do, in this public manner, deny passing any concerning them, and disapprove 
of them altogether, such proceedings as a few acting for the whole without their 
knowledge, we apprehend being contrary to the rights and privileges of every 
British subject. 

John Oliver, J. P. ; John Stubbs, Isaac Vernon, Jasias Pewgate, John Jones, 
Thomas Watson, Sen., David Baldwin, Henry Ashfield, Samuel Hart. Alexander 
Ottery, Jesse Margan, Ellis Haines, Aaron McCarter, Stephen Bigshop, Abram 
Louders, James Oliver, John Greason, William Daniel, Silas Pace, Gereiom 
Wooddell, Absalom Beddell, William Foster, John Clower, Abraham Parker, 
James Jenkins, Oliver Matthews, Edward Greene, Joseph Jackson, Joel Phillips, 
Matthew Hobbs, Joseph Haddock, J. P. • Thomas Ansly, John Lindsay, Abram 
Dennis, Richard Webb, Benjamin Ansly, John Watson, Robert Day, Drury 
Rogers, James Anglin, Jacob Watson, Robert Cowin, Lewis Powell, Jacob Col- 
lins, William Childre, Robert Harper, Jacob Dennis, Nicholas White, John 
Moor, Joshua Sanders, Robert Jenkins, Robert Nelson, Hillery Grey, James 
Bishop, John Fairchild, John James, Zachariah Phillips, Edward Hill, John Hill, 
Joshua Hill, John Davis, Isaac Greene, Samuel Sinquefield, William Sinquefield, 
Reuben Sherill, Morris Callingham, Joel Cloud, John Stewart, Jun., John Lang, 
James Ryan, Henry Walker, Peter Perkins, Thomas Gilliland, Uriah Odom, 

* State Documents. 



COWETA COUNTY. 413 

Richard Hokitt, Edward Hagen, Joseph Kallensworth, Abram Hilton, William 
Michell, John Evans, John Evans, Jun., Peter Williams, John Stewart, Jonathan 
Sell, William Welden, John Thompson, Joseph Millen, William Penton, Alex- 
ander Oliver, Ambrose Holiday, Abraham Johnston, Nathaniel Jackson, George 
Wagganer, Robert Walton, Walter Drummond, Charles Dunn, Ezekiel Millar, 
John West, John Hodgin, Peter Cox, Joseph Brown, Henry Jones, John Dennis, 
Francis Jones, Peter Weathers, Timothy Jourdan, Watkin Richards, Abraham 
Davis, Gabriel Davis, John Davis, Isaac Davis, John Pirks, Jacob Davis, Jona- 
than Sell, J. P. ; Thomas Pace. 



COWETA COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1826. Part set off to Campbell, 1828, and a part to 
Heard, in 1836. Length, 27 m. ; breadth, 18m.; area square miles, 
486. 

The streams are the Chattahoochee River, and several creeks. 

The lands are fertile, producing cotton, corn, wheat, &c. 

Newnan, the seat of justice, is situated about the centre of the 
county, 126 miles N. W. of Milledgeville. 

The Newnan Seminary is located here, and ranks among the first 
schools in Georgia. 

The climate does not vary much from that of other counties sur- 
rounding it. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Joseph Edmondson, 
Andrew J. Berry, Gilbert Greene, John Johnston, Talia- 
ferro, Robinson, James Stamps, Washington Arnold, James 

Hutcheson, Levi Phillips, Daniel Wester, the Redwines and 
Hearnes. 

Extract fromthe Census of 1 850. — Dwellings, 1,382 ; families, 1,382 ; 
white males, 4,223 ; white females, 3,979 ; free coloured males, 7 ; 
free coloured females, 11. Total free population, 8,220. Slaves, 
5,415. Deaths, 218, Farms, 911 ; manufacturing establishments, 
52. Value of real estate, $2,146,322 ; value of personal estate, 
$4,070,586. 



3$ is n I lit tiros. 

On a tract of land belonging to Major Cheedle Cochran, of Fayette County, 
No. 112, Fifth District of Coweta County, are the remains of an old fortification, 
of a circular form, and containing an area of from six to ten acres. The site is ad- 
vantageous for the defensive, being situated on a point of land making in be- 
tween a small creek and a branch; a short and almost perpendicular hill, project- 
ing towards the creek swamp, protected the fort from an attack from that quar- 
ter, or made death the inevitable lot of any who had the hardihood to ascend to 



414 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

its biow, in hostile array. On the other side, a gentle descent gave to those 
within the fort the command of it for a considerable distance. 

Allen Gay died in this county at the age of eighty-two. A relative of this 
gentleman has furnished the author with a sketch of his life, from which the 
following extracts are made : — 

He began his Revolutionary career when only sixteen years of age, volunteer- 
ing to act as a substitute for his father, who had been summoned to appear at the 
high hills of Santee for twelve months' service. He was attached to a battalion 
belonging to General Greene's army. At the battle of Eutaw Springs, the com- 
pany to which he was attached formed a part of the advance, and displayed a 
courage which would have done honour to veterans. Upon this occasion he ac- 
tually took five of the enemy prisoners. After the war he removed to Georgia. 
He was a worthy member of the Baptist Church. 

Rev. Dabney Jones. — This great champion of temperance resides in this county, 
and was one of its early settlers. In 1828 he removed from Madison, and settled 
on Shoal Creek, while, to use his own language, "the bark camp of the Indians 
was standing, while the wolves still howled in the solitude of the forest." Mr. 
Jones assisted in erecting the first church in Coweta, and preached the first sermon 
in Newnan, in a rude log house. He also delivered the first temperance lecture 
on the 4th of July, 1832, and from this period until 1847 he lectured at most of 
the Superior Courts, when the friends of temperance called upon him to be their 
representative. Mr. Jones's labours are well known in Georgia. He is an in- 
teresting man, full of anecdote, and one cannot be in his company without being 
convinced of his worth. 

In 1836, a military detachment, under the command of Captain H. Garmany, 
on their return from the Creek war, stopped at the town of Newnan. Their visit 
was thus noticed in the Ncuman Palladium : — 

Early on the morning of Tuesday, 26th ult., our citizens were apprised of the 
approach of a company of our chivalrous up-country volunteers ; we at once 
thought it to be our own — but when they approached, who should it be but the 
gallant Captain Garmany, with a part of his command. They were received 
with enthusiasm by our citizens, and were compelled by urgent solicitation to par- 
take of a breakfast with us — after which the ladies and gentlemen of the town and 
its vicinity repaired to the court-house to welcome this heroic band. Colonel W. 
D. Spear was called to the chair, and after making a few pertinent remarks, 
suitable to the occasion, the following song was, after proper intervals, sung thrice, 
with weeping eyes and great applause : — 

CAPTAIN GARMANY'S FIGHT. 

Tune — " Scots ivha ha," Src 

See the Chattahoochee flow, 
By Roanoke descending low ; 
There our soldiers met the foe, 
Fierce as panther prowling. 



COWETA COUNTY. 415 

God ! was not Thy presence nigh, 
When to Thee, with trusting eye, 
Looked our soldiers, while the cry 
Burst like wild wolves howling? 

Hear our Captain's cheerful tone — 
" Courage, soldiers ! soldiers, on ! 
Let no craven fear be shown, 
Here no aid can find us ! 

" Who a home or lov'd one hath, 

Fight like whirlwinds in their wrath : 
Fight, there lies no middle path — 
Wreath or shade must bind us. 

" Should the God of battles smile, 
Blessings wait to crown our toil ; 
Many a list'ner we'll beguile 
With this day's bold story. 

" Should we fall, we leave a name 
Ages will be proud to claim ; 
Death, upon the soldier's fame, 
Stamps the seal of glory." 

Garmany, such thy counsels bold, 
Now in song thy name's enrolled, 
And thy gallant deeds are told, 

While thousands throng applauding. 

Bravery makes thy field her shrine, 
Beauty's grateful tear is thine : 
Who but would his life resign, 
Such the meed rewarding ? 

After the singing had ceased, Captain Garmany rose and said, in substance, as 
follows : 

" Mr. Chairman, I beg leave to respond by offering my thanks, both for myself 
and in behalf of my company, for the honour conferred upon us. It is true, we 
have encountered hardships, difficulty, great danger, some suffering, and the loss 
cf some of our best men; yet we have done no more than our duty, and duty 
which every man should at all times be ready to discharge. You, dear fe- 
males, I with pleasure behold here in peace, and under the protection of the 
good and virtuous ; while my bosom burns at the thought that I have seen the 
places where many of your sex have been butchered by those blood-thirsty sa- 
vages, too cruel to relate ; yes. so cruel and heart-rending, that my life has al- 
most been my terror." 

Tears flowed from the eyes of all in the house, which created an inexpressible 



416 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



feeling, and we could not trace him further, only to say that he spoke the senti- 
ments of a warm and patriotic heart. 

The citizens wished to retain them as guests until the morrow ; but the anxiety 
of the heroes to see and embrace their wives, daughters, and sisters, was such, 
that we had to succumb. 

The first Superior Court for Coweta County was held at a place 2k miles east 
of Newnan, commencing on the 25th day of June, 1827, — Honourable Walter T. 
Colquitt, Judge. 



1. Isaac Gray, Foreman. 

2. Eli Nason. 

3. James Culwell. 

4. Samuel Walker. 

5. Anthony North. 

6. Nathaniel Nichol. 

7. Edward Secour. 

8. Thomas Dyer. 

9. Edward Reeves. 
10. Daniel Wester. 



GRAND JURORS. 



11. Moses Kelley. 

12. Lewis M. Paulett. 

13. Robert 0. Beavers. 

14. Elijah Hammond. 

15. John Culwell. 

16. S. Green. 

17. John Kisor. 

18. Miles Wood. 

19. Daniel Hull. 



CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Laid out in 1822. Part set off to Upson in 1824. The Old 
Agency Reserve added 1826. Part taken from Talbot and Marion 
1827 ; and a part taken from Houstoun 1830. Length, 17 m. ; 
breadth, 17 m. ; area square miles, 289. Named after the Hon. Wil- 
liam H. Crawford. 

The Flint River is the only stream of any magnitude. 

The surface of the country generally is uneven. The northern part 
is tolerably productive, of a dark gray soil, adapted to cotton. The 
bottom, lands are exceedingly fertile, but liable to inundations. In 
the poor pine region, some seven miles S. E. of Knoxville, rises a 
prominence of about 300 feet above the level of the surrounding 
country. It consists of twenty or thirty acres of rich mulatto land, 
covered with luxuriant growth. On this elevation is an inexhaustible 
supply of limestone. 

Knoxville is the seat of justice, distant from Milledgeville fifty- 
two miles. 

Hopewell is six miles N. E. of Knoxville. 
Francisville is six miles W. of Knoxville. 
Hickory Grove is twelve miles N. W. of Knoxville. 
The climate is pleasant. 



CRAWFORD COUNTY. 417 

The Census of 1 850 gives to this county 724 dwellings ; 754 families ; 
2,253 white males ; 2,089 white females ; 5 free coloured males ; 8 
free coloured females. Total free population, 4,355 ; slaves, 4,629. 
Deaths, 118. Farms, 444 ; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of 
real estate, $1,243,525; value of personal estate, $2,591,959. 

Among the early settlers were, John Hancock, William Hancock, 
H. B. Troutman, Stephen Wright, Benjamin Beland, John S. 
Brooks, Henry Bradford, Samuel Dukes, Benjamin Lightfoot, 
Elisha P. Turner, Willis Taylor, William Richardson, Matthew 
J. Jordan, Benjamin Dickson, James Lang, William Zaigler, W. 
C. Cleveland, Mancel Hancock, T. D. Hammock, S. D. Burnett, 
Green P. Culverhouse, John Culverhouse, William Simmons, 
Geo. R. Hunter, James Clark, John Perry, John Pftvt , Ezekiel 
Hall, Elijah M. Amos, E. Whitington, Adam Files, Wm. T. Brown, 
James A. Everett, Henry Crowell, John Andrews, John Rob- 
inson, William Williamson, Samuel Calhoun, William Trice, 
Robert Howe, Archibald Grey, James A. Millar, Rev. Henry 
Hooten, 

At Fort Hawkins, formerly the Creek Agency, in July, 1817, there 
was an assemblage of the Creeks, amounting to between fourteen and 
fifteen hundred. The principal chiefs dined every day with General 
Mitchell, the United States Agent, and in the afternoon executed the 
points which had been previously discussed and decided upon in coun- 
cil. On this occasion the Indians had received a considerable sum of 
money from the United States. Some of the younger warriors deter- 
mined to have a frolic before they returned to their homes. A prin- 
cipal warrior, next in command to Mcintosh, in the service of Gene- 
ral Jackson, got drunk and killed his own nephew. The chiefs im- 
mediately convened, and after ascertaining the fact of the murder, 
they ordered the perpetrator to be instantly taken and executed ; 
which was done in less than an hour after the murder was com- 
mitted. 

Colonel Benjamin Hawkins resided in this county for many years. 
He was born in the County of Bute, now Warren, North Carolina, on 
the 15th of August, 1754. His parents were Colonel Philemon Haw- 
kins and Delia Hawkins. Their son Benjamin received the best edu- 
cation the country afforded. He was sent to Princeton College, 
where he remained until the Revolutionary War suspended its exer- 
cises. It is said that Colonel Hawkins, at the time he left College, 
was an excellent French scholar ; and that Washington's intercourse 
with the French officers rendering it necessary that he should have 
some member of his family to aid him in this particular, he became 
acquainted with Colonel Hawkins, and pressed him into his service 
as a member of his family. He was present with Washington at the 
battle of Monmouth, in 1779, and upon several other occasions. In 
1780, he was chosen, by the North Carolina Legislature, Commercial 

27 



418 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

Agent. In that capacity he repaired to the Island of St. Eustatia, to 
procure arms and ammunition ; but the vessels on board of which he 
had placed the articles purchased were taken by the British. In 
1782, he was elected a member of Congress for one year, and was re- 
elected in 1783. In 1785 he was appointed a Commissioner to treat 
with the Cherokees, and other Indians south of them, as well as Com- 
missioner to negotiate with the Creeks, the duties of which he faith- 
fully performed. In 1786, he was again elected to Congress ; and in 
1789, to the Senate of the United States, where he remained for six 
years ; after which General Washington appointed him Superintend- 
ent of Indian Affairs, South. He took up his residence among the 
Creeks, and devoted all his energies to their improvement. He estab- 
lished a large farm, built mills, houses, wagons, and implements of all 
sorts suited to the demands of the country. He had a large stock of 
cattle, which the Indians were scrupulous to protect while he was 
alive, but when he died they stole them without limit. Colonel Haw- 
kins possessed in a high degree, not only science to conceive anything 
he desired, but practical common sense necessary to its full achieve- 
ment. 

The celebrated French General, Moreau, when an exile in this 
country, made a visit to Colonel Hawkins, at the Agency. After 
leaving him, he said he was the most remarkable man he had found 
in America. Many volumes of his manuscripts were destroyed when 
his house was burnt. Some have been published ; the Georgia His- 
torical Society possess several volumes of them. He died on the 
6th of June, 1816, at the Agency. During our visit to Crawford 
County, we visited the spot where Colonel Benjamin Hawkins is sup- 
posed to have been buried. There is no stone or monument to de- 
signate the spot.* 



DADE COUNTY. 

Laid off from Walker in 1837. Length, 24 m.; breadth, 12m.; 
area square miles, 288. Named after Major Francis Langhorne 
Dade, U. S. A., who was killed by the Indians in Florida, December, 
1835. 

Lookout Creek is the only stream of any importance. 

The soil is fertile, producing with little labour abundant crops of 
corn, wheat, rye and oats. 

The mountains are Lookout and Raccoon. 

Trenton is the county site, 240 miles from Milledgeville. 

The climate is cold in winter, but delightful in summer. The in- 

* A very interesting account of Colonel Hawkins may be found in Wheeler's Histori- 
cal Sketches of North Carolina, page 426. 



OECATUR COUNTY. 419 

stances of longevity with which we are acquainted are the following: 
Mrs. Cartwright, 80; Mrs. Carr, 80; Mr. R. Cox, 80 ; Mr. As- 

BURY, 100. 

The mineral resources of the county are great, and large quantities 
of bituminous coal are found in the mountains. It also abounds with 
caves ; and it is thought that within its limits are more than fifty In- 
dian mounds. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 421 ; families, 421 ; 
white males, 1,246 ; white females, 1,286. Total free population, 
2,532 ; slaves, 148. Deaths, 30. Farms, 235 ; manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 4. Value of real estate, $240,220 ; value of personal estate, 
$151,443. % 

The Legislature of 1849 made an appropriation of $3,500, to con- 
struct a road over the Lookout Mountain. 

Among the persons who first settled this county were, J. B. Per- 
kins, Joel Hulsey, James Stewart, Howell Tatum, John Guinn, 
Isam Cole, A. Hale, Wm. Hughs, T. L. Tanner, A. B. Hannah, 
Jacob McCollum, W. Hulsev, G. Stephens, Z. O'Neal, L. Hen- 
dricks, Jesse Carroll, Jeremiah Pace, M. Cunningham, M. Mor- 
gan, William Morgan, Jacob Sitton, W. H. Taylor, R. L. Taylor, 
David Killion, Daniel Killion, Alfred Garner, James M. Hall, 
Leroy Sutton, George Sutton. 



DECATUR COUNTY. 

Laid off from Early in 1823 ; part set off to Thomas in 1825. It 
received its name from Commodore Stephen Decatur. Length, 36 
m. ; breadth, 25 m. ; area square miles, 900. 

The Flint River runs through the county, and the Chattahoochee 
forms its western boundary. 

Spring Creek is a considerable body of water. There are several 
other streams, viz,, Musquito, Willocoochee, &c. 

In various parts are excellent tracts of land. Between the Flint 
and Chattahoochee rivers is a pine barren, with some fertile spots, 
which are well calculated for the growth of cotton and corn, the 
soil being silicious. 

The climate is temperate and pleasant. 

Bainbridge is the county town, situated on the east side of the 
Flint River, on a beautiful bluff, 190 miles from Milledgeville. 
Fort Scott is below Bainbridge, on the Flint River. 
Attapulgus is 12 miles southeast of Bainbridge. 

Extract from Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 898 ; families , 898 ; white 



420 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

males, 2,391 ; white females, 2,227 ; free coloured males, 3 ; free colour- 
ed females, 2. Total free population, 4,623 ; slaves, 3,639. Deaths, 
92. Farms, 491 ; manufacturing establishments, 2. Value of real 
estate, $805,018 ; value of personal estate, $1,970,631. 

Among the original settlers of this county may be named the fol- 
lowing, viz. : G. Mitchell, Wm. Martin, Wm. Donaldson, Joel 
Darsey, John Darsey, W. Williams, H. Ingraham, B. Crawford, 
James Griffin, M. Hardin, James Brown, Samuel Cherry, Wm. 
Powell, Samuel Williams, Daniel O. Neal, Hiram Atkinson, 
James T. Neal, Wm. Forson, M. Kelly, Wm. Hawthorn, John 
White, John Jones, Duncan Ray, Edmund Herring, Joshua Proc- 
tor, William Whigham, Elias McElvan, William Powell, Philip 
Pitman, John Donaldson, R. B. Douglas, Abn'er Bishop, Jeremiah 
Slade, Wm. Chester, Captain Parham, R. Strickling, J. Saunders, 
G. G. Gaines. 



This county is remarkable for its numerous caves or lime-sinks. 

Dr. (Dotting, who made a geological survey of this portion of the State, has 
kindly furnished us with the following facts : — 

"Decatur abounds with what are called lime-siaks. Some are filled with 
water, others are empty. Some have streams passing through the bottom, and 
communicating with the river. The walls of these caverns are lined with slaty 
limestone, in which there is a quantity of marine organic remains. 

" At Curry's Mills, near the church, is a large sink or depression. The rim ol 
the crater is nearly circular, being 666 feet; depth, 102 feet. 

" Sixteen miles from Bainbridge is a cavern, explored to the distance of eighty- 
three feet, — a small stream runs through it. 

" Three miles east of Flint River is a large fissure, one hundred yards long ; 
breadth, 10 feet; depth, 30 feet." 

One-half of a mile southeast of Black Creek, Dr. Cotting found fragments 
of large tusks, and other bones of the zeuglodon. 



DE KALB COUNTY. 421 



DE KALB COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1822, and named after the Baron De Kalb, who fell 
in defence of American freedom at the battle of Camden, South Caro- 
lina, on the 19th of August, 1780. Length, 25 m. ; breadth, 19m.; 
area square miles, 475. 

The Chattahoochee is the chief river. The creeks are, Nancy's, 
Peach-Tree, Utoy, &c. 

Decatur is the county town, ninety-five miles northwest of Mil- 
ledgeville. 

Atlanta has had a growth unexampled in the history of the South. 
It is the point at which the Western and Atlantic, the Macon and 
Western, and the Georgia railroads, connect. 

To J. Norcross, Esq., we are indebted for the following statement 
relating to Atlanta : — 

Population of Atlanta not precisely known, but placed by none under 4,500, 
and still increasing. 

The number of stores, exclusive of retail liquor-shops, in the city, is 57. 

Large cotton warehouses, 4. 

Amount of goods sold from 15th December, 1850, to 15th December, 1851, was 
$1,017,000. 

The amount of Georgia and Tennessee produce sold, exclusive of cotton, during 
the same time, $406,000. 

The amount of goods sold in the month of October, 1851, $108,000. 

Amount of cotton received and sold from December, 1850, to December, 1851, 
35,500 bales. 

Amount of money advanced by bank agents to buyers in Atlanta and neigh- 
bouring villages, and* bills drawn against cotton shipped to Augusta, Savannah, 
Charleston, and New-York, $1,250,000, — making, in round numbers, exchange 
or mercantile transactions over $2,500,000. 

Nor does this include large quantities of Georgia and Tennessee produce, re- 
ceived and sold here by the owners, the larger portion of which would probably 
go into stores here, were there any banking or other suitable accommodations for 
advancing on the same. 

There is in this city one steam flouring mill, — investment, $35,000, — the opera- 
tions of which maybe placed at $150,000 per annum. One iron foundry and 
machine shop — cash operations, $20,000 per annum. Three carriage and wheel- 
wright shops. Two large tanneries. One large shoemaking establishment. 
Two large tanneries and shoe establishments in course of construction. In addi- 
tion to the Georgia Railroad and State machine shops, which employ large 
numbers of workmen, one car-shop is now going up as a private enterprise — 
investment, $30,000. 

Winship's Establishment. — The main building of this extensive 
establishment is 200 feet by 40 feet ; a wing at one end, 24 feet by 32 



422 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

feet, for engine ; a wing near the centre, 20 by 40 feet, for black- 
smith's shop. Engine, 25 horse-power; planing machines, '3 ; cir- 
cular saws, 4 ; tenoning machine, 1 ; sash and moulding machine, 1 ; 
wood-turning lathe, 1 ; bolt-cutting machine, 1 ; drill press, 1 ; num- 
ber of hands employed, 40. Chief business, making railroad cars. 
Capital, $20,000. 

Atlanta Tanning Company. — Proprietors, Alexander & Orme. 
Capital, $20,000. Propelled by steam. Dimensions of building, 50 feet 
by 80, with a wing 25 by 50 ; two stories high. Hands employed, 10. 
Hides handled by machinery. Connected with this establishment are 
a grist-mill and a patent circular saw-mill, lathe and shingle ma- 
chine. 

Atlanta Machine Company. — Capital employed, $5,000 ; number 
of hands, 12; amount of work done per annum, $12,000; dimen- 
sions of building, 160 by 40 feet. 

Stone Mountain and Lithonia, small places, are on the Georgia 
Railroad. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,792; families, 
1,794; white males, 5,704; white females, 5,668; free coloured 
males, 9 ; free coloured females, 23. Total free population, 11,404 ; 
slaves, 2,924. Deaths, 118. Farms, 1,019 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 45. Value of real estate, $1,669,810 ; value of personal estate, 
$1,721,560. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, William Jackson, 
James Montgomery, John R. Brooks, Wm. Ezzard, W. M. Hill, 
Joseph Hewey, Stephen Mays, R. Cone, J. M. Smith, Wm. David, 
Mason Shewmake, John Simpson, Amos Towers, John W. Fowler, 
Edward Jones, Andrew Johnson, John Turner, J. P. Carr, James 
W. Reeves, Colonel Murphy, George Clifton, James Jones, Jesse 
Lane, L. Johnston, Wm. Tererll, George Brooks. 

The climate is healthy. Instances of longevity are numerous. 
John Biffle died at 106; D. Greene, 90 ; Wm. Terrell, 90; Mr. 
Brooks, 92; Wm. Suttles died in 1839, aged 108. He was pos- 
sessed of great physical strength, and had been a soldier of '76. At 
his death an estimate of his descendants was made, and it amounted 
to 300 persons. His wife, Margaret, 104 years old, died in June, 
1839. For seventy years she had been a member of the Baptist 
Church. Charles Isom and James Burnes, both 90, are now living. 
Wm. Reeves died at 87. 

The Stone Mountain is in this county, of which we have seen 
many descriptions ; but the following, taken from the Macon Tele- 
graph, of April 3, 1830, we consider the most accurate : — 

The Stone Mountain is a huge solid peak of solitary rock, three thousand feet 
in height, and six or seven miles in circumference. The finest view of this stu- 



i^l 



DE KALB COUNTY. 423 

pendous pyramid is obtained from the eastern side. Seen from this point at a 
distance,, it has the appearance of a large dark cloud streaked with thunder and 
lightning. Approach it nearer, and its figure and consistence become distinguish- 
able; you see the bold, naked rock, nearly globular in form, of a darkish gray 
colour. On climbing it, the shrubs and bushes are scattered so thinly over its 
sides among the crevices, that it appears nearly bald. About half way up to the 
right of your path is pointed out a small tuft of scrub cedars and oaks, de- 
signated as the Buzzard's Roost, from the number of those birds hovering about 
the spot. 



*^#<:j ;:;■;.; 1 1 ■■■■■■&■?) 

STONE MOUNTAIN. 

About a quarter of a mile from the top are seen the remains of a fortification 
that formerly extended around and defended every accessible point leading to 
the summit, the only entrance being through a natural passage under a large 
rock, where only one person could enter at a time, and that by crawling on all- 
fours. The whole length of the wall at first was probably a mile, breast high on 
the inside, and constructed of the loose fragments of the rocks. On reaching 
the summit, you have a beautiful and extensive view of the country. The top 
presents an uneven surface, nearly flat, of an oval shape, two or three hundred 
yards in width, and about twice that in length. 

Many hollows are observable in the winter and spring, filled with water, and 
occasionally little patches of soil, where various shrubs and herbs luxuriate. On 
the eastern side, some distance from the top, is a little grove called the Eagle's 
Nest. Adjoining it, among the broken fragments, are a number of frightful 
caverns, called the Lion's Den, the Panther's Hole, &c. 

From the summit you may ramble down the arch in any direction for several 
hundred yards, without danger. 

A pathetic story is told of a couple of hounds that a year or two ago followed 
their owners to the top of the mountain, and in performing their gambols round 
the edge of the precipice, had got too far down to be able to get back. One slid 
immediately over, and was dashed to pieces on the rocks below, not a whole 
bone being left in his skin; the other held to the rock for two days, howling 
piteously, but at last became exhausted, fell, and shared the fate of his comoanion. 






424 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DOOLY COUNTY. 

Boundaries described in the Lottery Act of 1821. Part added to 
Pulaski, 1826; a part to Lee, 1827. . Named after Colonel John 
Dooly, who was murdered by the Tories in 1780. Length, 35 m. ; 
breadth, 32 m. ; area square miles, 1,120. 

The chief stream is the Flint River. The creeks are, Penna- 
hatchee, Hogcrawl, Lampkin's Limestone, Cedar, &c. 

The face of the country is level ; much of the land is productive. 
Lands which a few years ago were considered worthless, now command 
high prices. 

Vienna is the county town, situated on the waters of Pennahatchee 
Creek, distant from Milledgeville ninety-five miles. 
Drayton is a mile and a half from Flint River. 
Travellers' Rest is in the northwest corner of the county. 

The climate is temperate. Remote from the water-courses, the 
country is regarded healthy. The cases of longevity with which we 
are acquainted are the following : — Mr. Wads worth died at 103 ; 
Mrs. Napier, aged 100 ; Mrs. Wadsworth, aged over 100; and Mrs. 
Bradshaw, aged over 80, were all alive a few years since. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 962 ; families, 962 ; 
white males, 2,844 ; white females, 2,736 ; free coloured males, 4 ; 
free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 5,586 ; slaves, 
2,775. Deaths, 110. Farms, 663; manufacturing establishments, 8. 
Value of real estate, $1,106,253; value of personal estate, $1,721,560 



EARLY COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1818 ; part set off to Decatur in 1823 ; part set off to 
Baker, 1825; organized in 1825, and named after Governor Peter 

Early. 

According to the last census, there are in this county 656 dwellings, 
656 families, 1,909 white males, 1,807 white females, 1 free coloured 
male. Total free population, 3,717 ; 3,529 slaves, 55 deaths, 367 
farms, 11 manufacturing establishments. Value of real estate, 
$757,005 ; value of personal estate, $2,067,717. 

The Chattahoochee is the chief stream. Various creeks water the 
country. 

The face of the country is gently undulating, almost without an 
elevation worthy of being called a hill, and two-thirds covered with 
forests of the tallest long-leaf pine. 



EARLY COUNTY. 425 

This section of our State, except in the lime-land valleys, is de- 
cidedly healthy. There are no diseases peculiar to the country. 

Among the original settlers of this county were, Isham Sheffield, 
West Sheffield, Arthur Sheffield, James Bush, John Hays, 
Joseph and Richard Grimsley, Richard Spann, Frederick Porter, 
Joseph Boles, John Roe, Abner Jones, Nathaniel Weaver, James 
Jones, Solomon V. Wilson, John Dill, Alexander Watson, James 
Carr, John Tilley, William Hendrick, John Floyd, D. Roberts, 
Andrew Burch, B. Collier, J. Fowler, Martin Wood, George 
Mercier, William Dickson, A. Hays, James Brantley, E. Hays. 

Blakely is the county town, named after Captain Blakely, of the 
navy. It is 180 miles from Milledgeville. 

Fort Gaines is on a high bluff of the Chattahoochee, and is a place 
of considerable business. It derived its name from a fort built against 
the Indians, in 1816, by order of General Gaines. 

Six miles north of Blakely, on Little Colomokee Creek, at the 
plantation of Judge Mercier, are some ancient works. Annexed is a 
view of them. 

In Pickett's History of Alabama and Georgia, they are thus de- 
scribed : — 

" No. 1. The large sacrificial mound, seventy feet in height, and six hundred 
feet in circumference. This mound is covered with large forest trees, from four 
to five hundred years old. A shaft has been sunk in the centre to the depth of 
sixty feet, and at its lower portion a bed of human bones, five feet in thickness, 
and in a perfectly decomposed state, was passed. 

" No. 2, 2. Like the former, have earth stones on the summit, with charred 
wood around them, which would show that they, too, were used for sacrifices. 
They are thirty feet high. 

"No. 3. A wall of earth inclosing these mounds. 

"No. 4, 4, 4, 4. Mounds outside of the inclosure, twenty feet high, and proba- 
bly used as watch-towers. 

"No. 5. Entrance to the inclosure. 

"In the rear of these mounds is a creek, No. 6, and from the large mound there 
has been constructed an arched passage, three hundred yards in length, lead- 
ing to the creek, and probably intended to procure water for religious purposes." 

Major Joel Crawford resides in this county. He was born in 
Richmond County, on the 15th of June, 1783. His early education 
was received at a school kept by Dr. Bush.* At the age of twenty 
he became a student of law under the. Hon. Nicholas Ware, of 
Augusta, and was admitted to practice at Washington in January, 
1808. 

He then removed to Milledgeville, and in a few years succeeded in 
obtaining an extensive practice. 

* For many particulars connected with the history of Dr. Bush, see under the head of 
" Columbia County." 



426 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



In 1813, Mr. Crawford joined the army of General Floyd, and, 
although a perfect stranger to him, he appointed him his aid, and in 
this capacity he served through the whole of the campaign. In his 
official despatches, General Floyd spoke in the highest terms of Major 
Crawford. After the war, he resumed the practice of the law, and 
in 1S26 removed to the County of Hancock, where he became very 
popular, being elected to the Senate of Georgia for three consecutive 
years. Anterior to his removal to Hancock, he had been elected to 
Congress. In 182S he was brought out as a candidate for Governor 
in opposition to Mr. Gilmer, but was defeated. In 1831 he was 
again a candidate for the Executive chair, and was defeated by Mr. 
Lumpkin. 

To Major Crawford many important trusts have been committed, 
all of which he has discharged with fidelity. He has a commanding 
person, and is possessed of fine conversational powers. 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 

This county formerly constituted a part of the Parishes of St. Mat- 
thew and St. Philip, formed in 1758. In 1777 it was laid off, 
and received its present name in honour of the Earl of Effingham, 
an ardent supporter of colonial rights. In 1793 a portion of it was 
added to Screven, and in 1794 a portion to Bryan. Length, 30 m. ; 
breadth, 16 m. ; area square miles, 480. 

Springfield is the county town, 140 miles southeast of Milledge- 
ville. 

Ebenezer is an old German settle- 
ment, twenty-five miles from the City 
of Savannah. The Lutheran Church, 
of which a view is annexed, was used 
by the British, in the Revolutionary 
War, as a hospital. 

Whitesville is on the Central Rail- 
road. 

flfc Among the early settlers were, 
~ Tims. Gsoiiwandel, Gabriel Maurer, 
|lvffli!®^lwj John Maurer, Geo. Kogler, Paulus 
1 Zittrauer, Peter Renter, Simon 
Reiter, Matthias Brandner, Chris- 
tian Leimberger, Martin Lackner, 

LUPRETCHT STEINER, VeIT LeMMEN- 

hoffer, John and Car. Floerel, Rupretch Zimmerman, Simon 
Steiner, Geo. Schwaiger, John Schmidt, Leonhard Crause, Peter 
Gruber, Jacob Schartner, Joseph Leitner, John Cornberger, An- 




CHURCH AT EBENEZER. 



effingham county. 427 

dreas Grimmiger, Matthias Burgsteiner, Veit Landselder, Jo- 
seph Ernst, John Michel Rieser, Thomas Pichler, John Spiel- 

BIEGLER. 

Abercorn, sixteen miles from Savannah, was a noted place in the 
early settlement of Georgia. No memorial of its former condition 
can now be seen. 

A history of this ancient county would furnish material for a large 
volume. Our thanks are due to the Rev. P. A. Strobel, of Americus, 
Georgia, for the following items in relation to the settlement of 
Ebenezer : — 

Persecution first brought, the Salzburgers to America. As soon as the object 
of the Trustees was made known, the Society for the Propagation of Christian 
Knowledge began to interest itself for the removal of some of the Salzburgers to 
Georgia ; and as early as the 12th of October, 1732, they applied to the Trustees 
to aid them in their benevolent designs. The Trustees did not feel authorized at 
this time to do more for the Salzburgers than to offer them grants of land in their 
new colony. Steps were, however, immediately taken to ascertain whether any 
of the German Protestants were willing to remove to Georgia, and become British 
subjects, submitting themselves to such rules as the Trustees might prescribe. 
The Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge opened a correspondence 
with several Protestant ministers in different parts of Germany, in order to as- 
certain if the Salzburgers were disposed to avail themselves of their kind offices. 
From their correspondents, the Society learned that there were hundreds of the 
persecuted Protestants, who were not only willing, but anxious to emigrate. This 
fact was communicated to the Trustees, who, warranted by a special fund re- 
cently raised for this purpose, sent in December, 1732, an invitation to fifty fami- 
lies of the Salzburgers, to remove to Georgia. At the same time, the venerable 
Society proposed to pay their expenses from Germany to Rotterdam, and to fur- 
nish the means to support amongst them a pastor and a catechist. Various causes 
prevented the immediate execution of these plans. But they finally wrote again 
to Germany, and requested that a portion of the Salzburgers might be sent over 
to England to prepare for their transportation to America; and in the meantime, 
money and articles of clothing were furnished. To such as were deemed worthy 
of their patronage, the Trustees advanced the funds necessary to pay their pas- 
sage and stores. On arriving in Georgia, each Salzburger was to receive three 
lots, — one for a house and yard, within the town, one for a garden near the town, 
and one for tillage, at a short distance from the town, (the whole embracing fifty 
acres;) said lands to be a freehold to them and to their heirs forever. In addi- 
tion to this, the Trustees engaged to furnish them with provisions until their lands 
could be made available for their own support. In consideration of these grants, 
the Salzburgers were to obligate themselves to obey the Trustees' orders, and 
become citizens of Georgia, with all the rights and privileges of Englishmen. 

The necessary arrangements having all been completed, the company of emi- 
grants began to prepare for their journey. These were from the town of Berch- 
tolsgaden and its vicinity. Setting out on foot from their homes, the direction of 
their journey required them to pass through Bavaria; and at almost every step 



428 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



they were exposed to insult. At length they arrived before the gates of the 
free city of Augsburg, in Svvabia. Here they were at first repulsed : but at 
length they were reluctantly permitted to enter the city. The news of their 
arrival at Augsburg soon spread through the neighbouring countries, and all 
classes vied with each other in doing honour to those who, in obeying the dictates 
of conscience, had preferred banishment rather than renounce their attachment 
to the Gospel. On the 21st of October, 1733, the Salzburgers recommenced their 
pilgrimage. This company consisted of forty-two men with their families, num- 
bering in all seventy-eight persons. The arrangements for their transportation 
to Georgia had been previously made with the Trustees by the venerable Samuel 
Urlsperger, then pastor of the Lutheran Church of St. Ann, in the city of Augs- 
burg, who bestowed special attention upon them during their sojourn, and ever 
afterwards watched over their welfare with the solicitude of an affectionate father. 
Pursuing their pilgrimage, they arrived at the Protestant city of Frankfort, in 
Nassau, where they were welcomed and hospitably entertained. After remaining 
here a short time they set out for Rotterdam, at which city they arrived on the 
27th of November. Here they were joined by their teacher, the Rev. John 
Martin Bolzius, and their catechist, Rev. Israel Christian Gronau. 










REV. JOHN MARTIN BOLZIUS. 




These pious men had consented to relinquish the lucrative and honourable 
positions which they held in the Orphan House at Halle, that they might accom- 
pany the Salzburgers to Georgia. After staying a week at Rotterdam, the emi- 
grants embarked on board one of the Trustees' ships, on the 2d of December; 
and on the 21st day of the same month they arrived safely at Dover, in England. 
Here they were visited by the Trustees, who bestowed upon them every attention 
in their power. The arrangements for their voyage to America having been 
made, the emigrants embarked on board the Purysburg, on the 28th of Decem- 
ber, destined for America. After a perilous voyage of one hundred and four 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 429 

days, they reached Charleston, S. C, in March, 1734. Here they met General 
Oglethorpe, who carne with these exiles to Georgia to aid them in making an 
advantageous settlement. 

On the 9th of March the Salzburgers left Charleston, and on the 11th day they 
entered the Savannah River. On the 12th they reached Savannah, and met 
with a cordial reception. General Oglethorpe informed Baron Von Reck, who 
conducted this expedition, that his people might exercise their own choice in 
regard to their location. They expressed a desire to be removed to some dis- 
tance from the sea, where the scenery was diversified with hill and dale, and 
they might be supplied with springs of water. To carry out their view, General 
Oglethorpe, in company with several gentlemen and some Indians, made a tour 
of observation into that part of the country now known as the County of Effing- 
ham. They penetrated about thirty miles into the interior, where they discovered 
a place which it was supposed would meet the wishes of the emigrants. The 
place was described as being on the banks of a river of clear water, the sides 
high; the country of the neighbourhood hilly; with valleys of rich cane, inter- 
mixed with little brooks and springs of water. 

With the selection and general appearance of the country, the Salzburgers ex- 
pressed themselves highly gratified. After singing a psalm, they set up a rock 
which they found upon the spot, and named the place Eben-ezer, (the stone of 
help,) for they could say truly, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." The lands 
allotted to the Salzburgers bordered on the possessions of the Uchee Indians, from 
whom General Oglethorpe obtained them some time previously. It is worthy of 
remark that these Indians were near neighbours to the Germans, and that the 
most friendly relations always subsisted between them. The site for a settlement 
having been agreed upon, General Oglethorpe marked out the town, and sent 
up workmen to assist the colonists in clearing lands and erecting temporary 
dwellings, which consisted of tents and sheds constructed from rough planks. In 
a few weeks, the preparation for the accommodation of the settlers being in a 
suitable state of forwardness, the whole body of the Germans, in company with 
their pastors, went from Savannah to their new home at Eben-ezer. 

From the journal of Baron Von Reck we extract the following: — "The lands 
are inclosed between two rivers, which fall into the Savannah. The town is to 
be built near the largest, which is called Eben-ezer, in remembrance that God 
had brought them hither. It is navigable, being twelve feet deep. A little 
rivulet, whose water is clear as crystal, glides by the town. Another runs through 
it; and both fall into the Eben-ezer. The woods here are not so thick as in other 
places. The sweet zephyrs preserve a delicious coolness, notwithstanding the 
scorching beams of the sun. There are very fine meadows, in which a great 
quantity of hay might be made with very little trouble. The hill-sides are also 
very fit for vines. The cedar, walnut, cypress, and oak make the greatest part 
of the woods. There are likewise a great quantity of myrtle trees, out of which 
they extract, by boiling the berries, a green wax very proper to make candles 
with. There is much sassafras, and a great quantity of those herbs of which in- 
digo is made ; and an abundance of china-root. The earth is so fertile that it 
will bring forth anything that can be sown or planted, whether fruits, herbs, or 
trees. There are wild vines which run up to the tops of the tallest trees ; and 



430 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the country is so good that one may ride in full gallop twenty or thirty miles. As 
to game, here are eagles, wild turkeys, &c." 

To one living at this distant period who has any knowledge of Old Eben-ezer and 
the general character of the surrounding country, the above description appears to 
partake somewhat of the marvellous. We must either make considerable allow- 
ances for the warmth of the writers imagination, or conclude that the country has 
undergone a very great change. The site of their town was about four miles below 
Springfield, in a region which is composed of hills and plains that are very sterile, 
ami upon which no one having any correct knowledge of the character of the soil 
would ever think of settling a farm. But circumstanced as the Salzburgers were, 
exiled from their country, and worn out by fatigue in travelling both by sea and 
land, they, no doubt, were inclined to regard with favour any spot which pro- 
mised them rest from their toils, and a period to their cruel sufferings. Upon 
the arrival of the Salzburgers at their home, it was deemed proper to assign a lot 
of land to each family. This having been done, arrangements were made for the 
erection of more permanent and comfortable dwellings upon it. Captain Hernis- 
dorff succeeded in raising a small company of volunteers, and they offered their 
services to General Oglethorpe, and requested that they might be put upon any 
service that he deemed necessary. This company was accordingly ordered to 
Frederica, to aid in the defence of that place against the Spaniards. It became 
the nucleus for a Lutheran congregation, which was organized in 1743, under the 
care of the Rev. UlrickDriesler, a German missionary, sent over by the Trustees, 
and supported by their funds. The rest of the Salzburgers immediately repaired 
to Eben-ezer, where they were received with great kindness. 

About this time Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau visited Savannah to confer with 
General Oglethorpe in reference to the propriety of changing the location of their 
town. They stated to the General that there was great dissatisfaction among 
the people, which induced him immediately to set out for Eben-ezer. The 
settlers informed him that they were disappointed in the character of the soil — 
that the climate had proved unhealthy — that the stream upon which their town 
stood could not be navigated to any advantage. Here it may be proper to re- 
mark, that the water-course upon which the Salzburgers were originally settled 
was not properly a river, but a creek, which at times is swollen to a considerable 
size, and there are not perhaps many streams in Georgia which are so serpentine 
in their course. Some idea may be formed of it, when it is stated that although 
the distance from Old Eben-ezer to the Savannah River by land does not exceed 
six miles, the distance by the course of the creek is not less than twenty-five 
miles. General Oglethorpe listened patiently to their representations, but in- 
formed them that, although he' was satisfied that there were embarrassments con- 
nected with their situation, yet he was convinced from his acquaintance with 
the nature of the country to which they desired to remove, that as soon as the 
forest should be cleared, and the lands brought under cultivation, they would be 
again subject to the diseases peculiar to the climate, and would be forced to 
leave the neighbourhood. Still, if they persisted in their wishes, he should not 
oppose them. But the settlers could not be induced to give up the idea of re- 
moving. The site selected for the new town was on a high ridge within a short 
distance of the river, and which, from the peculiar colour of the soil, was called 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 431 

Eed Bluff. The new town was laid off after the plan of the city of Savannah, 
and covered an area of a quarter of a mile square. This space was divided into 
smaller squares, each containing ten building lots, and these latter numbered one 
hundred and sixty. Three wide streets passed through the town from east to 
west, which were intersected at right angles by four others running from north 
to south; besides which, there were a number of narrow lanes, but these ex- 
tended only in one direction, from north to south. Four squares were appro- 
priated for the sale of produce, and called market-places, and four were reserved 
as public parks or promenade grounds. Two-thirds of a square were appropriated 
to the church, parsonage, and academy, and an equal quantity to the Orphan 
Asylum and the public storehouse. On the east, a short distance from the town, 
was the cemetery. On the north and east was a large pasture for cattle; and on 
the south was one for sheep and goats. On the north and south, garden lots 
were laid out ; and still farther south, beyond Little Creek and Mill Creek, and 
upon their waters, the farms were located, each farm consisting of fifty acres. 
The country to the north beyond Eben-ezer Creek was occupied by the TJchee 
Indians. In the course of a few years, Eben-ezer began to give evidences of its 
future growth and prosperity. Houses were again erected, gardens and farms 
were inclosed, and brought under cultivation. No church was erected here for 
several years ; whether it was for want of funds, we are unable to say. The 
Orphan Asylum was for a long time used as the place of worship. 

As a religious communit}*-, the Salzburgers may be properly viewed as a mis- 
sionary station, under the fostering care of the English Society for the Propaga- 
tion of Christian Knowledge, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany. 
It was required of the pastor and each member of the congregation to subscribe 
to the Augsburg Confession, and to submit to a code of regulations drawn up by 
the Rev. Samuel Urlsperger, of Augsburg, Rev. Frederick M. Zeigenhagen, of 
London, and Rev. Gottluff Augustus Franke, of Halle. These regulations were 
prepared in 1733, and continued in force, with some few alterations, which were 
made principally by Dr. Muhlenburgh, until 1843. The immediate superin- 
tendence of the settlement was assigned to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius and his 
colleague, Mr. Gondan. 

The church in Germany kept up its ecclesiastical connection with the church 
at Eben-ezer, and continued to send it donations, which from time to time 
amounted to 12,000 guilders. 

In the establishment of this colony, the cause of education was not overlooked; 
for, in every instance in which a pastor was sent over, a schoolmaster accom- 
panied him, and a plan was adopted for a house of worship. In building their 
houses, they were much hindered by the scarcify of materials. Among them 
there were few mechanics, and not being able to erect either saw-mills or grist- 
mills, their situation became very trying. In a newly-settled country, too, the 
means of transportation were very limited, and having no boat of their own, they 
were entirely dependent upon the Government for the conveyance of their sup- 
plies ; and such were the straits to which they were at times reduced, that they 
were compelled to carry their provisions upon their backs from Savannah, a dis- 
tance of twenty -five miles. To add to their sufferings, much sickness prevailed; 
but, amidst all their distresses, the emigrants exhibited patience and fortitude. 



432 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Such was the state of things when a second party of emigrants arrived. 
These were likewise Salzburgers, who had been sent over by the Trustees in 
the ship Prince of Wales, which left England in November, 1734, and arrived 
in Georgia the early part of the next year, which consisted of fifty-seven per- 
sons. This expedition was conducted by Mr. Yat. On reaching Savannah, 
they immediately set out to join their brethren at their new town. They were 
kindly received, and provision made for them, as far as the means of the colonists 
would warrant. It was with difficult)', however, that they could be furnished 
with lodgings ; and the stock of food was not very abundant. Nevertheless, by 
this accession to their numbers, the Salzburgers were greatly benefited; for 
amongst the new-comers were many mechanics, whose labours were of essential 
service. By their aid, planks were soon sawed, timber was hewed, boards and 
shingles split, and the good people went cheerfully to work to improve their 
dwellings. As to the church, they were compelled as yet to worship in a large 
tent, which, during a part of the time, had been the residence of their minister. 

When General Oglethorpe visited Europe in 1734, he made such representa- 
tions of the prospects of the colony, as induced the Trustees to resolve upon 
strengthening it by sending out new settlers. The Trustees invited one hundred 
Germans from the city of Ratisbon to remove to Georgia, and settle under their 
patronage. They engaged to give them a free passage, with an ample supply of 
sea-stores, and a freehold of fifty acres of land to every settler, together with 
such an outfit of clothes, tools, and farming utensils, as might be deemed neces- 
sary. To these proposals the Salzburgers consented, and about eighty of them, 
under the conduct of Captain Hernisdorff and Baron Von Beck, repaired to 
England to avail themselves of the liberality of the Trustees. A sufficient num- 
ber of emigrants having been secured, the Trustees chartered two ships, the 
Symond, of two hundred tons. Captain Joseph Cornish, and the London Mer- 
chant, of the same burden, Capfciin John Thomas; the whole number consisted 
of 227 heads. This was called the great embarkation. Among the passengers 
were twenty-seven Moravians, under the care of their Bishop, the Rev. David 
Nitsehman, and Messrs. John and Charles Wesley. The embarkation reached 
Georgia early in the month of February, 1736. Shortly afterwards, they were 
required to take up arms in defence of the colony; but refusing to do so, they 
were obliged to leave, and sought an asylum in the peaceable domain of William 
Penn.* 

# We regret to inform the reader that a portion of the valuable paper furnished us 
by Mr. Strobel was unfortunately mislaid by the compiler, which will account for its 
abrupt termination. 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 433 



AN EXTRACT OF THE JOURNALS 

Of Mr. Commissary Von Reck, who conducted the First Transport of Salz- 
burgers to Georgia ; and of the Rev. Mr. Bolzius, one of their Ministers, 
giving an Account of their Voyage to, and happy settlement in, that Pro- 
vince. Published by the direction of the Society for Promoting Christian 
Knowledge. London: MDCCXXXIV. 

EXTRACTS OF MR. VON RECx's JOURNAL FROM DOVER TO EBENEZER. 

January 8, O. S., 1733-4. — Having a favourable wind, we left Dover, and again 
set sail. An universal Joy appeared amongst the Salzburgers, who praised God 
that he had heard their Prayers. 

Jan. 9. — We discovered at Noon the Isle of Wight. 

Jan. 10, 11. — At eleven in the morning, having happily passed through the 
Channel, we left the Land's End. Thus God was pleased to rejoice us and give 
ns Hopes, that, through the continuance of His Mercy, the rest of our Voyage 
would be no less prosperous. May the Lord be pleased always to assist us. To- 
wards night the wind increased so much, that it broke the Stay which held the 
main-topmast; and we had been exposed to great Danger, if Divine Providence 
had not averted it. 

Jan. 24. — The Weather was line and pleasant. According to our Reckoning, 
we passed the Latitude of the Canary Islands, and through the adorable Mercy of 
the Almighty, approached the Trade-winds, which are reckoned to blow all the 
year from the Eastward. 

Jan. 25. — We sung Te Deum, and praised the Almighty with our lips and 
hearts. 

Jan. 26. — God was pleased to give us very fair Weather, with the continuation 
of the Trade-wind. 

Jan. 28. — An alarm of fire caused a great consternation in the whole ship, but 
no ill accident ensued. 

Jan. 30. — This day we felt a great deal of heat : and for refreshment washed 
between the decks, where the people lay, with vinegar. 

Feb. 6. — At night a tempestuous wind arose, but God in his goodness held his 
Almighty hand over us, and was pleased the next day to give us a good wind, 
which advanced us five or six miles an hour. 

Feb. 17. — We had this evening at Prayers, Psal. L. 14, Offer unto God thanks- 
giving, and pay thy vows unto the Most Highest. 

Feb. 18. — At two in the afternoon, the wind was strong at S., and soon after it 
proved contrary, and extremely violent. I was surprised to see the sea rise so 
high ; a tempest darkened the sky ; the waves swelled and foamed ; and every- 
thing threatened to overwhelm us in the deep. All the sails were furled ; the 
violence of the wind was so great that it tore the main-sail to pieces. Besides 
which, the mate cried out that the water rose fast in the hold ; but though he 
spoke truth, the ship received no damage. 

Feb 27- — Last night we had the wind contrary, W. S. W., but God granted us 
sweet repose, and renewed our strength, the better to undergo a tempest whicb 

28 



434 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

a wind at W. by S. brought upon us by break of day. The storm was more 
dreadful than the other. At night the wind abated. 

March 4. — We sounded this morning at six, and drew up some sand and soil of 
Carolina. The Captain told me we were ten leagues distant from the shore. 

March 5. — A S. S. W. arose, which carried us, through the mercy of Jesus 
Christ, within sight of Carolina. We sung Te Deum, which was the psalm for 
the day. 

March 7. — At nine there came from Charlestown a pilot on board our ship. 
We immediately cast anchor, and at ten the Captain, the Rev. divines and I, went 
into the pilot's boat. At one in the afternoon, we came to Charlestown, where I 
immediately waited on his Excellency, Robert Johnson, Esq., and Mr. Ogle- 
thorpe. They were glad to hear that the Salzburgers were come within six 
leagues, all safe and in good . health, without the loss of any one person. Mr. 
Oglethorpe showed me a plan of Georgia, and gave me liberty to choose a set- 
tlement for the Salzburgers, either near the sea or further in the Continent. I 
accordingly accepted his favour, and chose a place 21 miles from the town of 
Savannah, and 30 miles from the sea. where there are rivers, little Hills, clear 
brooks, cool springs, a fertile soil, and plenty of grass. Mr. Oglethorpe sent on 
board our ship, by the Pilot's Sloop, a large quantity of fresh beef, two butts of 
Wine, two Tunn of Spring Water, Cabbage, Turnips, Radishes, Fruit, &c, as a 
present from the Trustees, to refresh the Salzburgers. 

March 9. — We beg'd of God that he would permit us to go to our Georgia. 
We went away this morning at ten, and got on board our ship at two in the af- 
ternoon. 

March 10. — God blessed us this day with the sight of our country, our wished- 
for Georgia, which we saw at ten in the morning ; and brought us unto the Sa- 
vannah River, and caused us to remember the vows we had made unto him, if 
he did, through his infinite Goodness, bring us hither. We were to-day very 
much edified with the 32d Chapter of Genesis, and the 26th of Leviticus. At 
noon we cast anchor, because of the Tide; at night, during the Evening Prayers, 
we entered the river of Savannah. 

March 12. — The magistrates of the town sent on board our ship an experienced 
Pilot; and we were carried up to the town of Savannah by eleven in the Fore- 
noon. They returned our salute of five guns, with three ; and all the Magis- 
trates, the citizens and the Indians, were come to the River side. The two Di- 
vines Mr. Dunbar, some others and myself, went ashore in a boat. We were' 
received with all possible demonstrations of Joy, Friendship, and civility. The 
Indians reached their hands to me, as a testimony of their joy also for our arri- 
val. The Salzburgers came on shore after us, and we immediately pitched a 
tent for them in the Square of the Town. 

March 13. — I went to see the Indians, and their King, Tomo-cha-chi. I caused 
some raisins, of which they are very fond, to be distributed amongst them. 

March 14. — Mr. Oglethorpe had given orders for three horses to be ready for 
my service, to take a view of the country, and to ride to the place where the 
Salzburgers were to settle. I went this morning at nine of the clock, with a Con- 
stable and a Guide ; but after we had gone a mile or two, we entered some thick 
woods, divided by deep brooks of water, and though we could with great difficul- 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 435 

ty pass over some, yet there were others we could not pass ; wherefore we re- 
turned back to the town. 

Mr. Oglethorpe, and Mr. Jenys, Speaker of the Assembly of Carolina, arrived 
at Savannah from Charlestown ; the first having, out of iove to our Salzburgers, 
put off his Journey to England, being resolved to see them settled before he went. 
Having informed him that the Floods had made it impossible for me to pass the 
woods by land, he said he would go himself, to show me the country and see what 
place I would choose. The Speaker desired to accompany him; and I did my- 
self the honour to make one of the company. He sent to the Indian King to de- 
sire two Indians to hunt for him in the Journey ; who not only granted them, but 
his chief War Captain, Tuskeneoi, out of civility to Mr. Oglethorpe, came along 
with them to accompany us. We went on board a ten-oared boat to the place 
where a house was building by Mr. Musgrove, six milel up the Savannah River. 

March 16. — Having slept well in a tent, which we pitched under the shade of 
a tree by the river side, last night, I accompanied Mr. Oglethorpe on horseback, 
and the Speaker and others went by water. If you ask how a country that is 
covered with wood, and cut with rivers and morasses, is passable, I must acquaint 
you that since the Colony was settled, the ways were marked by barking off the 
trees, to show where the roads should go, and where the rivers were passable. 
After passing through a morass covered with canes, we came to an unfordable 
river, through which the Indians swam our horses, and we crossed over upon a 
great tree, cut down for that purpose. The tree was cut down so as to lie across 
the river and serve for a bridge. And after riding some leagues in the woods, 
we passed another river. Night overtaking us, we were obliged to take up our 
quarters upon a little hill, round a fire with the Indians, who brought us a wild 
turkey for our supper. 

March 17. — We continued our Journey, and set out by break of day; and 
at nine arrived at the place where the Salzburgers were afterwards settled. 
From hence I returned to the town of Savannah, through Abercorn, a village 
newly settled by order of the Trustees, upon the Savannah River, near where 
Ebenezer falls into it. 

March 27. — Mr. Jones, who is a surveyor, and I went away this night in a small 
boat for Abercorn, in order to go from thence to seek and clear the River Eben- 
ezer. 

March 30. — Towards night we came out of the river, which fell into the Savan- 
nah eight miles above Purysburg ; so our design was frustrated, by missing the 
River Ebenezer, and we returned the same night to Abercorn, where we stayed. 

March 31. — We arrived this afternoon at Savannah. 

April 1. — We put on board a sloop provision for three months, with necessary 
tools, and the baggage of the Salzburgers. 

April 2. — We all went on board the little sloop, but found it was too much 
loaden; wherefore I went with only a few of the men, and was obliged to leave 
the rest in the town. 

April 3. — We came to the village of Abercorn at four in the afternoon ; from 
hence we were forced to carry our provisions and baggage to Ebenezer by land. 

Aprils. — I stayed at Ebenezer; and could not but commend the diligence 
and industry of the nine Salzburgers who were come before, and whose labour 



436 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

God had given a blessing to. They had erected two good tents made of the 
barks of trees, one of which was forty feet long ; and had cut down abundance of 
trees, in order to breathe a free air; and besides all that, they were obliged in 
the greatest heats, almost every day, to walk to Abercorn, which is twelve miles, 
and to carry their utensils and daily provision upon their backs. 

April 5. — I returned to wait the arrival of the other Salzburgers, who were to 
follow us immediately. 

April 7. — The rest of the Salzburgers arrived. 

April 9. — We began to make a bridge over a brook, and finished it. 

April 12. — Good Friday. God was pleased to take to himself the soul of one 
of our people, called Lackner. 

April 16. — Our Salzburgers continued to work upon the road. 

April 19. — This day trfe Salzburgers finished the way for carriages. 

We found before my tent a strong white horse ; and as we wanted horses, and 
knew not from whence he came nor to whom he belonged, we received him with 
thankfulness to God. 

April 22. — We found another horse in the woods to-day, which proved very 
fit for our service. Parrots and Partridges make us here a very good dish. 

April 24. — The inhabitants of Edistow having given thirty Cows for the use of 
the Colony of Georgia, Mr. Oglethorpe ordered them to be sent up to the Salz- 
burgers. 

April 29. — I went this day from Abercorn, in order to take my leave of Eben- 
ezer. and to build a Chapel. 

May 12. — The Chapel was quite finished, and we could worship our God in it. 

May 13. — I took my leave, and left some rules for their direction. 



EXTRACT OF THE REV. MR. BOLZIVS' JOURNAL, FROM THEIR ARRIVAL IN CAROLINA. 

March 7, Thursday. — Though the wind is fair, the ship will not go into 
Charlestown harbour, but lie at anchor till we get a Pilot to carry us to Georgia. 

Sunday, March 10. — Blessed be the Lord that he has brought us within the 
bounds of Georgia upon the Sunday Reminiscere; the Gospel of which day tells 
us that our blessed Saviour came to the borders of the heathen, after he had been 
persecuted in his own country. 

Savannah, Tuesday. March 12. — At the place of our Landing almost all the in- 
habitants of the town of Savannah were gathered together ; they fired off some 
Cannons and cried Huzzah ! which was answered by our sailors and other English 
people in our ship, in the same manner. A good dinner was prepared for us. 
We, the Commissary, and Mr. Zwefler, the physician, were lodged in the house 
of the Rev. Mr. Quincy, the English Minister here. 

March 14. — Last night we prayed onshore for the first time in the English 
Chapel, made of boards, and used for divine worship till a church can be built; 
the use of which is allowed us during our stay here. The inhabitants join with 
us, and show much devotion. The Jews, likewise, of which there are twelve 
families here, come to church, and seemed to be very devout. 

March 15. — This day, Mr. Oglethorpe arrived here, and received our Salz- 
burgers and us in a friendly manner, and we dined with him. He being very 



EFFINGHAM COUNTY. 437 

solicitous that these poor Indians should be brought to the knowledge of God, 
has desired us to learn their language, and we. with the blessing of God, will joy- 
fully undertake the task. 

Tuesday, March 26. — It is a great pleasure to us that Mr. Oglethorpe approved 
of our calling the river, and the place where our houses are to be built, Eben- 
ezer. 

April 13. — Lackner having been very long sick, died last night. He was to 
have had a coffin made for him, but the Salzburgers thought it unnecessary, be 
ing accustomed to bury no body in a coffin, but women that die in childbed. 
So they dressed the corpse, after it was washed, in his own clothes, laid him upon 
a board, and after he was brought to his grave, in an orderly procession, they 
wrapped him up in a cloth, and let him down into the ground. 

April 16. — The deceased, Lackner, hath left a little money, with which we 
have made a beginning of a box for the poor. 

Ebenezer, Tuesday, May 7. — To-day I had the happiness of seeing Ebenezer. 
The good people are already much advanced in tilling the ground. 

May 9. — A tabernacle is to be made of boards till a church can be built. 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS. 

Copy of a Letter from Governor Wright to the Earl of Dartmouth, inclosing 

certain papers, §x. 

Savannah, in Georgia, 13th of October, 1774. 
My Lord, — In my letter of the 24th of August, I mentioned that some protests 
and dissents were preparing in different parts of the Province, which were not 
then completed. These were not sent to town until lately, and only published 
in yesterday's paper, and which I now inclose. They have been wrote by the 
people themselves, just in their own way, as your Lordship will see by the style. 
However, they certainly show that the sense of the people in this Province is 
against any resolutions, and that those attempted by a few in Savannah, are held 
in contempt, and just nothing at all, whilst the resolutions and conduct of our 
neighbours in the other Northern colonies really make me shudder. 

(Signed) James Wright. 

To the Earl of Dartmouth. 



Wednesday, Sept. 2\st, 1774. 
We who have just put our names to this paper, inhabitants of the Parish of St. 
Matthew, and Town of Ebenezer, think it necessary, in this public manner, to de- 
clare, that about the 4th day of this instant, August, we were told by certain 
persons, that we must send a petition home to our King, in regard to the Bosto- 
nians, to beg for relief, as a child begs a father, when he expects correction, 
and that all those who would not join must sign their name, that they might 
know how many would be in this parish, and that should we decline what was re- 
commended, we must expect the Stamp Act imposed upon us. By these and 
like nattering words, we were persuaded to sign, but we find we are deceived, 
for, that the people who met at Savannah, on the 10th inst, did not petition our 



438 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

King, but made up a paper, which we think is very wrong, and may incur the 
displeasure of his Majesty, so as to prevent us from having soldiers to help us in 
case of an Indian war. We, therefore, disagree entirely to the said paper, and 
do hereby protest against any resolutions that are, or hereafter may be, entered 
into on this occasion. 

Signed by the following persons : — Urban Buntz, George Gnann, Jaher Hang- 
letter, John Paulus, George Gruber, Matthew Beidenback, George Ballinger, 
John Oexlin Rentz, George Buntz, John Pillager, Henry Ludwig Buntz, Jacob 
Metzger, John Metzger, John Adam Fryermouth, John Feberl, George Zettauer, 
John Heckel, Solomon Zondt, Jacob Guann, Jacob Keiffer, Christian Steiner, 
John Remshart, Israel Luineberger, Leonhart Kraus, George Bechley, Batlas 
Keiffer, Michael Mack, Jr., Peter Fryermouth, Solomon Prothero, John Grasen- 
tine, Christopher Rattenberger, Andrew Guann. 

We, the subscribers, do hereby certify that we are against resolutions, this 2d 
of Sept., 1774.— Philip Dell, Paul Pinck, Mathew Meyer, Jacob Meyer, John 
Maurer, George Maurer, Daniel Weitman, Martin Reylander. 

The inhabitants generally in this section, in the very beginning of 
the Revolution, took an active part in favour of the colonies. This 
was to be expected. They said, " We have experienced the evils of 
tyranny in our native country ; for the sake of Liberty we have left 
home, lands, houses, estates, and have taken refuge in the wilds of 
Georgia ; shall we now again submit to bondage ? No ! we will 
not." 

The Rev. John E. Bergman died at an advanced age. He was 
born in Germany, and served the congregation, at Ebenezer, for thirty- 
six years. 

Colonel Geo. G. Nowlan was one of the most estimable men in 
Georgia. He died at Milledgeville whilst discharging the duty of a 
representative from this county. 



ELBERT COUNTY. 

Laid out from Wilkes in 1790. Length, 32 m, ; breadth, 16 m. ; 
area square miles, 512. 

The Savannah and Broad Rivers are the chief streams, both of 
which have several tributaries. 

The lands, although impoverished by bad cultivation, still continue 
productive. 

Elberton is the county town, situated on the waters of Falling 
Creek, 90 miles N. N. E. of Milledgeville. 
Ruckersville is on Van's Creek. 



ELBERT COUNTY. 439 

Petersburg is at the junction of the Savannah and Broad rivers, 
formerly a prosperous place, but now in a state of dilapidation. 

The instances of longevity in this county have been very nume- 
rous. A few years ago there were living, Wm. Trammell, 83 ; Leo- 
nard Rae, 81 ; John Daniel, 80 ; John Davis, 87 ; David Carter, 
82 ; Thomas Maxwell, a minister, and Revolutionary soldier, 97 ; 
Mrs. Jemima Hunt and Mrs. Wyche are still living, both over 90 
years of age. 

Among the first settlers were — Dr. Bibb, Wm. Bowen, A. Brown, 
who, we understand, has a son now living, who has had twenty children, 
eighteen of whom were girls ; Wm. Barnett, Billy Allen, James 
Bell, P. M. Wyche, Joseph Dedwyler, Rev. Mr. White, Rev. D. 
Thornton, Thos. Maxwell, Richard Tyner, William Key, Wm. 
Gaines, John Watkins, J. Higginbotham, Col. Jack, Peter Oliver, 
Wm. Rucker, Mr. Highsmith, P. Duncan, Wm. Haley, Wm. Ward, 
E. Shackelford, Wm. Woods, Mr. Lindsey, S. Heard, D. Oliver, 
J. Cason, Wm. Brown, L. Rice, Wm. Moss, E. Ragland, Wm. 
Tate, J. Howard, S. Nelson, Thos. Burton, Isham Thompson, Wm. 
Hodge, S. Wilson, T. A. Carter. 

Extract from the last Census. — 1,177 dwellings ; 1,177 families, 
3,374 white males ; 3,302 white females ; 6 free coloured males ; 10 
free coloured females. Total free population, 6,692 ; slaves, 6,267. 
Deaths, 143. Farms, 804 ; manufacturing establishments, 20. 

The first Superior Court w T as held at the house of T. A. Carter, 
20th of January, 1791, Judge Walton presiding. 



3fitBnllwnti0. 

There is a remarkable mound in this county, on the Savannah Riv ei, 
three miles above Petersburg. Bartram, the celebrated botanist, 
visited this mound, and thus describes it : — 

" These wonderful labours of the ancients stand in a level plain, very near 
the bank of the river, some twenty or thirty yards from it. They consist of coni- 
cal mounts of earth and four square terraces. The great mount is in the form of 
a cone, forty or fifty feet high, and the circumference of its base two or three 
hundred yards, entirely composed of the loamy rich earth of the low grounds : 
the top, or apex, is flat ; a spiral path, or track, leading from the ground up to 
the top, is still visible, where now grows a large, beautiful spreading red cedar. 
There appear four niches excavated out of the sides of this hill, at different heights 
from the base, fronting the four cardinal points. These niches, or sentry-boxes, 
are entered into from the winding path, and seem to have been meant for 
resting-places or look-outs. The circumjacent level grounds are cleared, and 
planted with Indian corn at present; and I think the proprietor of these lands, 
who accompanied us to this place, said that the mount itself yielded above one 
hundred bushels in one season." 



440 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The citizens of this section of Georgia suffered much from the de- 
predations of the Indians after the Revolutionary War. Stockade 
forts were constructed in many of the settlements. The murderous 
tomahawk spared neither men, women, nor children. The following 
account was furnished by persons well acquainted with the facts : — 

In 17 — , there lived upon the banks of Coody's Creek, in the flat woods, in 
what is now called Elbert County, Mr. Richard Tyner, a poor, though respecta- 
ble man. During his absence one day, a party of savages attacked his house. 
They immediately killed Mrs. Tyner. They then seized the youngest child, and 
dashed out its brains against a tree. Another child they scalped, and left it for 
dead. A little boy, the son of Mr. Tyner, named Noah, amidst the confusion 
escaped the notice of the Indians, and crept into a hollow tree, which for many 
years afterwards was known by the name of Noah's Ark. An elder son of Mr. 
Tyner fled to the Savannah River, and was pursued by some of the Indians, but he 
effected his escape. Mary and Tamar. the daughters of Mr. Tyner, the Indians car- 
ried off to the Coweta towns. There they remained for several years, when an In- 
dian trader named John Manack purchased Mary, who returned with him to the 
county of Elbert, and became his wife. When he returned to the Indian nation 
he offered to purchase Tamar, but the Indians refused to sell her. The main 
employment of Tamar was to bring wood. Upon a certain occasion, an old In- 
dian woman informed her that her captors, suspecting that she was trying to 
escape, had resolved to burn her alive. The feelings of the poor girl can be 
better imagined than described. She determined at all risks to escape. The 
Indian woman supplied her with provisions and a canoe, accompanied with direc- 
tions how to proceed down the Chattahoochee River. Bidding adieu to her bene- 
factress, Tamar launched her canoe, and commenced her perilous voyage. 
During the day she secreted herself amidst the thick swamps of the river, and at 
night pursued her course. She finally reached Appalachicola Bay, embarked on 
board of a vessel, and arrived in Savannah. By the assistance of some of the 
citizens, she was enabled to reach her home in Elbert, where she afterwards mar- 
ried a Mr. Hunt. Many of her descendants are still living, who will vouch for 
the truth of this story. 

The following incident, related to the author by a reliable gentle- 
man, is worthy of a place in the annals of Georgia : — 

During one of the attacks of the Indians upon the inhabitants of this frontier 
county, they succeeded in killing a number of persons. On one occasion they took 
prisoner a small girl about twelve years of age. There was living in the county 
at the time a man by the name of William Suttle, a gunsmith by trade, who, 
upon hearing that the savages had gone off with the little girl, determined to 
pursue them, rescue the captive, or die in the attempt. Providing himself 
with an excellent gun, he started on his generous mission ; and after a short 
time, in the middle of the night, came in sight of the party, who were seated 
around a fire, and noticed the little girl sitting upon the lap of a brawny Indian, 
who appeared to be much delighted with his prisoner. After a while, the Indian 
rose, and standing very erect, appeared to be making gestures, when Suttle, who 



ELBERT COUNTY. 441 

had been watching a favourable opportunity, fired his gun, and shot the Indian 
through the heart. In the midst of the alarm consequent upon this sudden at- 
tack, the little girl made her way in the direction where she supposed the gun 
was fired, was received by Suttle, and carried behind him on horseback to her 
friends. 

HISTORY OF NANCY HART. 

One among the most remarkable women that any country has ever 
produced resided in Elbert. We give our readers various particulars 
concerning her, derived from conversations which we have had with 
persons who were acquainted with her, and from notes kindly fur- 
nished by the Rev. Mr. Snead, of Baldwin County, Georgia, a connec- 
tion of the Hart family. We are also under obligations to the Hon. 
Thomas Hart Benton, to whom we addressed a letter asking for infor- 
mation in regard to the relationship existing between the family of 
the Harts and himself, who promptly favoured us with all that we 
desired. 

Nancy Hart's maiden name was Morgan. She was married to 
Benjamin Hart, and soon afterwards came to Georgia. Her husband 
was brother of the celebrated Colonel Thomas Hart, of Kentucky, 
who married a Miss Gray, of Orange County, North Carolina. This 
gentleman was the father of the wife of the Hon. Henry Clay, and 
maternal uncle of the Hon. Thomas Hart Benton. The family of Mr. 
Snead removing to Georgia, in consequence of the relationship be- 
tween them and the Harts, Aunt Nancy, as she was usually call- 
ed, came to see them. Mr. Snead says he well remembers her 
appearance, and many anecdotes related of her. He describes her 
pretty much as she is made to appear in the Yorkville sketch below, 
but says she was positively not cross-eyed. He represents her as 
being about six feet high, very muscular, and erect in her gait ; her 
hair light brown, slightly sprinkled with gray when he last saw her, 
being at that time about sixty years of age. From long indulgence 
in violent passion, her countenance was liable, from trivial causes, to 
sudden changes. In dwelling upon the hardships of the Revolution, 
the perfidy of the Tories, and her frequent adventures with them, she 
never failed to become much excited. 

Among the anecdotes remembered by Mr. Snead is the following : — 

On one evening, she was at home with her children, sitting round 
the log fire, with a large pot of soap boiling over the fire. Nancy 
was busy stirring the soap and entertaining her family with the 
latest news of the war. 

The houses in those days were all built of logs, as well as the 
chimneys. While they were thus employed, one of the family dis- 
covered some one from the outside peeping through the crevices of 
the chimney, and gave a silent intimation of it to Nancy. She rattled 
away with more and more spirit, now giving exaggerated accounts of 
the discomfiture of the Tories, and again stirring the boiling soap, and 
watching the place indicated for a reappearance of the spy. Sud- 



442 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

denly, with the quickness of lightning, she clashed the ladle of boiling 
soap through the crevice full in the face of the eavesdropper, who, 
taken by surprise, and blinded by the hot soap, screamed and roared 
at a tremendous rate, whilst the indomitable Nancy went out, amused 
herself at his expense, and, with gibes and taunts, bound him fast as 
her prisoner. 

Soon after the close of the Revolution, she removed with her family 
to Georgia, and settled at Brunswick, then a frontier place. She was 
the mother of six sons, Morgan, John, Ben, Thomas, Mark, Lemuel, 
and two daughters, Sally and Reziah. Her eldest daughter, Sally, 
married a man by the name of Thompson, who partook largely of 
the qualities of Mrs. Hart. Sally and her husband followed Mrs. 
Hart to Georgia several years afterwards. Upon their journey, a 
most unfortunate affair occurred. In passing through Burke Coun- 
ty, they camped for the night on the roadside. Next morning, a 
white man who was employed as a wagoner, on being ordered by 
Thompson, in a peremptory manner, to do some particular thing, re- 
turned rather an insolent answ T er, and refused. Thompson, enraged, 
seized a sword, and w r ith a single blow severed his head from his 
body. He then with apparent unconcern mounted the team, and 
drove on himself until he came to the first house, where he stopped 
and told the inmates he had "just cut a fellow's head off at the camp, 
and they had best go down and bury him !" He then drove on, but 
was pursued and taken back to Waynesborough, and confined in jail. 
This brought the heroic Nancy to the up-country again. She went 
to Waynesborough several times, and in a few days after her appear- 
ance thereabouts, Thompson's prison was one morning found open, 
and he gone ! 

Mrs. Hart, speaking of the occurrence, said rather exultingly, 
" That's the way with them all. Drat'em, when they get into trou 
ble, they always send for me !" 

Not long after their removal, Nancy lost her husband. But after 
paying suitable respect to his memory, she consoled herself, like most 
other good wives who have the luck, by marrying a young man, with 
whom she lifted up her stakes, and, in the language of the annexed 
sketch, set out among the earliest pioneers for the " wilds of the 
West." 

The following sketch of this extraordinary woman, which originally 
appeared in the Yorkville (S. C.) Pioneer, is believed to be the first 
account of her that ever found its way to the public : — 

Nancy Hart and her husband settled before the Revolutionary 
War a few miles above the ford on Broad River, in Elbert County, 
Georgia. An apple orchard still remains to point out the spot. 

In altitude, Mrs. Hart was a Patagonian, and remarkably well- 
limbed and muscular. In a word, she was " lofty and sour." Marked 
by nature with prominent features, circumstances and accident 
added, perhaps, not a little to her peculiarities. She was horribly 
cross-eyed, as well as cross-grained ; but, nevertheless, she was a 



ELBERT COUNTY. 443 

sharp-shooter. Nothing was more common than to see her in full 
pursuit of the bounding stag. The huge antlers that hung round her 
cabin, or upheld her trusty gun, gave proof of her skill in gunnery; 
and the white comb, drained of its honey and hung up for ornament, 
testified her powers in bee-finding. 

Many can testify to her magical art in the mazes of cookery — 
being able to get up a pumpkin in as many forms as there are days in 
the week. She was extensively known and employed for her pro- 
found knowledge in the management of all ailments. 

But she was most remarkable for her military feats. She pro- 
fessed high-toned ideas of liberty. Not even the marriage knot could 
restrain her on that subject. Like the " wife of Bath," she received 
over her tongue-scourged husband 

" The reins of absolute command, 
With all the government of house and land, 
And empire o'er his tongue, and o'er his hand. 7 ' 

The clouds of war gathered, and burst with a dreadful explosion in 
this State. Nancy's spirit rose with the tempest. She declared and 
proved herself a friend to her country, ready "to do or die." 

All accused of Whiggism had to hide or swing. The lily-livered 
Mr. Hart was not the last to seek safety in the cane-brake with his 
neighbours. They kept up a prowling, skulking kind of life, occasion- 
ally sallying forth in a sort of predatory style. The Tories at length 
however, gave Mrs. Hart a call, and in true soldier manner ordered a 
repast. Nancy soon had the necessary materials for a good feast 
spread before them. The smoking venison, the hasty hoe-cake, and the 
fresh honeycomb, were sufficient to have provoked the appetite of a 
gorged epicure ! They simultaneously stacked their arms and seated 
themselves, when, quick as thought, the dauntless Nancy seized one 
of the guns, cocked it, and with a blazing oath declared she would 
blow out the brains of the first mortal that offered to rise, or taste a 
mouthful ! They all knew her character too well to imagine that 
she would, say one thing and do another. 

" Go," said she to one of her sons, " and tell the Whigs that I have 
taken six base Tories." They sat still, each expecting to be offered 
up, with doggedly mean countenances, bearing the marks of disap- 
pointed revenge, shame, and unappeased hunger. 

Whether the incongruity between Nancy's eyes caused each to 
imagine himself her immediate object, or whether her commanding 
attitude, stern and ferocious fixture of countenance, overawed them ; 
or the powerful idea of their non-soldierlike conduct unnerved them ; 
or the certainty of death, it is not easy to determine. They were 
soon relieved, and dealt with according to the rules of the times. 

This heroine lived to see her country free. She, however, found 
game and bees decreasing, and the country becoming old so fast, that 
she sold out her possessions, in spite of the remonstrances of her hus- 
band, and was " among the first of the pioneers who paved the way 
to the wilds of the West." 



444 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The following, from Mrs. Ellet's " Women of the Revolution," will 
be read with interest, although it does not coincide exactly with the 
Yorkville account : — 

In this county is a stream, formerly known as "War-woman's 
Creek." Its name was derived from the character of an individual 
who lived near the entrance of the stream into the river. This per- 
son was Nancy Hart, a woman ignorant of letters and the civilities of 
life, but a zealous lover of liberty and the " liberty boys," as she 
called the Whigs. She had a husband, whom she denominated " a 
poor stick," because he did not take a decided and active part with 
the defenders of his country, although she could not conscientiously 
charge him with the least partiality towards the Tories. This vulgar 
and illiterate, but hospitable and valorous female patriot, could boast 
no share of beauty — a fact she herself would have readily acknow- 
ledged, had she ever enjoyed an opportunity of looking in a mirror. 
She was cross-eyed, with a broad, angular mouth, ungainly in figure, 
rude in speech, and awkward in manners, but having a woman's 
heart for her friends, though that of a Catrine Montour for the ene- 
mies of her country. She was well known to the Tories, who stood 
in fear of her revenge for any grievance or aggressive act, though 
they let pass no opportunity of worrying and annoying her, when 
they could do so with impunity. 

On the occasion of an excursion from the British camp at Augusta, 
a party of Tories penetrated into the interior, and having savagely 
murdered Colonel Dooly in bed, in his own house, they proceeded up 
the country for the purpose of perpetrating further atrocities. On 
their way, a detachment of five of the party diverged to the east, 
and crossed Broad River, to make discoveries about the neighbour- 
hood, and pay a visit to their old acquaintance, Nancy Hart. On 
reaching her cabin, they entered it unceremoniously, receiving from 
her no welcome but a scowl; and informed her they had come to 
know the truth of a story current respecting her, that she had se- 
creted a noted rebel from a company of King's men who were pursu- 
ing him, and who, but for her aid, would have caught and hung him. 
Nancy undauntedly avowed her agency in the fugitive's escape. She 
told them she had at first heard the tramp of a horse rapidly ap- 
proaching, and had then seen a horseman coming towards her cabin. 
As he came nearer, she knew him to be a Whig, and flying from pur- 
suit. She let down the bars a few steps from her cabin, and motion- 
ed him to enter, to pass through both doors, front and rear, of her sin- 
gle-roomed house ; to take the swamp, and secure himself as well as 
he could. She then put up the bars, entered her cabin, closed the 
doors, and went about her business. Presently some Tories rode up 
to the bars, and called out boisterously to her. She muffled her head 
and face, and opening the door, inquired why they disturbed a sick, 
lone woman. They said they had traced a man they wanted to catch, 
near her house, and asked if any one on horseback had passed that 
way. She answered no, but said she saw somebody on a sorrel horse 



ELBERT COUNTY. 445 

turn out of the path into the woods some two or three hundred yards 
back. " That must be the fellow," said the Tories ; and asking her 
direction as to the way he took, they turned about and went off. 
" Well fooled !" said Nancy, " in an opposite course to that of my 
Whig boy ; when, if they had not been so lofty-minded, but had look- 
ed on the ground inside the bars, they would have seen his horse's 
tracks up to that door, as plain as vou can see the tracks on this here 
floor, and out of t'other door down the path to the swamp." 

This bold story did not much please the Tory party, but they could 
not wreak their revenge upon the woman who thus unscrupulously 
avowed her daring aid to a rebel, and the cheat she had put upon his 
pursuers, otherwise than by ordering her to aid and comfort them by 
giving them something to eat. She replied, " I never feed King's men 
if I can help it ; the villains have put it out of my power to feed 
even my own family and friends, by stealing and killing all my poul- 
try and pigs, except that one old gobbler you see in the yard." 

" Well, and that you shall cook for us," said one, who appeared 
the head of the party ; and raising his musket, he shot down the tur- 
key, which another of the men brought into the house, and handed to 
Mrs. Hart, to clean and cook without delay. She stormed and swore 
awhile — for Nancy occasionally swore — but seeming, at last, resolved 
to make a merit of necessity, began with alacrity the arrangements 
for cooking, assisted by her daughter, a little girl some ten or 
twelve years old, and sometimes by one of the soldiers, with whom 
she seemed in a tolerably good humour, exchanging rude jests with 
him. The Tories, pleased with her freedom, invited her to partake 
of the liquor they had brought with them, an invitation which was 
accepted with witty thanks. 

The spring, of which every settlement has one near at hand, was 
just at the edge of the swamp, and a short distance within it 
was a high, snag-topped stump, on which was placed a conch-shell. 
This rude trumpet was used by the family to give information, by 
means of a variation of notes, to Mr. Hart, or his neighbours, who 
might be at work in a field or clearing just beyond the swamp, that 
the " Britishers" or Tories were about ; that the master was wanted 
at the cabin, or that he was to " keep close," or " make tracks" for 
another swamp. Pending the operations of cooking, Mrs. Hart had 
sent her daughter, Sukey, to the spring for water, with directions to 
blow the conch in such a way as would inform him that there were 
Tories in the cabin, and that he should " keep close," with his three 
neighbours who were with him, till he heard the conch again. 

The party had become merry over their jug, and sat down to feast 
upon the slaughtered gobbler. They had cautiously stacked their 
arms where they were in view, and within reach, and Mrs. Hart, as- 
siduous in her attentions upon the table, and to her guests, occasion- 
ally passed between them and their muskets. Water was called for, 
and as there was none in the cabin — Mrs. Hart having so contrived 
that — Sukey was again sent to the spring, instructed by her mother 
to blow the conch so as to call up Mr. Hart and his neighbours im- 



446 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

mediately. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hart had slipped out one of the pieces 
of pine which constitutes a " chinking" between the logs of a cabin, 
and had dexterously put out of the house, through that space, two of 
the five guns. She was detected in the act of putting out the third. 
The party sprang to their feet. Quick as thought, Mrs. Hart brought 
the piece she held to her shoulder, and declared she would kill the 
first man who approached her. All were terror-struck, for Nancy's 
obliquity of sight caused each one to imagine her aim was at him. 
At length one of them made a motion to advance upon her. True to 
her threat, she fired. He fell dead upon the floor ! Instantly seizing 
another musket, she brought it to the position in readiness to fire 
again. By this time Sukey had returned from the spring, and taking 
up the remaining gun, carried it out of the house, saying to her mo- 
ther, " Daddy and them will soon be here." This information in- 
creased the alarm of the Tories, who understood the necessity of re- 
covering their arms immediately. But each hesitated, in the confident 
belief that Mrs. Hart had one eye, at least, upon him for a mark. 
They proposed a general rush. No time was to be lost by the bold 
woman ; she fired again, and brought down another Tory. Sukey 
had another musket in readiness, which her mother took, and, post- 
ing herself in the doorway, called upon the party to "surrender their 
d d Tory carcasses to a Whig woman." They agreed to sur- 
render, and proposed to " shake hands upon the strength of it ;" but 
the conqueror kept them in their places for a few moments, till her 
husband and his neighbours came up to the door. They were about 
to shoot down the Tories, but Mrs. Hart stopped them, saying they 
had surrendered to her, and, her spirit being up to boiling heat, she 
swore that " shooting was too good for them." This hint was enough. 
The dead man was dragged out of the house, the wounded Tory and 
the others were bound, taken out beyond the bars, and hung. The 
tree upon which they were hung was pointed out, in 1838, by one 
who lived in those bloody times, and who also showed the spot once 
occupied by Mrs. Hart's cabin, accompanying the designation with 
the emphatic remark, " Poor Nancy — she was a honey of a patriot, 
but the devil of a wife !" 

The compiler of this work, during a visit to Elbert, was introduced 
to Mrs. Wyche, a lady far advanced in years, who was on terms of 
intimacy with Mrs. Hart. From her he received many anecdotes, 
among which are the following : — 

~ " On one occasion, when information as to what was transpiring 
on the Carolina side of the river was anxiously desired by the troops 
on the Georgia side, no one could be induced to cross the river to 
obtain it. Nancy promptly offered to discharge the perilous duty. 
Alone, the dauntless heroine made her way to the Savannah River ; 
but finding no mode of transport across, she procured a few logs, 
and, tying them together with a grape-vine, constructed a raft, 
upon which she crossed, obtained the desired intelligence, returned, 
and communicated it to the Georgia troops. 



ELBERT COUNTY. 447 

On another occasion, having met a Tory on the road, and entering 
into conversation with him, so as to divert his attention, she seized 
his gun, and declared that unless he immediately took up the line of 
march for a fort not far distant, she would shoot him. The dastard 
was so intimidated, that he actually walked before the brave woman, 
who delivered him to the commander of the American fort." 

Nancy, with several other women and a number of small children, 
were once left in a fort, the men having gone some distance, pro- 
bably for provisions, when the fort was attacked by a party of 
Tories and savages. At this critical period, when fear had seized the 
women and children, to such an extent as to produce an exhibition of 
indescribable confusion, Mrs. Hart called into action all the energies 
of her nature. In the fort there was one cannon, and our heroine, 
after endeavouring in vain to place it in a position so that its fire could 
reach the enemy, looked about for aid, and discovered a young man 
hid under a cow-hide ; she immediately drew him from his retreat, 
and threatened him with immediate death unless he instantly assisted 
her with the cannon. The young man, who well knew that Nancy 
would carry her threats into execution unless he obeyed, gave her 
his assistance, and she fired the cannon, which so frightened the 
enemy that they took to their heels. 

Once more, when Augusta was in possession of the British, the 
American troops in Wilkes, then under the command of Colonel 
Elijah Clarke, were very anxious to know something of the inten- 
tions of the British. Nancy assumed the garments of a man, pushed 
on to Augusta, went boldly into the British camp, pretending to be 
crazy, and by this means was enabled to obtain much useful informa- 
tion, which she hastened to lay before the commander, Colonel 
Clarke. 



PROMINENT MEN. 

Captain James Jack died in this county, on the 18th of January, 
1823, at the age of eighty-four years. He was born in Pennsylvania, 
from whence he removed to North Carolina, and settled in the town 
of Charlotte, where he remained until the end of the Revolutionary 
War, in which he took a decided and active part. At the close of the 
war he removed to Georgia. In the spring of '75, he was the bearer 
of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress. His 
claims upon the State of North Carolina, for Revolutionary services, 
were said to have amounted to £7,646, State currency. Colonel 
Patrick Jack was his son. 

Rev. William Davis. — This gentleman was a minister of the Bap- 
tist Church, and died on the 31st of October, 1831. The following 
particulars are taken from an excellent book, the "Georgia Baptists," 
by Rev. Jesse H. Campbell : — 



448 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA.' 

" For several months previous to his death, he had a presentiment that his end 
was near—often spoke of it, and arranged all his worldly business with reference 
to it. All his children were invited to make him a last visit, and on their doing 
so, he required each of his sons to lay their hand on the scar on his head, (the 
result of a wound he received in his youth, while a soldier of the Eevolution,) and 
solemnly charged them severally to be faithful to their country's interest." 

Judge Charles Tait resided in Elbert — a man of fine talents. He 
had the rectorship of the Richmond Academy, in Augusta, in 1795, 
and afterwards was a Senator in Congress, and Judge of the Supe- 
rior Court. 

General Samuel Blackburn was of Irish descent. He was a clas- 
sical scholar, and for some time after his removal to Georgia, taught 
in the academy at Washington, Wilkes County. Whilst thus employ- 
ed, he prepared himself for the practice of law. His fine voice, ex- 
pressive features, noble person, perfect self-possession, keen wit, and 
forcible language, directed by a well-cultivated and powerful intellect, 
made him one of the most eloquent men of his time. He married 
Governor Matthews' daughter, and soon after settled in Elbert County, 
on Broad River. He removed afterwards to Virginia, where he died 
in 1835. 

The Rev. Beverly Allen formerly resided in this county. To the 
Hon. George R. Gilmer our thanks are due for the following interesting 
particulars, connected with a transaction which is still remembered by 
some of the older citizens of Elbert : — 

In the year 179- Beverly Allen and Billy Allen carried on the business of 
merchandise in the County of Elbert. Their storehouse and residence were on a 
hill rising from Beaver Dam Creek, on the side of the road leading from Fish 
Dam ford on Broad River, to the Cherokee ford on the Savannah. They were 
both young, and belonged to a family which emigrated from Virginia to Georgia 
soon after the Revolutionary War. Beverly Allen was handsome, with a fine 
voice and ardent temperament. He was one of the converts of Bishop Asbury. 
during his tour through Georgia. From public praying he commenced exhort- 
ing, and, soon after, preaching. Without any of the learning of Whitefield, he 
had much of his enthusiastic eloquence. Preaching was a rarity when Beverly 
Allen became a convert. Men pricked up their ears, their souls were stirred 
within them, when they heard striking exhibitions of the punishments of the 
lower world for their sins, and the joys of the upper for their repentance. 

When Beverly Allen held forth upon these subjects, the whole population 
crowded together to hear him. He became the idol of the people. 

Some time in the year 1 795, Beverly Allen, with his brother, went to Augusta 
to buy goods with the money they had, and the credit they could obtain. Whilst 
there, the foreign merchant of whom they had purchased their first stock of 
goods found them buying goods of others, instead of first discharging their debt to 
him. He caused a Ca. Sa. writ to be issued for their arrest, returnable to the 
United States District Court. The Aliens, being informed of this, armed them- 



ELBERT COUNTY. 449 

selves, and took possession of a room in the public house, and fastened the doors 
against entrance. The Marshal (Forsyth, the father of the celebrated John For- 
syth) pursued them, forced open the door, and was, upon his entrance, shot dead 
by Beverly Allen. The Aliens immediately fled to Elbert County, and were 
pursued by a warrant for their arrest upon a charge of murder. William Barnett, 
for a long time afterwards a well-known public man, was the Sheriff of Elbert 
County. Upon receiving the warrant, he assembled a large force, and went in 
pursuit. The Aliens had concealed themselves in a high log-house, which stood 
for a long time after the event alluded to on the side of the road near Beaver 
Dam. 

The place of their concealment being communicated to the Sheriff, he sur- 
rounded it with his guard. The doors were barricaded, so as to prevent entrance. 
After many fruitless attempts to get the Aliens out, the house was set on fire. 
Billy Allen, finding resistance in vain, opened the doors and gave himself up. 
The fire was put out, and search commenced for Beverly Allen, the principal 
offender. He was at first concealed between the ceiling of the cockloft and the 
roof. The Aliens were immediately confined in the jail of the county. This 
became known to the people. The news spread that the servant of God was in 
jail for resisting an effort to take from him his liberty, to separate him from his 
home, friends, and flock, by confining him in jail at Augusta, through the pro- 
cess of the United States Court, the instrument by which the Federalists intended 
to deprive the people of their rights, and for a debt to one who was not a citizen 
of the State. In those days, the people were a law unto themselves. The re- 
straints of Government were very slight during the dominion of Great 
Britain, and scarcely felt at all, especially on the frontiers of the new 
States; voluntary associations called Lynch Men afforded some protection 
against thieves. Personal rights were secured from violation only by the sure 
aim of a good gun, or a heavy fist and a fearless spirit. Liberty, and especially 
liberty of person, was, from the habits of speaking, acting, and feeling of the 
times of the Revolution, and immediately after, considered by many as the chief 
good. In such times, among such people, operated upon by such causes, the 
Aliens could not remain prisoners. The Sheriff, finding that their rescue would 
be attempted, set off with his prisoners for Washington, Wilkes County. He 
was headed on the road, and considered it safest to return. He increased his 
guard to sixteen men, but many of these proved to be the friends of the pri- 
soners. On the night after his return from the attempt to secure the prisoners, 
in Wilkes jail, the jail of Elbert was attacked by 200 men, the doors forced 
open, and the Aliens permitted to escape. The friends of the prisoners on guard 
had, previous to the attack, taken the powder from the locks of the guns of all 
the guards, from whom any danger was apprehended, except one. Beverly 
Allen fled to the most distant western frontier of the United States. He lived to 
old age, apprehensive, during his entire life, that he might be arrested for the 
killing of Forsyth. Billy Allen, whose crime consisted in being in company 
with his brother when the act of violence was done, was permitted soon after to 
return to his home, where he remained unmolested during his life. As soon as 
search after Beverly Allen had ceased, inquiries began to be made about the 
persons who were engaged in his rescue. John Rucker, one of the rescuers, 

29 



450 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

used to amuse his friends, after the alarm had passed away, by telling some of 
the incidents which happened to him, whilst concealed to avoid arrest, and 
which became a sort of sing-song among ail the little boys of the country for a 
long time afterwards. Middleton was Barnett's deputy. They were small, ac- 
tive, quick-spoken men. One of the guard, Thomas Gilmer, was a very fat man, 
weighing three hundred pounds. Rucker said he had fled to the Savannah River, 
and concealed himself under its bank. Whilst hid, he heard a great many small 
frogs crying, " Middleton and Bamett! Middleton and Barnett!" and imitating 
what he was describing, he would compress his lips, and drawing his voice only 
from his teeth, very quickly, make a sound like that of the frogs. He said he 
stood this cry without flinching, but after a while he heard a big bullfrog cry 
out, "T-o-m G-i-l-m-o-r-e ! T-o-M G-i-l-m-o-r-e !" and this he would repeat 
with swelled cheeks, and full voice, which he said he could not stand. He then 
plunged into the water, and made for the Carolina side of the river. 



EMANUEL COUNTY. 

Laid out from Bulloch and Montgomery in 1812, and named after 
the Hon. David Emanuel. Length, 45 m. ; breadth, 41 m.; area 
square miles, 1,845. 

The rivers are the Ogeechee, separating the county from Burke, 
the Big Cannouchee, the Little Cannouchee, Great Ohoopee, &c. 
The creeks are Yamgrandee, Sartain's, Pendleton's, &c. 

Paris now is the county site, 80 miles S. E. of Milledgeville. 

The face of the country is level. On the rivers, good lands may 
be found. The productions are cotton, corn, sugar-cane, &c. 

The climate is salubrious. Instances of great longevity are not 
rare. 

Extract from the Census of 1850.— Families, 605; dwellings, 605. 
White males, 1,846; white females, 1,745. Free coloured males, 14; 
free coloured females, 10. Total free population, 3,615; slaves, 962. 
Deaths, 25. Farms, 511 ; value of real estate, $413,712; value of 
personal estate, $743,463. 

Among the first persons who settled in this part of the State were, 
James Moore, Wm. Stephens, Henry Durden, Geo. Rotjndtree, 
Richard Edinfield, M. Thigpin, A. Gardner, N. Rowland, E. 
Swain, James Tapley, John Snell, James Hicks, Wm. Phillips, J. 
Sutton, E. Lane, B. Johnston, John Wiggins, P. Newton, Wm. 
Rowland, Wm. and J. Norris, Wm. Douglass, S. Powell, John 
Rhiner, M. Curl, S. Kennedy, E. Colman, D. E. Rich, E. Wilks, 
S. Williamson, B. Key, J. C. Summer. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 451 

Several years ago a very singular robbery was committed m this 
county. A physician had been attending on the daughter of a Mr. 
and Mrs. Gregory. After the recovery of the patient, her father paid 
the doctor for his professional services the sum of forty-five dollars, 
which, with other collections he had made about the same time, 
amounted to seventy or eighty dollars. 

While on his way home, and passing by a swamp, this infirm and 
aged son of Esculapius was accosted by a foe clad in no ordinary ter- 
rors. It was no less than Mrs. Gregory, the mother of his late patient, 
as the doctor declared under the solemnity of an oath before a civil 
tribunal, habited in the attire of a warrior, her face well blacked, a 
musket upon her shoulder, and two or three pieces of pipe-stem 
thrust in her mouth. She advanced with the intrepidity of Joan of 
Arc, seized his bridle rein with one hand, and with the other laid hold 
of the pocket which contained the money, and never relaxed her grasp 
till she tore away the pocket and secured its contents. We are un- 
able to inform the reader whether Mrs. Gregory was tried for this 
f *Fence. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 

This county is a portion of the territory acquired by the United 
States for the use of the State of Georgia, from the Creek Indians, by 
a treaty made at the Indian Springs. Organized in 1821. Named 
after the Marquis De La Fayette. Length, 27 m. ; breadth, 18 
m. ; area square miles, 486. 

The Flint River passes along the eastern part of the county. 

Fayetteville is the county town, 107 miles from Milledgeville. 

Jonesborough is a thriving place, situated on the Macon and 
Western Railroad. 

Rough and Ready, and Fairburne, are small places. 

The face of the country is level. The lands are of the gray 
quality, adapted to cotton, corn, &c. 

The climate is healthy. We insert a few cases of longevity. 
Mr. Waldroup died at 104; Mr. Graves, over 80; Wm. Gay, over 
80 ; Mr. Hanes, 87 ; Mr. Grey, 80 ; John Fuller, 96 ; Mr. Moses, 
80; Mrs. Atkinson, 80 ; E. Knowles, 80; Wm. Powell, 90; John 
Cooke, 95; Wm. Abercrombie, 85; Mr. S. Speights, 85. 

General David Dickson died in this county in 1830, aged 79 years. 
He joined the standard of American Independence in February, 1775, 
at the Snow Camps, on Reedy River, at the takingof Colonel Cunning- 
ham and his Tories. In 1776, he commanded a volunteer company, 
under Gen. Williamson, in the Cherokee Nation, against the Chero- 
kees and Tories. In 1777, he brought a company of minute-men to 



452 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Georgia, and was stationed on the frontiers. In 1778, he and his 
company went with the American army to take St. Augustine, and 
served in the artillery. The taking of St. Augustine miscarried ; the 
minute-men were discharged, and he returned to South Carolina, 
joined the standard of Independence, and continued in the service of 
his country to the end of the war. 

Samuel Parsons died in 1832, aged 70 years. He was a native 
of the State of Virginia. At the age of fifteen he entered the army 
of the Revolution, was engaged in the battle of Guilford Court- 
House, at the siege of Little York, and witnessed the surrender of 
Lord Cornwallis. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,196; families, 
1,206; white males, 3,450; white females, 3,290; free coloured 
males, 3 ; 1 free coloured female. Total free population, 6,744 ; 
slaves, 1,965. Deaths, 99. Farms, 818; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 6. Value of real estate, $2,185,835 ; value of personal estate, 
$1,162,169. 

The first Superior Court for this county was held on the 22d of April, 1824. 
His Honor Eli Shorter, Judge. 

grand jurors. 

James Strawn, Wm. Gilleland, 

Wm. Morgan, Wm. Powell, 

Matthew Burge, L. Landrijm, 

Wm. Watts, John Chambers, 

Joseph H. Shaw, Stephen Smith, 

John Levi, Wm. Harkins, 

Charles Lisles, James Garratt, 

John Hamilton, M. Glass, 

James Head, R. Barrow. 
A. Tilghnuaw, 



FLOYD C OUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Cherokee in 1832. 
The principal streams are the Oostenaula and Etowah, which unite 
their waters at Rome, forming the Coosa. 

Rome is the county town, at the junction of the Etowah and Ooste- 
naula rivers, situated upon several high hills, and commands a fine 
view of the mountains. Distant from Milledgeville 176 miles. 

Rome, in the opinion of Colonel A. J. Pickett, whose researches 
into the early history of Georgia and Alabama are highly interesting, 
occupies the site of an Indian town formerly called Chiaha. De Soto 
took up his quarters in this town in 1540, according to the following 



FLOYD COUNTY. 453 

statement, which is extracted from an account of De Soto's travels, 
written " by a Portugall gentleman of Eluas emploied in all the action, 
and translated out of Portugese by Richard Hacklvyt. 1609." 

The Gouernour departed from Guaxule, and in two daies iournie came to a 
towne called Canasagua. There met him on the way twenty Indians, euery one 
loaden with a basket ful of mulberries ; for there be many, and those very good, 
from Cutifa-chiqui thither and so forward in other Prouinces, and also nuts and 
plummes. And the trees grow in the fields without planting or dressing them, 
and as big and as rancke as though they grew in gardens digged and watered. 

From the time that the Gouernour departed from Canasagua, hee iournied hue 
daies through a desert; and two leagues before he came to Chiaha, there met 
him 15 Indians loaden with maiz, which the Cacique had sent; and they told 
him on his behalfe that he waited his comming with twenty barnes full of it; and 
farther that himselfe, his Countrieand subiects, and al things els, were at his ser- 
uice. On the 5 day of June the Gouernour entred into Chiaha: The Cacique 
voided his owne houses in which he lodged, and receiued him with much ioy, 
saying these words following : — 

" Mightie and excellent Lord, I hold myself e for so happie a man in that it hath 
•pleased your Lordship to vse me, that nothing could haue happened vnto me of more 
contentment, nor Unit I would haue esteemed so much. From Guaxule your Lord- 
ship sent vnto me that L should prepare maiz for you in this towne for two months. 
Here I haue for you 20 barnes full of the choicest that in all the Countrie could be 
found. Lf your Lordship bee not entertained by me in such sort as is fit for so hie a 
Prince, respect my tender age, which excuseth me from blame, and receuve my good 
wil, which with much loyaltie, truth and sincerities I will alwaies shew in anything 
which shall concerne your Lordship 's seruiceP 

The Gouernour answered him that he thanked him very much for his sendee 
and offer, and that he would alwaies account him as his brother. 

There was in this towne much butter in gourds, melted like oile; they said it 
was the fat of beares. There was found also great store of oile of walnuts, which 
was cleare as butter, and of a good taste, and a pot ful of honie of bees, which 
neither before nor afterward was seene in all the Countrie. 

The towne was an Island betweene two armes of a Riuer, and was seated nigh 
one of them. The Riuer diudeth itselfe into those two branches, two crosse-bow 
shot aboue the towne, and meeteth againe a league beneath the same. The 
plain betweene both the branches is sometimes one crosse-bow shot, sometimes 
two crosse-bow shot ouer. The branches are very broad, and both of them may 
be waded ouer. There were along them verie good meadows, and manie fields 
sowne with maiz ; and because the Indians staied in their towne, the Gouernour 
only lodged in the houses of the Cacique, and his people in the fields; where 
there was euer a tree euerie one tooke one for himselfe. Thus the Camp lay 
separated one from another, and out of order. The Gouernour winked at it, be- 
cause the Indians were in peace; and because it was very hot, and the people 
should haue suffered great extremitie if it had not bin so. The horses came 
thither so weake. that for feeblenesse they were not able to carrie their masters; 
because that from Cutifa-chiqui they alwaies trauelled with verie little prouender, 



454 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

and were hunger starued and tired euer since they came from the desert of Ocute; 
and because the most of them were not in case to vse in battell, though need 
should require they sent them to feed in the night a quarter of a league from the 
Camp. The Christians were there in great danger, because that if, at this time, 
the Indians had set upon them, they had been in euill case to haue defended 
themselues. The Gouernour rested there thirtie daies, in which time, because 
the Countrie was very fruitful!, the horses grew fat. At the time of his depar- 
ture, by the importunitie of some, which would haue more than was reason, hee 
demanded of the Cacique 30 women to make slaues of. Hee answered that he 
would conferre with his chiefe men. And before hee returned an answere, one 
night all of them, with their wiues and children, forsooke the towne and fled 
away. The next day, the Gouernour purposing to goe to seeke them, the Ca- 
cique came vnto him, and at his comming vsed these words vnto the Goueinour: 

"Mightie Lord, with shame and feare of your Lordship, because my subiects, 
against my will, haue done amisse in absenting themselues, I went my way 
without your license; and knowing the errour which I have committed, like a 
loyall subiect I come to yeeld myselfe into your power, to dispose of mee at your 
owne pleasure. For my subiects doe not obey mee, nor doe anything but what an 
Vncle of mine commandeth which gouerneth this Countrie for me, vntill I be 
of a perfect age. If your Lordship will pursue them and execute on them that 
which for their disobedience they deserue, I will be your guide, since at this 
present my fortune will not suffer me to performe any more.'' 

Presently the Goueinour with 30 horsemen and as many footemen went to 
seeke the Indians; and passing by some townes of the principall Indians which 
had absented themselues, hee cut and destroyed great fields of maiz; and went 
v}) the Riuer, where the Indians were in an Island, where the horsemen could 
not come at them. There he sent them word by an Indian to retume to their 
towne and leare nothing, and that they should giue him men to carrie burdens, 
as al those behind had done ; for he would haue no Indian women, seeing they 
were so loth to part with them. 

The Indians accepted his request, and came to the Gouernour to excuse them- 
selues; and so all of them returned to their towne. A Cacique of a Prouince 
called Coste came to this towne to visit the Gouernour. After hee had offered 
himselfe, and passed with him some words, of tendring his seruice and curtesie. 
the Gouernour asking him whether he had notice of any rich Countrie, he said 
yea; to wit, that toward the North there was a Prouince named Chisca; and 
there was a melting of copper and of another -metall of the same colour, saue 
that it was finer and of a fane more perfect colour, and farre better to the sight : 
and that they vsed it not so much because it was softer. 

And the selfe-same thing was told the Goueinour in Cutifa-chiqui ; where we 
saw some little hatchets of copper which were said to haue a mixture of gold. 

But in that part the countrie was not well peopled, and they said there were 
mountaines which the horses could not passe ; and for that cause, the Gouernour 
would not goe from Cutifa-chiqui directly hither. And hee made account that 
trauelling through a peopled countrie, when his men and horses should bee in 
better plight, and hee were better certified of the truth of the thing, he would 
returne toward it by mountaines and a better inhabited countrie, whereby hee 



FLOYD COUNTY. 455 

might haue a better passage. He sent two Christians from CJiiaha, with certaine 
Indians which knew the countrie of Chisca, and the language thereof, to view it, 
and to make report. 

De Soto then broke up his camp, recrossed the Oostenaula, and 
marched down the west side of the Coosa, leaving the generous people 
of Chiaha well satisfied with presents. 

Rome has a number of handsome private dwellings. 

The Etowah House is eligibly situated near the railroad and steam- 
boat landing, and is conducted by an obliging gentleman. 

At the last session of the Legislature, a town opposite to Rome was 
incorporated by the name of De Soto. 

Hillsborough is opposite to Rome. 

The town of Cave Springs is in the southern portion of the county, 
near the Alabama line. 






[lisii m\m a 










DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 



The Georgia Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, of which the above 
is a view, is located here. 

The Legislature of the State, at different times, have made liberal 
appropriations for the support and education of the deaf and dumb. 
Formerly, a commissioner was appointed to receive applications in 
behalf of indigent deaf and dumb inhabitants of this State, and to 
make all necessary arrangements for conveying such beneficiaries to 
the American Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut ; but that office is 
now abolished. In 1847, the Legislature passed an act authorizing 
the Governor to appoint five commissioners, who were required ' o make 
all necessary arrangements for the erection of an asylum. 



456 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Extract from the Ce?isus of 1850. — Dwellings, 866 ; families, 
866 ; white males, 2,781 ; white females, 2,421 ; free coloured 
males, 2 ; free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 5,206 ; 
slaves, 2,999. Deaths, 49. Farms, 397 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 15. Value of real estate, $1,581,400; value of personal 
estate, $1,673,691. 



SHisnllaHMiDB, 

In the fork of the Etowah and Oostenaula rivers, near Rome, human 
bones have been found. In September, 1793, an engagement took 
place here between the whites and Indians, the particulars of which 
are thus given by Breazeale : — 

Battle with the Indians. — In September, 1793, the Cherokee Indians, 
amounting, it is believed, to about one thousand, made an incursion into the set- 
tlements of Tennessee, and attacked and took Cavit's Station, eight miles below 
Knoxville, murdering the whole family, thirteen in number. After the mas- 
sacre of the inmates of the fort, they made a precipitate retreat, turning across 
the country towards the Clinch River, which they crossed in a few hours after- 
wards. It was supposed at the time that the Indians intended to attack the town 
of Knoxville, and were only prevented by daylight breaking upon them sooner 
than they expected. General Sevier was then at John Ish's, on the south side 
of Hoiston, having arrived a few days before with four hundred men. He im- 
mediately raised additional troops, and marched into the Cherokee country, 
hoping to overtake the party who had murdered Cavit's family. His force con- 
sisted of about seven or eight hundred men. They crossed Tennessee at the 
Coyetee ford, Hiwassee, at the mouth of Ocoee, and marched directly to a 
town called Oostenaula. At this place he remained three days, on account of 
sickness among his troops. 

The first night after Sevier's soldiers crossed Coosawattee, the Indians fired 
upon them, and wounded one man. The second night, Sevier caused a breast- 
work of logs and brush to be erected. On the next morning, John Lowiy (now 
Colonel John Lowry) and others went to the river to water their horses, and were 
fired on by the Indians, and Lowry received a shot in his arm. On the third day 
after the army crossed the Coosawattee, General Sevier ordered Colonel Kelly to 
march with his army up the river to the Coosawattee village, and destroy it, 
which he accordingly did, and returned to Sevier's encampment the same even- 
ing. On the next morning, General Sevier marched the army down the river. 
When he came within half a mile of the junction of the Oostenaula and Etowah, 
the paths forked, one leading to the Hightower towns, and the other to the Ooste- 
naula, and leading down it, on the northern or eastern side ; and here he divided 
his army, and placed one detachment under the command of Colonel Kelly, and 
took command of the other himself. He ordered Colonel Kelly to cross the Etowah, 
and proceed down on the southern side, and destroy all the Indian towns as 
he marched ; while he (General Sevier) would march down on the other side of 
the river, and lay waste the country there. Carey and Findleston had been em- 



FLOYD COUNTY. 457 

ployed as pilots, well acquainted with the country. Upon arriving at the ford 
of the Etowah, it was discovered that the Indians had fortified themselves on 
the ford on the opposite side. 

They had dug holes in the river and bank in which to secrete themselves, and 
had cut saplings, and fell them down the bank, where the path went out of the 
river. Upon making this discovery, Colonel Kelly concerted a plan with Major 
Evans to draw the Indians out of their strongholds, and compel them to fight on 
open ground, and he succeeded most admirably. He marched the army down 
the river, a few hundred yards below the ford, to a canoe-landing, where the water 
was deep enough for swimming, and himself, Findleston, and a few others, plunged 
in, and swam across. Major Evans instantly ordered the detachment to halt, 
and, seeing the Indians running down on the other side of the river to meet 
Kelly and his comrades, he faced the men about, all being horsemen, and dashed 
up to the ford in full gallop, and crossed the river at half speed. The Indians, 
seeing the main party crossing at the ford, ran back, leaving Colonel Kelly 
and his friends to escape from the water in safety. A hot and furious battle 
ensued, which lasted about twenty minutes. 

When the front of the detachment had crossed the river and reached the bank, 
they were obliged to alight, and cut the saplings and brush with their hatchets, 
and remove them out of their way, before they could ascend the bank ; and while 
this was doing, the Indians fired upon them, and killed one man ; but the little 
army succeeded in ascending very quickly, and returned the fire of the Indians 
with so much alacrity, that they soon retreated, carrying with them all their 
killed and wounded, except one, which they could not get away. They were 
seen by the whites dragging their killed and wounded over logs and into the 
cane-brake. Judge Hugh L. White was in this engagement, then a very young 
man, and was among the first that ascended the bank of the river, under 
the fire of the enemy. Evans had two men killed, Wear and Prewitt. John 
Wallace, who was wounded, died the night after the battle. 

General Sevier, hearing the firing, wheeled his detachment about, and pushed 
with all possible speed to the assistance of Evans, and came up just as the In- 
dians had retreated. The two men, Wear and Prewitt, that were killed, were 
taken down the river to an Indian village, buried in a cellar in an Indian cabin, 
and the cabin burnt over them, to prevent the Indians from finding and mangling 
their bodies, as was their custom. General Sevier then marched the whole army 
back across the Etowah, crossed the Coosawattee, and moved down the river, 
destroying all the towns as he went. 



Floyd County was originally settled by persons from the older 
parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. 

Cave Spring is situated on Little Cedar Creek, in Vann's Valley. 
This spring issues from a mountain east of the valley. The force 
of the water is sufficient to turn an overshot mill. There is a cave 
fifty yards from the spring. You descend into it at an angle of 
ninety degrees. Beautiful stalactites are in the different apartments 
of the cave. The creek formed by the spring runs off with great 
swiftness, almost as i swift as the mountain stream, until it enters 



458 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

into Big Cedar. There are several other springs in this vicinity, 
the water of which is just as good as that of the Cave Spring 
About a mile and a half northeast of Rome, near Mr. Mitchell's plan- 
tation, is Nix's Cave. The interior is filled with stalactites. Mr. 
Nix resides near this cave, and is always ready to guide visitors 
through its numerous apartments. On Mr. Mitchell's plantation is 
Woodward's Cave, formerly notorious as a depository for stolen 
goods. The entrance is through a large rock, which is nearly one^ 
hundred feet perpendicular. There are a great many small caves in 
various parts of the county. 



FORSYTH COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee in 1832; named after the Hon. John 
Forsyth. 

The lands on the rivers and creeks are fertile. 
The climate is healthy. 

Cumming, named after Colonel William dimming, is the county 
town, 145 miles from Milledgeville ; it is surrounded by beautiful 
scenery. 

The public places are Big Creek, Hartford, High Tower, Vickery's 
Creek, and Warsaw. 

This section lies in the gold region. The mineral resources are 
supposed to be great. 

The principal streams are the Chattahoochee and Etowah. There 
are several creeks, such as Vickery's, Dick's, John's, &c. 

According to the census of 1850, there were in this county — Dwell- 
ings, 1,334; families, 1,334; white males, 3,950; white females, 
3,862 ; free coloured males, 6 ; free coloured females, 5. Total 
free population, 7,823. Slaves, 1,027. Deaths, 39. Farms, 765 ; 
manufacturing establishments, 8. Value of real estate, $672,978 ; 
value of personal estate, $700,426. 

The first persons who made settlements in this county were, <T. 
Scudder, L. Blackburn, John Jolly, W. W. Vaughan, A. Cameron, 
Wm. Rogers, John Rogers, Noah Strong, L. Hudson, B. Allen, 
W. H. Bacon, L. D. Harris, E. Harris, Geo. Kellogg, Mr. Julian, 
Alfred Hudson, W. G. Fields. 

On Mr. Rogers's plantation, twelve miles south of Cumming, on 
the road to Lawrenceville, are several small mounds. On the road 
from Canton to Dahlonega, ten miles northwest from Cumming, is 
a very remarkable rock, an unhewn mass of granite, eight and a 
half feet long, and two and a half feet wide, three-sided, with irregular 
converging points, upon which are numerous characters, seventeen of 
them varying in shape. The largest circles are eight inches in 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 459 

diameter. Front its appearance, it must have been wrought at a very 
remote period. The designs are very regular, and it is probable that 
they were executed by the same race of people who constructed the 
mounds in this and other sections of the State. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

This is among the oldest counties in the State. Length, 26 m. ; 
breadth, 25 m. ; square miles, 650. 

The Tugaloo River separates the county from South Carolina. 
The other streams are, Hudson's Fork, North Fork, and Middle 
Fork. 

Lands of the first quality are situated on Tugaloo River. 

Carnesville is the county town, named after Judge Carnes, 108 
miles from Milledgeville. 

The public places are, Acquilla, Hudson, Bowersville, Bushville, 
Fairview, Grove Level, Middle River, Parker's Store, Walnut Hill. 

The Franklin Springs are situated nine miles S. E. of Carnesville.* 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,546 ; families , 1,546 ; 
white males, 4,516 ; white females, 4,560; free coloured males, 33 ; free 
coloured females, 22. Total free population, 9,131 ; slaves, 2,382. 
Deaths, 96. Farms, 1,305; manufacturing establishments, 4. Value 
of real estate, $1,293,827; value of personal estate, $1,145,948. 

Franklin can show a long list of aged persons. Mr. Hale died 
at 117; John Watson and his wife, at 90; Thos. Clarke, at 90; 
Wm. Spears, 110 ; Henry Parks, 100 ; Elisha Dyer and wife, 93 ; 
Samuel Mackay, 100 ; Jesse Marshall, 97 ; Mr. John Stonecy- 
pher, 96; David Guess, 90; Mr. Shannon, 83; A. Saunders, 85; 
Colonel James H. Little, 83 ; Joseph Parker, 85 ; John Pearce, 
85 ; Samuel Daily, 85. 

Captain James Terrell died in this county, in the 77th year 
of his age. He was among the foremost to join the standard of his 
country, though beset on all sides by the adherents of royalty. He was, 
for his distinguished services, very soon promoted to the captaincy of 
a company, in which station he served with fidelity and honour, until 
disabled by a musket-ball that shattered his hip into pieces — which 
deprived him from rendering farther military services in a cause the 
success of which, as he often declared, " was more dear to him than 
his own existence." 

The early settlers in this county were, L. Cleveland, Peter 
Williamson, Joseph Humphreys, N. Cleveland, John Gorham, 
Thomas and John Payne, Benjamin Echols, Wm. Hardin, John 



460 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Smith, Benjamin Watson, Colonel James H. Little, John Stonecy- 
pher, Clement Wilkins, Samuel Sewell, Thompson Epperson, 
Wm. Spears, Wm. Blackwell, Russel Jones, Daniel Bush, Mr. 
Gilbert, Geo. Rucker, John Norris, James Terrell, James 
Hooper, Henry Smith, S. Shannon, Peter Waters, Josiah and 
George Stovall, Joseph Chandler, James Blair, &c. 



A company' of volunteers from this county, commanded by Captain 
Morris, was engaged in a battle with the Creeks in Pea River 
Swamp, in Alabama, March 25, 1837. They won for themselves a 
reputation that may be envied by the victors of any field . Their deeds 
of noble daring were the theme of their associates in arms, and they 
were not behind the rest of the brave fellows, either in the march, 
the swimming, or the charge. An incident that occurred during the 
charge is worthy of note. One of the Franklin Volunteers was in 
hot pursuit of an Indian, who, finding that he must fall into the 
hands of his pursuer, attempted to save himself by running in the 
midst of the women, two of whom seized the volunteer ; he used 
every exertion to disengage himself from them, but they made a 
furious and deadly assault upon him with their knives, and in self- 
defence he drew his bowie, and with two blows killed them both. 

This section of the State was for a long time exposed to the ravages 
of the Indians. In almost every part it was found necessary to erect 
forts and block-houses to protect the inhabitants against the savages. 
Cruelties were inflicted upon the helpless women and children, the 
record of which would chill the blood. 



GILMER COUNTY. 

This county was named after the Hon. George R. Gilmer, and was 
laid out from Cherokee in 1 832. 

The rivers are Ellijay and Tacoa. 

The face of the country is broken by mountains, the principal of 
which are, Cohuttah, Frog, Coal, Bald, Long Swamp, Amacolola, 
Turnip Town, Tallona, and Sharp Top. The best lands are in the 
valleys and on the water-courses. 

Ellijay is the capital, situated on the northwest bank of the 
Ellijay River, 171 miles N. W. of Milledgeville. 

The public places are, Prince Edward, Tacoa, Talking Rock, and 
Blue Ridge. 

The country is rich in minerals. Gold, iron, and marble are found 
in various sections. 

Among those who first settled in this county are, B. Chastain, 
James Cody, Alexander Kell, James Kell, Benjamin Griffith, 



GLYNN COUNTY. 461 

L. Holt, C. Cooper, J. E. Price, John P. Alexander, Samuel 
Jones, E. Chastain, A. Johnson, J. A. Johnson, E. Gibson, James 
Simmons, Jacob Gibson, C. Goble, J. C. King, S. Griffith, H. K. 
Quillian, Thos. M. Burnett, Wm. Cox, B. M. Griffeth, &c. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,396 ; families, 
1,396; white males, 4,242; white females, 3,994; free coloured 
males, 3 ; 1 free coloured female. Total free population, 8,240 ; 
slaves, 200. Deaths, 54. Farms, 577 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 5. Value of real estate, $551,451 ; value of personal estate, 
$233,115. 



We are indebted to a gentleman well acquainted with the history 
of the Cherokees for the following items, viz. : — 

Old Indian Towns. — Ellija, an Indian town, formerly stood where Ellijay 
now stands. White Path was the Chief. He accompanied John Ross to Wash- 
ington, in 1834. General Jackson invited him to dinner, and presented him 
with a silver watch, which he always kept as a precious treasure. He was 
taken sick at Hopkinsville, Kentucky. During his illness, the people showed 
him great kindness. After his death, his watch was sold, and its proceeds ap- 
propriated to the erection of a marble monument. 

Talona was south of Ellija. It was sometimes called Sanderstown, after the 
principal Chief, George Sanders, who kept a house of entertainment on the 
Federal Road, and was considered a high-minded man. He accompanied Ross 
to Washington. On his return, he was taken sick, and died at Raleigh, North 
Carolina. 

Mountain Town was situated in the eastern part of Gilmer; Cartilana was thp 
principal Chief. 



GLYNN COUNTY. 

This is one of the oldest counties in Georgia, being first laid out 
in 1765, into two parishes, viz., St. Patrick and St. David's, although 
extensive settlements had been made many years before. In 1777, 
the parishes above named were formed into the County of Glynn, and 
so named in honour of John Glynn, Esq., distinguished for his un- 
wavering support of the colonies. 

The principal streams are the Alatamaha, Turtle, Little and St. 
Simon's rivers. 

The face of the country is broken by extensive swamps, which, 
when drained, become the most valuable lands in the county. 

The climate is warm. In the summer fevers and agues occur in 
the lower lands. 

Brunswick is the county town, situated on the east bank of the 



462 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Turtle River, 201 miles S. E. of Milledgeville. The town is situal 
ed on a beautiful bluff of white sand, elevated from eight to twelve 
feet above high water, and extending itself up and down the river for 
upwards of two miles, affording a delightful situation for a city of 
the largest extent. 

Frederica is on the west side of St. Simon's Island, and was 
settled in 1739. It received its name in honour of Frederick, Prince 
of Wales, only son of George the Second. It was laid out by Gene- 
ral Oglethorpe, with wide streets, crossing each other at right angles, 
and planted with rows of orange-trees. This place was the favourite 
residence of General Oglethorpe, and figures much in the early his- 
tory of Georgia. 

On the coast are numerous islands, of which St. Simon's is the 
most celebrated. Here a battle was fought, July 7, 1742, between 
Oglethorpe's regiment and the Spaniards. The latter were defeated 
with great loss, and the place where the engagement took place has 
ever since been called " Bloody Marsh." 

We prefer to give a narrative of matters connected with the Spanish 
invasion of Georgia in the language of General Oglethorpe, as we 
consider his account the most reliable in its details of any to which 
we have had access. 

The Spaniards (says the General, in one of his letters,) at Augustine were so 
strengthened by the troops left, there after the invasion of Georgia, amongst 
which were the dragoons of the regiment of Italica, that they repulsed all the 
parties of Indians that I could send out against them. 

I had also intelligence of a strong party of men marching towards the river 
St. Mathew. As I concluded, this was to enlarge their quarters, ready for the next 
body of troops that they expect in the spring, from Havannah, and with which 
they propose to invade all North America, and begin with the conquest of 
Georgia and Carolina. I, therefore, thought the best means I could take was to 
oppose them in time, and myself in person, to lead the Indians, and dispute with 
them the field, before their troops came from Cuba. 

I, therefore, with a detachment of the Highland Company of Rangers, and of 
the regiment, landed in the night in Florida, and had such success that the In- 
dians advanced, undiscovered, and attacked the Spaniards, and killed upwards of 
forty of them ; but one of their own party being killed, they would give no prison- 
ers quarters, therefore I have no intelligence. 

I march to-morrow, and if I have success I trust in God 1 shall be able to force 
the Spaniards once more to take shelter in their town, which I shall look upon as 
a great point gained, since it will delay their intended operations, and give heart 
to our Indians, and keep them steady to his Majesty's interest, who were a good 
deal staggered by some strange steps taken by the Lieutenant-Governor of South 
Carolina, which Captain Dunbar will inform your Grace of; but any success lean 
now have, will only be putting off for a short time the fatal blow which must at- 
tend the vast operations making at Cuba, &c. 

From the Camp, on the River St. Mathew, or St. John's, ) 
Florida, 18th March, 1742-3. ) 



GLYNN COUNTY. 463 

Florida, on the River St. Mathevv, 
21st March, 1742-3. 

I am to acquaint your Grace of his Majesty's arms. The Spaniards have quitted 
the field, and are retired into St. Augustine. The troops made a very extraor- 
dinary march in four days, of ninety-six miles, for so many it is from this place 
to St. Augustine and back again, and this we performed without leaving one 
man sick behind us, and the whole party is in strength and health. I hear from 
all hands that there is a strong body of troops at St. Augustine, and can hardly 
conceive the reason of their behaviour and precipitate retreat, from numbers so 
much inferior to them, unless they have orders from their court to preserve their 
strength entire for the intended invaders. I did all I could to draw them to ac- 
tion, and having posted the grenadiers and some of the troops in ambuscade, 
advanced myself, with a very few men, in sight of the town, intending to skir- 
mish and retire, in order to draw them into the ambuscade, but they were so 
meek there was no provoking them. The Indians advanced so nimbly, as to get 
up with a party of the enemy, and killed forty of them under the cannon of the 
town. 

Above addressed to the Earl of Oxford. 



Frederica, in Georgia, 30th July, 1742. 

The Spanish Invasion, which has for a long time threatened the colony of 
Carolina and all North America, has at last fallen upon us, and God has been our 
deliverer. General Hozcasilas, Governor of the Havannah, ordered those troops 
who had been employed against General Wentworth, to embark with artillery and 
every thing necessary for a secret expedition. They sailed with a great fleet; 
amongst them were two half galleys, carrying 120 men each, and 18-pound 
guns. They drew but 5 feet water, which satisfied me they were for this place. 
By good great fortune, one of the half galleys was wrecked coming out. The 
fleet sailed for St. Augustine, in Florida. 

Captain Hamer, the latter end of May, called here for intelligence. I ac- 
quainted him that the succours were expected, and sent him a Spanish pilot to 
shew him where to meet with them. He met with ten sail, which had been di- 
vided from the fleet by storm; but having lost 18 men in action against them, 
instead of coming here for the defence of this place, he stood again for Charles- 
town to repair, and I having certain advices of the arrival of the Spanish fleet at 
St. Augustine, wrote to the commander of H. M. ships at Charlestown to come to 
our assistance. I sent Lieutenant Maxwell, who arrived there and delivered the 
letters on the 12th of June, and afterwards Lieutenant Mackay, who arrived and 
delivered letters on the 20th of June. Lieutenant-Colonel Cook, who was then at 
Charlestown, and was Engineer, hastened to England; and his son-in-law, En- 
sign Eyre, Sub-engineer, was also in Charlestown, and did not arrive here un- 
til the action was over; so for want of help, I myself was obliged to do the duty 
of an engineer. 

The Havannah fleet being joined by that of Florida, compose 51 sail, with 
landmen on board, a list of whom is annexed. They were separated, and I re- 



464 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ceived advices from Captain Dunbar, who lay at Fort William with the guard 
schooner of 1 4 guns and 90 men, (hat a Spanish fleet of fourteen sail had at- 
tempted to come in there ; but being drove out by the cannon of the fort and 
schooner, they came in on Cumberland. I followed on myself, and was at- 
tacked in the Sound by fourteen sail, but with two boats fought my way through. 

Lieutenant Folson, who was to have supported me with the third and strongest 
boat, quitted me in the fight, and run into a river, where he hid himself until 
next day, when he returned to St. Simon's with an account that I was lost; but 
soon after found that I had arrived there before him. For which misbehaviour I 
put him in arrest, and ordered him to be tried. 

The enemy in this action suffered so much, that the day after they run to sea, 
and returned to St. Augustine, and did not join their great fleet till after their 
grenadiers were beat by land. 

I drew the garrison from St. Andrew's, reinforced Fort William, and returned 
to St. Simon's with the schooner. 

Another Spanish fleet appeared on the 28th off the bar. By God's blessing, 
upon several occasions taken, I delayed their coming in until the 5th of July. I 
raised another troop of Rangers, which, with the other, were of great service. I 
took Captain Thompson's ship into the service for defence of the harbour. I 
embargoed all the vessels, taking their men for the service, and gave large 
gifts and promises to the Indians, so that every day we increased in number. I 
gave high rewards to them who distinguished themselves upon any service. 
Freed the servants brought down by the Highland company, and a company of 
boatmen filled up as far as we had guns. 

All the vessels being thus prepared, on the 5th of July, with a leading gale 
and spring tide, 36 sail of Spanish vessels run into the harbour in line of battle. 

We cannonaded them very boldly from the shipping and batteries; they twice 
attempted to board Captain Thompson's ship, but were repulsed; they also at- 
tempted to board the schooner, but were repulsed by Captain Dunbar, with a de- 
tachment of the regiment on board. I was with the Indian Rangers and bat- 
teries, and sometimes on board the ship, and left Major Heron with the regiment. 

It being impossible for me to do my duty as General, and be constantly with the 
regiment; therefore it was absolutely necessary for his Majesty's service to have 
a Lieutenant-Colonel present, which I was fully convinced of by this day's expe- 
rience. I therefore appointed Major Heron to be Lieutenant-Colonel, and hope 
your Grace will move his Majesty to approve the same. 

The Spaniards, after an obstinate engagement of four hours, in which they 
lost abundance of men, passed all of our batteries and shipping, and got out ot 
shot of them towards Frederica. 

Our guard sloop was disabled and sunk. One of our batteries blown up, and 
also some of our men on board Captain Thompson's. Upon which I called a 
council of war at the head of the regiment, when it was unanimously resolved to 
march to Frederica ; to get there before the enemy, and defend that place; to 
destroy all the provisions, vessels, and artillery at St. Simon's, that they might 
not fall into the enemies' hands. This was accordingly executed, having first 
drawn all the men on shore which had defended the shipping. I myself staid 
until the last, and the wind coming fortunately about, I got Captain Thompson's 



GLYNN COUNTY. 4^5 

ship and guard schooner, and our prize ship to sea, and sent them to Charlestown 
This I did in the face and in spit e of 36 sail of the enemy. As for the rest of the 
vessels, I could not save them, therefore was obliged to 'destroy them I must re- 
commend to his Majesty those who are sufferers thereby, since their loss was in 
a great measure, the preserving the Province. We arrived at Frederica, and the 
enemy at St. Simon's. 

On the 7th, a party of theirs marched towards the town; our Ran-ers dis- 
covered them, and brought an account of their march; on which I advanced 
with a party ot Indians, Rangers, and the Highland company, ordering the 
-egiment to follow. Being resolved to engage them in the defiles of the woods 
jefore they could get out and form in the open ground, I charged them at 
the head of our Indians, Highlandmen and Rangers, and God was pleased to 
give us such success that we entirely routed the first party, took one Captain 
prisoner, and killed another, and pursued them two miles to an open meadow or 
savanna, upon the edge of winch I posted three platoons of the regiment and 
the company of Highland foot, so as to be covered by the woods from the 
' enemy, who were obliged to pass through the meadow under our fire. This dis 
position was very fortunate. Captain Antonio Barba, and two other Captains 
with 100 Grenadiers and 200 foot, besides Indians and negroes, advanced from 
the Spanish camp into the savanna with huzzas, and fired with great spirit- 
but not seeing our men by reason of the woods, none of their shot took place' 
but ours did. Some platoons of ours in the heat of the fight, the air being' 
darkened with the smoke, and a shower of rain falling, retired in disorder I 
hearing the firing, rode towards it, and at near two miles from the place of action 
met a great many men in disorder, who told us that ours were routed, and Lieu- 
tenant Sutherland killed. I ordered them to halt, and march back against! the 
enemy, which orders Captain Demere and Ensign Gibbon obeyed; but another 
officer did not, but made the best of his way into the town. As I heard the fire 
continue, I concluded ours could not be quite beaten, and that my immediate as- 
sistance might preserve them ; therefore spurred on, and arrived just as the fire 
was done. I found the Spaniards entirely routed by one platoon of the regi- 
ment under the command of Lieutenant Sutherland, and the Highland com- 
pany under the command of Lieutenant Charles Mackay. An officer. Captain 
Don Antonio Barba, was taken prisoner, but desperately wounded. Two others 
were made prisoners, and a great many left dead upon the spot. Lieutenant 
Sutherland, Lieutenant Charles Mackay, and Sergeant Stewart having distin- 
guished themselves upon the occasion, I appointed Lieutenant Sutherland^Brio-ade- 
Major, and Sergeant Stewart Second Ensign. Captain Demere and Ensign Gib- 
bon being arrived with the men they had rallied, Lieutenant Codo-an, with an 
advance party of the regiment, and soon after the whole regiment,°Indians and 
Rangers, I marched down to a causeway over a marsh very near the Spanish 
camp, over which all were obliged now to pass, and thereby stopped those who 
had been dispersed in the flight in the savanna from getting to the Spanish 
camp. Having passed the night there, the Indian scouts in the morning ad- 
vanced to the Spanish camp, and discovered they were all retired into the ruins 
of the forts, and were making intrenchments under shelter of the cannon of the- 
ships; they guessed them to be about 4,000 men. 

30 



466 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

I thought it imprudent to attack them, defended by cannon, with so small a 
number, but marched baok to Frederica to refresh the soldiery and sent out par- 
ties of Indians and Rangers to harass the enemy. I also ordered into arrest the 
officers who commanded the platoons that retired. 

I appointed a General Staff: Lieutenant Hugh Maxwell and Lieutenant Max- 
well. Aids-de-Camp ; and Lieutenant Sutherland, Brigade Major. 

On the 11th of July, the great galley and two little ones came up the river 
towards the town. We fired at them with the few guns we had so warmly, that 
they retired, and I followed them with boats till they got under the cannon of 
their ships which lay in the sound. 

We received intelligence from the Spanish camp that they lost four captains and 
upwards of two hundred men in the last action, besides agreat many killed in the 
sea-fight, and several killed in the night by the Indians, even within or near the 
camp; and that they had held a council of war, in which there were great divi- 
sions, insomuch that the forces of Cuba were separated from those of St. Augustine; 
and the Italic Regiment * * * of dragoons separated from them both, at a dis- 
tance from the rest, near the woods, and that there was a general terror amongst 
them. Upon which I was resolved to beat up their quarters in the night; and 
marching down with the greatest body of men I could make, I halted within a 
mile and a half of their camp, to form, intending to leave the troops there till 
I had well reconnoitered the enemy's disposition. 

A Frenchman, who without my knowledge was come down amongst the In- 
dians, fired his gun and deserted. 

Our Indians in vain pursued, and could not take him. 

Upon this, concluding we were discovered, I divided the drums in different 
parts, and beat the grenadier march for about half of an hour : then ceased, and 
we marched back in silence. 

The next day I prevailed with a prisoner, and gave him a sum of money to 
carry a letter privately and deliver it to that Frenchman who had deserted. This 
letter was wrote in French, as if from a friend of his, telling him he had received 
the money, that he should strive to make the Spaniards believe the English were 
weak ; that he should undertake to pilot up their boats and galleys, and then 
bring them under the woods, where he knew the hidden batteries were ; that if he 
could bring that about, he should have double the reward he had already received. 

The Spanish prisoner got into their camp, and was immediately carried before 
the General De Montiano. He was also asked how he escaped, and whether 
he had any letters; but denying his having any, was strictly searched, and the 
letter found; and he, upon being pardoned, confessed that he had received money 
to deliver it to the Frenchman, for the letter was not directed. The Frenchman 
denied his knowing anything of the contents of the letter, or having received any 
money or correspondence with me; notwithstanding which, a council of war 
was held, and they deemed the Frenchman to be a double spy; but General 
Montiano would not suffer him to be executed, having been employed by him; 
however, he embarked all their troops, and halted under Jekyl; they also con- 
fined all the French on board, and embarked with such precipitation that they 
left behind them cannon, and those dead of their wounds unburied. 

The Cuba squadron stood out to sea, to the number of twenty sail. General 



GLYNN COUNTY. 457 

Montiano, with the Augustine squadron, returned to Cumberland Sound bavin- 
burnt Captain Horton's bouses on Jekyl. I, with our boats, followed him I dis°- 
covered a great many sail under Fort St. Andrew's, of which eight appeared 
plain; but being too strong for me to attack, I sent the scout-boats back 

I went with my own cutter and landed a man on Cumberland, who carried a 
letter from me to Lieutenant Stewart, at Fort William, with orders to defend 
himself to the last extremity. Having discovered our boats, and believing we 
had landed Indians in the night, they set sail with great haste, insomuclAhat 
not having tune to embark, they killed forty horses which they had taken there 
and burnt the houses. The galleys and small craft, to the number of fifteen' 
went through the inland water passages. 

They attempted to land near Fort William, but were repulsed by the Ran -ere 
They (hen attacked it with cannon and small arms, from the water for three 
hours, but the place was so bravely defended by Lieutenant Alexander Stewart 
that they were repulsed, and run out to sea, whither twelve other sail of Spanish 
vessels had lam at anchor without the bar during the attack, without stirring- 
but the galleys being chased out, they hoisted all the sail they could, and stood 
to the southward. I followed them with the boats to Fort William, and from 
thence sent out the Rangers and some boats, who followed them to St John- 
but they went off rowing and sailing to St. Augustine. 

After the news of their defeat arrived in Charlestown, the men-of-war and a 
number of Carolina people raised in a hurry, set out and came off the bar After 
the Spaniards had been chased quite out of this colony, the Carolina vessels 
were dismissed, and Captain Hardy, in his letters, promised to cruise off St 
Augustine. We have returned thanks to God for our deliverance I have set 
all the hands I could promptly to work upon the fortifications; and have sent to 
the northward to raise men ready to form another battalion against his Majesty's 
orders shall arrive for that purpose. I have retained Thompson's vessel have sent 
for cannon shot, for provisions, and all kinds of stores; since I expect the enemy 
who though greatly terrified, lost but few men in comparison to their -reai 
number, as soon as they have recovered from fright, will attack us with more 
caution and better discipline. 

I hope his Majesty will approve the measures I have taken: and I must entreat 
your Grace to lay my humble request before his Majesty that he would be gra 
ciously pleased to order troops, artillery, and other necessaries sufficient for "the 
defence of this frontier and the neighbouring provinces, or give such directions as 
his Majesty shall think proper; and I do not doubt but with a moderate sup 
port not only to defend these provinces, but also to dislodge the enemy from St 
Augustine, if I had but the same number they had in the expedition. 

1 JJ 6 ^° Ve iS i fT °*\ a i etter Written ^ General Oglethorpe, July 30 
1 742, addressed to the Duke of Newcastle. J ' 

Tn this section of the State a gallant action was performed by the 
American troops during the Revolution, the particulars of which are 
thus given by Colonel Elbert in a letter to Major-General Howe! 
<laled Jbredenca, April 19, 1778: 



468 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Dear General : — I have the happiness to inform you, that, about ten o'clock 
this forenoon, the brigantine Hinchinbrooke, the sloop Rebecca, and a prize brig, 
all struck the British tyrant's colours, and surrendered to the American arms. 
Having received intelligence that the above vessels were at this place, I put 
about three hundred men, by detachment, from the troops under m} 7 command, at 
Fort Howe, on board the three galleys, — the Washington, Captain Hardy, the 
Lee, Captain Btaddock, and the Bulloch, Captain Hatcher, — and a detachment 
of artillery, with two field-pieces, under Captain Young, I put on board a boat. 

With this little army, we embarked at Darien, and last evening effected a 
landing at a bluff about a mile below the town, leaving Colonel White on board 
the Lee, Captain Melvin on board the Washington, and Lieutenant Petty on 
board the Bulloch. Immediately on landing, I dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel 
Ray and Major Roberts, with about one hundred men, who directly marched up 
to the town, and made prisoners three marines and two sailors belonging to the 
Hinchinbrooke. It being late, the galleys did not engage until this morning. 
You must imagine what my feelings were to see our three little men-of-war going 
on to the attack of these three large vessels, who have spread terror upon our 
coasts, and who were drawn up in order of battle ; but the weight of our metal 
soon damped the courage of these heroes, who took to their boats, and as many 
as could abandoned the vessels, with everything on board, of which we im- 
mediately took possession. What is extraordinary, we have not one .man hurt. 
Captain Ellis, of the Hinchinbrooke, and Captain M., of the Rebecca, made their 
escape. As soon as I see Colonel White, who has not yet come to us with his 
prizes, I shall consult with him. I send you this by Brigade-Major John Haber- 
sham, who will inform you of other particulars. 

Samuel Elbert, L. C. 



The following was related to the compiler by the late Hon. Thomas 
Spalding : — 

In 1788, the Creek Indians overran the country, from the Alatamaha to the St. 
Mary's. Captain John Burnett lived at this time at the head of Turtle River, 
with his family and slaves, attending to large stocks of cattle. All the people had 
fled from the main to the islands. Going out one day with his son, the late Colo- 
nel Burnett, he discovered Indians at some distance with rifles. "John," said 
the old man, ' ; let us charge on them." " Father, 7 ' replied his son, " do not charge 
on them; there are more Indians behind the log." He did, however, charge, 
and las son followed him. When they had reached within a few yards of the 
log, ten Indians rose up. and discharged their pieces at the old man. He received 
several wounds, one of which, in the ear, finally proved mortal. With the aid 
of his son and a black boy, he was able to reach his house. About two weeks 
afterwards, one hundred Indians, in the dead of night, came into his inclosure, 
having killed a negro who stood sentinel at the gate. They attempted to fire the 
house, in which there were five or six males and two females. Repeated efforts 
were made by the savages to force the doors ; but those within were upon the 
alert, and continued firing upon them for four hours. The eldest daughter of 
Captain Burnett, assisted by her younger sister, loaded the muskets below, and 



GLYNN COUNTY. 469 

handed them, through the scuttle, to their brothers above. The firing was heard at 
St. Simon's Island, many of the inhabitants of which came to the beach to listen 
to it ; and as soon as daylight came, thirty men collected, and proceeded to Mr. 
Burnett's. Upon their arrival, they found that, within the house, one negro had 
been killed. Mr. Moses Burnett received three wounds, and all of his negroes 
were carried away by the Indians. 



John Cotjper, Esq., died in this county. He was born at Loch- 
winnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland, on the 9th of March, 1759, and 
was the third son of the Rev. John Couper, clergyman of that parish. 
His eldest brother, the Rev. James Couper, was for more than a 
quarter of a century Regius Professor of Astronomy in the Univer- 
sity of Glasgow ; and his second brother, Mr. William Couper, a dis- 
tinguished surgeon of that city, was, with Mr. Tennant, the inventor 
of the chloride of lime, which, as a bleaching material, has exercised 
a most important effect on textile fabrics. Mr. Couper emigrated to 
Georgia at the early age of sixteen, and arrived in Savannah, during 
the autumn of 1775, as a clerk to the house of Lundy & Co. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, he retired with his em- 
ployers to Florida, where he remained until the peace of 1783, when 
he removed to Liberty County, where, in the year 1792, he married 
a daughter of Colonel James Maxwell. The death of Mrs. Couper 
preceded his own only a short time, after a union of more than fifty 
years. The talents and integrity of Mr. Couper at once gave him a 
leading influence in society ; and soon after his removal to Glynn 
County, that influence was successfully exercised against the Yazoo 
fraud, of which he was an indignant opponent, and which, as 
one of the members of the Legislature of 1796, he aided in de- 
feating. 

In 1798, Mr. Couper represented Glynn County in the Convention 
that framed the Constitution of Georgia ; and at the time of his death, 
himself and his friend, Mr. Spalding of Sapelo Island, were the only 
survivors of that body. 

Having embarked very extensively in the cultivation of Sea-Island 
cotton, Mr. Couper, at an early period, withdrew himself from poli- 
tics, and during the remainder of a long life, devoted himself to the 
discharge of the duties of a private gentleman. In making this selec- 
tion, his talents and character were, probably, more valuable to the 
community than if he had adopted a career of more notoriety, but of 
less practical utility. 

Living in a style of refined and most liberal hospitality, generous 
and enlarged in all his views, his example exercised an elevating in- 
fluence on all around him. For many years one of the largest pro- 
prietors in the State, his system of treatment of his slaves, which was 
in accordance with his humane and just feelings, produced a happy 
effect on those around him, and has continued to influence the condi- 
tion of that class of persons throughout the sea-board. 

Mr. Couper possessed a conversational talent equalled by few ; and 



470 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

having been endowed with a tenacious memory, his reminiscences of 
the early history of Georgia were highly interesting. 

The memoir of Captain Rory Mcintosh, (who may, from his eleva- 
tion and purity of character, his romantic courage, and his madness 
on some points, justly be called the Quixote of Georgia,) which 
is annexed, will induce the reader to regret that more of his re- 
collections have not been permanently recorded. Mr. Couper died 
in March, 1850, having just completed his ninety -first year. 



Reminiscences of Captain Roderick McIntosh, contained in a letter writ- 
ten by John Couper, Esq., at the age of eighty-three, and addressed to a 
gentleman of Georgia. 

St. Simon's, IQih April, 1842. 

Dear Sir : — Believing it would be acceptable to you to know some 
particulars respecting that singular kinsman of yours, Captain Roder 
ick McIntosh, of Mallow, I sit down at the age of eighty-three to 
give you my reminiscences. After the lapse of more than half a cen- 
tury, recollections are not to be depended on ; yet, as my acquaintance 
with him was principally between 1777 and 1781, when I was from 
eighteen to twenty-three years of age, and at which time I was 
strongly impressed with his character, my recollections of him are 
more vivid than of events of more recent date. 

Of the time of Rory's emigration to America, and the relation in 
which he stood to Captain John Mcintosh, the head of the clan in 
Georgia, I know nothing. That he was at the battle of Musa, in 
Florida, I learned from hearing him say to an officer in St. Augus- 
tine, " I am a scoundrel, sir ; at Musa, a Captain of Spanish Grena- 
diers was charging at the head of his company, and, like a vermint, 
sir, I lay in the bushes, and shot the gallant fellow." 

It was my understanding that Rory, until he left the Highlands for 
America, had been strongly in favour of the Stuart family, an attach- 
meiil that continued to the end of his life. 

My first recollections of Rory are on his arrival in St. Augustine, in 
1777. His loyal character was well known. On parade, some of the 
officers congratulated him on having made his escape from the rebels. 
" My escape, sir ! No ! I despised them too much to run away, but 
sent them a message that I should leave Mallow for East Florida at 

twelve o'clock on the day of , and to come and stop 

me if they dared." Rory, and his ancient maiden sister, Winnifred, 
resided together at Mallow. I don't recollect that she came to St. 
Augustine, and rather think that she remained at Mallow, and died 
there. I am of opinion that he was only distantly related to Captain 
John Mcintosh. 

To elucidate my stories, I must introduce myself — clerk to a Mr. 
Archibald Lundy, in St. Augustine — a gentleman of a most generous 
and hospitable disposition. He invited Mr. Rory Mcintosh to reside 
with him. At that time I was particularly fond of shooting birds. 
" My young friend," said Rory to me, " I see yoa are a sportsman, 



GLYNN COUNTY. 471 

and I love you for it." He often told me of shooting on Blackbeard 
Island, where the ducks and geese were so numerous on a frosty 
morning, " that we could hardly hear each other speaking." 

Having now introduced Captain Roderick Mcintosh and myself, I 
shall proceed to relate some anecdotes : — 

In 1777, he must have been about sixty-five years of age, about 
six feet in height, strongly built, white, frizzled, bushy hair, and large 
whiskers, (then uncommon,) frizzled fiercely out, a ruddy, Mcintosh 
complexion, handsome, large and muscular limbs. In walking, or 
rather striding, his step must have been four feet. I have seen him 
walking along, and a small man trotting by him. One of his shoul- 
ders was rather depressed, the effect of " an inglorious wound" re- 
ceived from a slave. 

I think I now see his manly figure, strutting before a battalion of 
British troops on parade, and receiving the most pointed attention 
from the officers. 

Rory was not wealthy ; a few negroes, and a large stock of cattle 
at Mallow, made him comfortable. Hunting was his business and 
amusement, and in those days supplied a bountiful table. While the 
Spaniards held East Florida before 17G3, lie had carried there a drove 
of cattle, and received payment in dollars, which he put in a canvass 
bag behind him on his horse. In returning home, and near Mallow — 
the roads were then hog-paths — the canvass gave way, and a part of 
the dollars fell out. He secured such as were left, without looking after 
those which had dropped. Some years after, being in want of money, 
he recollected his loss, went to the place, picked up as many dollars 
as he wanted, and returned home. It is said that he more than once 
had the same resource. 

He was fond of dogs, and besides hounds, had some setters ; one in 
particular, Luath, which he had taught to take his back scent. He 
laid a considerable bet that he would hide a doubloon at three miles 
distance, and that Luath would find it. Luath went off on his trail, 
and returned panting, his tongue out ; but no doubloon. " Treason !'* 
cries Rory, and off he and Luath went. The log was turned over, 
and the dog had scratched under it ; a man appeared at some distance 
splitting rails. Without ceremony, Rory drew his dirk, and swore 
that he would put him to instant death unless he returned the money. 
The man gave it up, saying that he had seen Mr. Mcintosh put some- 
thing under the log, and on examining, had found the gold. Rory 
tossed him back the money. " Take it," said he, " vile caitiff. It 
was not the pelf, but the honour of my dog I cared for." 

Some time before the Revolution, Rory and his kinsman, Colonel 
William Mcintosh, went on horseback to Charleston. About Jack- 
sonborough, they stopped some days ; their landlord had a handsome 
daughter. Rory fell in love, and called the Colonel out, saying, " My 
kinsman, I am in love with the young maiden in the house, and you 
must ask her father for his daughter." The Colonel foresaw trouble, 
but complied. The landlord politely thanked Mr. Mcintosh for the 
honour that he did him, but said that his daughter was engaged to a 



472 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

young man in the neighbourhood. " No matter," says Rory, " I will 
have her." The Colonel remonstrated. Rory persisted, saying, " I 
will beat him and spit on her intended." " But why ?" says the Colo- 
nel, " he has not injured you." " No matter," says Rory, "he is my 
rival, and I will disgrace him." With much difficulty, the Colonel got 
Rory to proceed on their journey. 

Rory seldom had money. Upon extra occasions, Cowper & Tel- 
fair, in Savannah, were his bankers. Mr. Cowper was his particular 
friend. Before the Revolution, Rory came to Savannah on his way 
to Charleston, and applied for money to bear his expenses. Mr. Cow- 
per saw that something extraordinary agitated him, and with difficul- 
ty got the secret. " That reptile in Charleston, Gadsden, has insult- 
ed my country, and I will put him to death." " What has he done ?" 
says Mr. Cowper. " Why," says Rory, " on being asked how he 
meant to fill up his wharf in Charleston, he replied, with imported 
Scotchmen, who were fit for nothing better." Mr. Cowper prevailed 
on him to return home. 

A privateer ship of twenty guns was fitted out in St. Augustine, called 
the Toreyn, Captain Wade. Rory engaged twenty Loyalists from 
Mcintosh County, as mariners under him. A report reached Rory 
that he wanted prize-money, which he resented with great indigna- 
tion, and made a deed to a Mr. Gordon's children of all he might be 
entitled to. On crossing the bar, the ship struck ; Rory drew his 
dirk on the pilot, and said he was bribed by the rebels. The ship 
got over, but took no prizes. 

In 1778, a part of the garrison under General Prevost marched by 
land to join a force from New-York to attack Savannah. Rory ac- 
companied them, and attached himself particularly to the light in- 
fantry company (4th Battalion, 60th Regiment) commanded by Cap- 
tain Murray. In their advance, a part of them beleaguered a small 
fort at Sunbury, commanded by Captain (afterwards General) John 
Mcintosh. The British opened lines, in which Captain Murray's 
company was placed. Early one morning, when Rory had made 
rather free with the " mountain dew," he insisted on sallying out to 
summon the fort to surrender. His friends could not restrain him, so 
out he strutted, claymore in hand, followed by his faithful slave Jim, 
and approached the fort, roaring out, " Surrender, you miscreants ! 
how dare you presume to resist bis Majesty's arms ?" Captain Mcin- 
tosh knew him, and, seeing his situation, forbid any one firing, threw 
open the gate, and said, "Walk in, Mr. Mcintosh, and take posses- 
sion." "No," said Rory, "I will not trust myself among such ver- 
min ; but I order you to surrender." A rifle was fired, the ball from 
which passed through his face, sideways, under his eyes. He stum- 
bled, and fell backwards, but immediately recovered, and retreated 
backwards, flourishing his sword. Several dropping shots followed. 
Jim called out, "Run, massa — de kill you." "Run! poor slave," 
says Rory. " Thou mayest run, but I am of a race that never runs." 
In rising from the ground, Jim stated to me, his master, first putting 
his hand to one cheek, looked at his bloody hand, and then, raising it 



GLYNN COUNTY. 473 

to the other, perceived it also covered with blood. Me backed safely 
into the lines. 

When the French, under D'Estaing, landed near Savannah, Rory 
was at Thunderbolt, with the family of Robert Baillie. The house 
was surrounded in the night. Rory dropped out of a back window, 
and made his way into Savannah. What part he acted during the 
siege, I never heard ; but after the French were repulsed, a truce 
was arranged for the purpose of burying the dead, and several of the 
officers went out on the battle-ground, among them Rory, who strut- 
ted about, and said — "A glorious sight — our enemies slain in 
battle !" 

[ recollect seeing, in St. Augustine, on some public day, Rory, 
Colonel Mc Arthur, and Major Small, Scotch officers, parading the 
streets in full Highland costume, attended by their pipers. 

After Charleston fell, Rory went there from Savannah, by land, 
particularly to visit Major Small. On meeting, Rory said : "I have 
traversed, at the risk of my life, the rebellious Province of South Caro- 
lina, to see my friend, the famous Major Small." " Welcome ! wel- 
come ! the brave Roderick Mcintosh ! I have heard his Majesty 
speak with kindness and respect of Roderick Mcintosh." " Spare 
me — oh, spare me !" said Rory, " his Majesty is too good ;" and the 
pair hugged each other. " I can offer you," said Major Small, " no 
greater mark of my respect, than by ordering my pipers to attend you 
whilst in Charleston." 

The 71st Regiment was then in Charleston. Sir ^Eneas Mcintosh, 
the chief of the border clan, was a captain in it. Sir ^Eneas was 
a slender, delicate gentleman, educated in France. Rory, who could 
brook no chief that was not a powerful man, was sadly disconcerted. 
Sir iEneas politely asked him to dine with him the next day on calf's 
head. " Calf's head !" said Rory. " I feed my negroes on calves' 
heads." Rory never afterwards noticed his chief, but observed that 
he was of a spurious race. 

Major Trail, of the British Artillery, was particularly attentive to 
Rory, and had him one day at dinner, when, no doubt, the company 
were well informed of his character. I visited Charleston about this 
time. A friend of mine, Captain James Wallace, with his family, 
from St. Augustine, had removed to Charleston, and rented a house 
in the suburbs, north of Governor's Bridge. I was there of an even- 
ing, when in came Rory, followed by his piper. " I am come, 
Madam," said he to Mrs. Wallace, who was from the Highlands, "to 
take a cup of tea, and give you a taste of our country's music. I have 
just come from dinner with Major Trail, where I spent a most happy 
day. A toast w T as given which I had not heard for many years, and 
which I drank with muckle glee." " What was it ?" said Mrs. Wal- 
lace. " The Young Gentleman,'''' said Rory. 

I had not met Rory since his residence in St. Augustine, and he 
seemed pleased to see me. " I was surprised," said he, " at Thun- 
derbolt by the French, and disgraced by dropping out of a window, 
like a raccoon, sir ; but, what grieves me, I left the dirk of my ances 



474 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tors behind me ; and — do you see, sir ? — this eye is set in darkness 
by the hurt I got near Sunbury." 

At the close of the war in 1783, Rory's health was sadly impaired. 
He had been appointed Governor of Sunbury, with Captain's pay. 
He took passage on board the brigantine Ranger, Captain Stuart, 
from St. Augustine to London ; during the voyage he was confined 
to the cabin. The Ranger had been a privateer ; her guns had, 
however, been landed, with the exception of four. On their passage, 
they fell in with a ship under American colours. Captain Stuart in- 
formed Rory that she was bearing down on them. " Oh, my friend," 
said Rory, " prepare for battle, don't believe that there is peace. His 
Majesty would never make peace with rebels." Captain Stuart 
went on deck, made some bustle, and returned below, saying they 
were all prepared. " Oh," said Rory, " how it grieves me to lie 
here like a dog, when brave men are fighting !" 

The Ranger got safe to London ; but poor Roderick died on board 
at Gravesend. 

I forgot to mention some matters in due time ; but it is not yet too 
late. A gang of negroes had got arms, and had even built some kind 
of a fort, above Savannah. Rory went with a party, attacked, and 
took them prisoners. In this skirmish, Rory received the " inglori- 
ous wound" in his shoulder. One of his party, after firing, stepped 
aside behind a tree. " What do you do there ?" asked Rory. " To 
load my musket." " And can't you, like a brave man, load your 
musket in the road ?" 

A Creek Indian had committed a murder ; Rory went to demand 
satisfaction. The Indian, aware of his purpose, had assembled his 
friends to kill him. Rory, who also knew his danger, went boldly 
into the midst of the Indians, and seized the man with his drawn dirk 
in his hand, which so intimidated the assembly that they agreed to 
give satisfaction. Another version of the story is, that Rory actually 
killed the Indian. I know both merely by report. 

I was once in St. Augustine, when Rory was introduced to an 
elderly Scotch gentleman, Mr. Morrison, who had just arrived. Rory 
addressed him in Gaelic. Mr. Morrison lamented his ignorance. " I 
pity you," said Rory, "but you may be an honest man for all that." 

Rory did not like his namesakes in Georgia. He accused them of 
attempting to deceive him at the beginning of the war, by saying 
that their design was to bring in " the young gentleman" to reign in 
America. 

I am, my dear Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

John Couper. 



GORDON COUNTY. 475 



GORDON COUNTY. 

Laid out from Floyd and Cass, in 1850. Bounded N. by Murray 
and Whitefield, S. by Cass, W. by Floyd and Chattooga, and E. by 
Cherokee and Gilmer. 

The rivers are the Oostenaula, Coosawattee, and Connasauga. 
There are several creeks. 

Calhoun is the county town, distant 22 miles from Spring Place, 
20 from Dalton, 21 from Cassville, 26 from Rome, and 32 from Sum- 
merville. This town has increased with rapidity. Population, GOO. 

Resaca is five miles north of Calhoun. 

Fairmount is twelve miles east of Calhoun. 

New Echota is twelve miles east of Calhoun. 

Among the early settlers were, John B. Adams, D. G. King, A. 
Stroup, T. G. Phillips, U. Phillips, W. Ff. Bailey, 1 C. Kinman, 
Wm. Curtis, N Grant, James Shelnot, Joseph Wilson, H. S. 
Gardner, T. B. Shockley, M. Vandevier, D. Morrow, Jesse Swain, 
O. C. Wyley, Martin Duke, Colonel Lawson, D. S. Law, James 
W. Strange, George Stewart, Dr. Gideon, D. B. Barrette, Dr. 
Wall, James Longstreet, Colonel Adams, J. R. Knott, and others. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 861 ; families, 868. 
White males, 2,646; white females, 2,510. Total free population, 
5,156; slaves, 828. Deaths, 42. Farms, 419. Value of real estate 
$813,935 ; value of personal estate, $165,205. 

Gordon County received its name from William Washington 
Gordon, who was born in Richmond County, in 1796. His father, 
Ambrose Gordon, was a native of Maryland, and served as Lieutenant 
of Cavalry under the command of Colonel William Washington, in 
the Revolutionary War, at the close of which he came to Georgia, 
and settled in Augusta. At a very early age, he was left by his fa- 
ther under the care of his uncle, Ezekiel Gordon, then residing in 
New-Jersey. After remaining at school in Rhode Island for several 
years, he entered the Academy at West Point, where he was gradu- 
ated in 1815; and shortly afterwards was appointed aid to General 
Gaines. 

Believing that the legal profession afforded a better field for the 
exercise of his talents, he resigned his commission, removed to Savan- 
nah, and studied law with the Hon. James M. Wayne, now one of the 
Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. He practised 
his profession with great success until the early part of 1836, when 
he was elected President of the Central Railroad and Banking Com- 
pany of Georgia, the arduous duties of which he continued to discharge 
until March, 1842, when he died in the city of Savannah, from a dis- 
ease produced by the exposure incidental to his office. The most 



476 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

prominent traits in Mr. Gordon's character were honesty and firmness 
of purpose. He richly merited the inscription which the hand of 
friendship has placed upon his monument, now to be seen in the old 
cemetery at Savannah. 



The first Superior Court for this county was held on the 12th of November, 
1850. The Grand Jurors were, — 

Alexander Stroup, Foreman. S. T. King, 

Uriah Phillips, D. G. King, 

Joseph L. Neel, Wm. J. Fuller, 

B. Lowry, Dennis Miller, 

M. Boaz, Alexander Stewart, 

D. D. Roaney, B. Kiker, Sen., 

A. G. B. Vandiveu, H. McConnell, 

D. Morrow, Wm. B. Chandler, 

James H. Burch, James Moore, 

Henry H. Pitman, M. M. Douglass, 

Thomas Bird, Oliver C. Wyley. 
Israel P. Bowen, 

At New Echota, Schermerhorn's treaty was made. In 1832 it had 300 inhabit- 
ants. Several distinguished Cherokees resided here, viz,, Elijah Hicks, Boadenot, 
and Alexander McCoy. 

Oothcologa was the residence of the Adairs. It was sparsely inhabited; but 
the Indians here lived better than in any other part of the nation. 

Siloquoy, on the Tennessee road, was formerly occupied by the Thompsons, who 
married natives. The British had an agency here during the Revolutionary 
War, conducted by John Waters. 

Oostenaula was a large town in 1791. The Indians of this town were exceed- 
ingly hostile to the Americans. 



GREENE COUNTY. 

Laid out from Washington, 1786. A part set off to Hancock, 
1793 ; part to Oglethorpe, 1794 ; a part added to Clarke in 1802 ; a 
part taken from Wilkes, and a part added to Clarke, 1802; a part 
set off to Taliaferro in 1825. Named after Major-General Nathaniel 
Greene. Length, 22 m. ; breadth, 17m.; area square miles, 374. 

The rivers are the Ogeechee, the Oconee, and Appallachee. The 
first rises seven miles N. W*. of Greenesborough. 

There is much worn-out land in this county ; but it is confidently 



GREENE COUNTY. 



477 



believed that, by judicious management, it may be redeemed ; and it 
affords us much pleasure to state, that many of the planters are 
turning their attention to this subject. 

The earliest settlers of this county were, Thomas Harris, Thos. 
Horton, Davis Gresham, Wm, Fitzpatrick, Henry Graybill, 
Oliver Porter, John Bailey, Charles Cessna, Thomas Baldwin, 
M. Rabun, John George, Alexander Reid, Michael Rogers, 
David Dickson, Walton Harris, Peyton Smith, E. E. Parks, 
Peter Curtwright, G. W. Forster, John Amour, Major Poul- 
lain, Jesse Perkins, Joel Newsome, James Armstrong, Major 
Beasley. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 854 ; families, 
854 ; white males, 2,420 ; white females, 2,324 ; free coloured 
males, 28 ; free coloured females, 30. Total free population, 4,802 ; 
slaves, 8,266. Deaths, 242. Farms, 512 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 47. Value of real estate, $1,800,000 ; value of personal estate, 
$4,116,000. 




FEMALE COLLEGE. 



Greenesborough is the county site, forty miles from Milledgeville. 

The Greenesborough Female College is located here. It was 
founded by the Synod of Georgia, and opened January 2, 1852. The 
building, of which we give a representation, cost $13,000. 

Penfield is the seat of Mercer University. In 1829, Mr. Josiah 
Penfield bequeathed to the Baptist Convention of Georgia $2,500 to 
aid in the education of poor young men for the ministry. Other 
funds were obtained for the same object, and in January, 1833, a 
Literary and Theological Institution, with a department for manual 
labour, was established. In its progress, the character of the institu- 
tion became elevated, and in 1838 it received a charter from the 
Legislature, with the title of Mercer University. 

Besides its valuable buildings, and an extensive tract of land, the 
University possesses funds to the amount of $138,200, for which it 
is chiefly indebted to the liberality of the late Rev. Jesse Mercer 



478 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The library contains 2,000 volumes, and the philosophical and chemi- 
cal apparatus continues to receive additions. 

The two literary societies have valuable libraries. 

White Plains and Union Point are small places. 

The climate is mild, and as healthy as any portion of Middle 
Georgia. The following are some of the cases of longevity : — Wm. 
Harris died at 100; A. Perkins, 94; Mr. Stewart, 90; Mr. Shaw, 
87 ; Mrs. Elisabeth Daniel died on the 4th of October, 1819, at 
the age of 85. 

Mr. Alexander Gresiiam died on the 23d of February, 1823, aged 
70. During "the times which tried men's souls," he was an active 
officer. At the commencement of the last war with Great Britain, 
when the Silver Greys, or old men, were tendering their services to 
defend their country, he was the first that offered. On the day o! 
his death he was uncommonly cheerful ; while sitting at dinner, ap- 
plication was made to him for assistance by a distressed traveller, 
whose wagon and horses were stalled near the house. His servants 
being all out of the way except one, he called on him to go, and 
observed he would go himself; and accordingly went and aided the 
man up one hill, but in attempting to help him up another, having 
taken hold of the wheel, he made an exertion to start the wagon, let go, 
and immediately sunk to his knees, and expired in about one minute. 

Thomas Fambrough died in the 80th year of his age. A paper 
of the day says, " There is no doubt that he was in nine as tough 
battles as were ever fought in the Revolution." 

Captain Joel Parish, who died at the advanced age of 73, was one 
of the few remaining patriots of '76 who commanded a company of 
infantry during the Revolutionary War. 

Ezekiel E. Park, an old Revolutionary soldier, and respected 
citizen of Georgia, died in this county. 

Mrs. Mary Hobbs was living last year, 93 years of age. Her hus- 
band, Robert Hobbs, was 90 at his death. 

Mrs. Catherine Freeman, the widow of Colonel John Freeman, 
is living at Penfield, over b6 years of age. 

Mrs. Hogg, now living, is 90 years old. 

Greenesborough Manufacturing Company. — Situated at Greenes- 
borough ; motive power, steam ; cost, $70,000 ; spindles, 4,000. 

Scull Shoals Manufacturing Company. — Situated at Scull 
Shoals, on the Oconee River. Cost, $50,000. Spindles and looms, 
2,000. Annual consumption of cotton, 4,000 bales. Annual value 
of goods produced, at present prices, $200,000. 



GREENE COUNTY. 



479 




CURTVVRIGHT MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 



This factory is situated at Long Shoals, on the Oconee River. 
Cost of property, 6140,000; spindles and looms, 4,000. The Com- 
pany owns an elegant stone bridge across the Oconee, with flouring 
and saw mills, and a large tract of land. 



3$ i 3 1 p 1 1 a ii i n d s . 

This county suffered much from the Indians. Besides burning 
Greenesborough, the savages committed many other acts of violence 

On the 31st May, 1787. a party of the Upper Creeks came to the frontiers of 
Greene County, killed and scalped two men, and carried off a negro aiul four- 
teen horses. Some of the militia crossed the Oconee in pursuit of the mur- 
derers (Indians), overtook them, and killed twelve who happened to belong to 
the lower towns. 

In a talk, the Indians demanded the officer who commanded, and as many 
men as would satisfy them for the twelve. Governor Matthews, in his reply 
said, •' We will deliver up none of our people, and if the Indians spill a drop of 
blood, we will lay their towns in ashes, and sprinkle their land with blood." 

June, 1787. — In this month the Creek Indians carried off a negro, the property 
of Mr. Lang, and were closely pursued by Mr. McMichael and a lad, who 
unfortunately fell in attempting to rescue the negro, and was scalped. Captain 
Alexander, with a small party of volunteers, went in pursuit of the Indians, over- 
took, and killed six of them. 

In April, 1793, six persons, — a man, a woman, three children, and a negro. — 
residing near the Scull Shoals, on the Oconee River, were killed by the savages. 

On the 22d of April, 1793, the Indians, numbering thirty-seven, made a sudden 
attack upon the house of Mr. Richard Thrasher. They killed Mr. Thrasher, 
two children, and a negro woman. Mrs. Thrasher, to avoid, if possible, the fate 
with which she was threatened, fled with her infant, five or six weeks old, in 
her arms, and reached the river. The savages pursued her, shot her through 
each thigh and the right breast, stabbed her in the left breast with a knife, cut her 



480 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



arm nearly off, and then scalped her. In this dreadful situation she remained 
until the neighbours could assemble in sufficient numbers to cross the river and 
pursue the Indians. As the first canoe was crossing, she had strength sufficient 
to call for assistance. The poor woman was found hanging by a bush, in water 
nearly up to her chin, her infant at the bottom of the river, a few yards from 
her. She lived nearly twenty-four hours, and when informed by her physician 
that it was impossible for her to survive much longer, she, with a fortitude that 
is rarely to be met with, called her friends around her, and in a calm manner 
gave her hand to every one, wishing them a better fate than that which had be- 
fallen her and her family. This lady was twenty-five years old, of highly re 
spectable connections, handsome, and well educated. 

In September of this year, a young lady by the name of Catherine Cessna 
was cruelly murdered by these ruthless demons. 

On one occasion the Indians crossed the Oconee River, and came to the house 
of Mr. Fielder, a celebrated scout and hunter, who happened at this time to be 
absent. Thirteen of them came into his lot, and were about to carry off his 
horses, when Mrs. Fielder and her negro woman, the only persons upon the pre- 
mises, determined, if possible, to save the horses. As the negro woman was 
making her way to the dwelling, she received a shot in the thigh and fell. Her 
mistress immediately dragged her within the house, and barred the door, where- 
upon the Indians attacked the house. Mrs. Fielder resolved at all hazards to 
defend herself; and there being four or five guns ready at hand, she fired upon 
the savages, the negro woman aiding her to load. To induce the foe to believe 
that there were many persons in the house, they made a great noise, shouting 
and calling upon each other to fire. After discharging nearly twenty-five rounds, 
the Indians abandoned the attack, from an impression, as it was afterwards as- 
certained, that the building was filled with armed men. 



Extract from a Muster- Roll of a Detachment of the Militia Troop of Dra- 
goons of the Greene County Regiment, under the command of Captain, 
Jonas Fauche, stationed at sundry posts, February 25, 1794. 

Names. To whose District belonging. 



Jonas Fauche, Captain 

Peyton Smith, Cornet 

George Phillips, Sergeant . 

Wm. Browning, " 

Charles Harris, Corporal 

John Young, " 

Samuel B. Harris, Trumpeter 

William Heard, Farrier 

Samuel M. Devereaux, Gent, armes 

John Harrison, " 

Abner Farmer, " 

I?aac Stocks, " 

Samuel Dale, *' 

Josiah McDonald, " 

Jesse Stand ifer, " 



Captain Armor's. 



Captain Browning's. 

u Taylor's. 

" Armor's. 

" Taylor's. 

" Beard's. 
Columbia Ct. 
Captain Armor's. 



Captain Browning's. 



Captain Beard's. 




^^d-bjrlC^nttrefixnuDig^rreo-^ 



, <=>^ ^^t^^TT^ 



■ 



GREENE COUNTY. 



481 



Names. 
William Scott, 
~* Arthur Foster, 
William George, 
John Capps, 
Micajah Wall, 
Robert Patrick. 
Jesse Jenkins, 
Charles Watts, 
Terrance Byron, 
Joseph White, 
James McGuire, 
Robert Finley, 
William Curry, 
Joseph Shaw, 
John Pinkerd, 
Little B. Jenkins, 
Presly Watts, 
Theodore Scott, 
Robert Watson, 
Henry Potts, 
Dennis Lynch, 
Skelton Standifer, 
Joseph Heard, 
James Moor, 
Humphrey Gibsons, 
Robert Grimatt, 
George Reid, 
Duglas Watson, 
George Owen, 



Gent, armes. 



To whose District belonging 

Captain Browning's. 

u 

Captain Armor's. 

North Carolina. 

Captain Armor's. 
u 

Captain Browning's. 

u 

Captain Armor's. 

is 

Captain Taylor's. 
ct 

Captain Armor's. 
u 

u 

Captain Browning's. 

a 

Virginia. 

Captain Browning's. 

Captain Cameron's. 
u 

Captain Beard's. 

Captain Browning's. 

a 

Elbert Ct. 

Captain Melton's. 

a 

Captain Browning's. 
Wilkes Ct. 



PROMINENT PERSONS. 

Hon. William C. Dawson was bora in Greene County, Georgia, of 
respectable parentage. His academic course was first taken under the 
direction of the Rev. Dr. Cummins, and afterwards at the County 
Academy, in Greenesborough. At an early age he entered Franklin 
College, and was graduated in 1816. 

Upon leaving college, he immediately commenced the study of 
law in the office of the Hon. Thomas W. Cobb, at Lexington ; and at 
the expiration of a year, he entered the Law School at Litchfield, 
Connecticut, under the care of Judges Reeve and Gould. After 
taking a full course of lectures, he returned to Greenesborough, was ad- 
mitted to the bar, and in a short time ranked very high in his profession. 

In 1821, he was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives of 
the State Legislature ; and it is a proof of his fidelity as an officer, 
and his amiable character as a man, that through frequent changes of 
party supremacy, he filled, that office for ten or eleven consecutive years. 

31 



482 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

In 1828, he was appointed by the Legislature to compile the statutes 
of Georgia, which duty he performed to the satisfaction of the Gene- 
ral Assembly and the legal profession. In 1845, he was appointed 
by Governor Crawford to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Ocmulgee 
Circuit. His patience, urbanity, and frankness, are remembered with 
pleasure by his cotemporaries. 

In 1834 and 1835, he was elected to the State Senate from the 
County of Greene, and gave his efficient aid to promote all the great 
interests of Georgia. 

In 1836, he was elected, by general ticket, to Congress, being the 
only Whig returned, prevailing over a popular Democratic majority. 
General Coffee, a member of Congress from Georgia in 1836, having 
died, he was also elected to fill his unexpired term, and took his seat, 
in the winter of that year, in the House of Representatives. 

The Creek and Seminole Indians in Florida, and on the line of 
Georgia, becoming hostile, in 1836, Judge Dawson raised a company 
of volunteers, to the command of which he was elected, and, under 
the authority of the State Government, took the field. General Scott, 
who had at that time taken the conduct of the Florida war, gave him 
a separate command, and detailed him upon a special service, which 
he performed to the satisfaction of that gallant soldier. 

Having faithfully discharged the duties of his new post, he returned 
home. 

He was re-elected to Congress in 1838, and also in 1840. In 1841, 
he was nominated for Governor by the Whigs, and was beaten, on 
account, it is believed, of a vote which he had given, at the extra ses- 
sion of Congress in 1841, to increase the duties on tea and coffee. 
Believing that his defeat was a disapproval of his course in Congress, 
Mr. Dawson resigned his seat in November, 1841. In the autumn 
of 1847, he was elected to the Senate of the United States, of which 
body he is now a member. His character in Congress is that of a 
vigilant, industrious man of business. He seldom speaks, and when 
he does, it is upon a question requiring action. Good sense and inde- 
pendence characterize his speeches. 

In the course of his Congressional career, he has been associated 
with the most important measures. Whilst a member of the House, 
he was chairman of the Military Committee, and also chairman of 
the Committee on Claims — the latter, one of the most laborious and 
useful positions appertaining to the National Legislature. At the 
opening of the XXVIth Congress, he was put in nomination for the 
Speaker's chair. Upon the first ballot he received a flattering vote ; 
but discovering that two of his colleagues had voted against him, he 
requested his name to be withdrawn. 

Against the absurd theories, and indelicately selfish, not to say im- 
pudent demands of Kossuth, Mr. Dawson was the first to take 
ground. 

He is eminently social in his nature and habits. For harmless fun 
and innocent frolic he has a keen relish ; and his associates cherish with 
fond recollection his anecdotes, his pleasantry, and his practical jokes. 



GWINNETT COUNTY. 483 

Dr. Francis Cummins died in this county. He was one of the 
oldest and most respectable Presbyterian ministers in the Southern 
States. He preached to his congregation for more than twenty-three 
years. 

Major Oliver Porter was four times elected Elector of President 
and Vice-President, and frequently a member of the Legislature of 
Georgia. 

Colonel Jonas Fauche, in the early settlement of Greene, bore a 
conspicuous part in the defence of the frontiers against the Creek In- 
dians. He was a remarkable man in every respect. 

Captain Stokes was an active officer during the Indian wars. 



GWINNETT COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1 8 1 8 ; part taken from Jackson, 1818; 
part set off to De Kalb, 1822 ; part of the ceded territory added, 1822. 
Named after the Hon. Button Gwinnett. Length, 29 m. ; breadth, 
19m.; square miles, 551. 

The Chattahoochee is the principal stream. The head waters of 
several of our rivers are in this county. 

The face of the country is hilly. 

The soil is various. Its productions are corn, cotton, &c. 

Lawrenceville is the county town, 90 miles N. N. W. of Milledgeville. 

Lawrenceville Manufacturing Co., situated in Lawrenceville, has- a 
capital of $90,000. Building of granite, 200 feet by 50 ; four stories 
high. Spindles, 3,050 ; looms, 36 ; operatives, 80. Connected with 
this establishment is a flouring and grist mill. The whole propelled 
by steam. 

The public places are Auburn, Cains, Orrsville, Pinckneyville, 
Yellow River, Suwannee, Choice's Store. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,610; families, 
1,610; white males, 4,499; white females, 4,454; free coloured 
males, 4 ; free coloured females, 6. Total free population, 8,963 ; 
slaves, 2,294. Deaths, 110. Farms, 1,036; manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 26. Value of real estate, $977,693 ; value of personal 
estate, $1,440,125. 

The climate is healthy. The examples of longevity are numerous, 
viz. : Daniel Clover, 87 ; John Lawrence, 85 ; Stephen Harris, 
90 ; Jonathan Johnson, 80 ; Lewis Dishons, 80 ; Owen Andrews, 
90; Edward Jackson, 87; Sarah Hunt, 81 ; Mrs. Shaddock, 100; 
Mr. Hunt, 100; George Wilson, 100; John Davis, 110; George 
Thrasher, 93. The list might be enlarged, but space will not allow. 



484 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



SBimlUntno. 

We extract from the Columbus Enquirer the following account of 
a meeting held at Lawrenceville, for the purpose of doing honour to 
the memory of volunteers who were cruelly shot at Goliad, in Texas, 
and also of those who were killed in the battle at Shepherd's Planta- 
tion, in Stewart County, Georgia : — 

At a meeting of a portion of the citizens of Gwinnett County, the Committee 
appointed at a previous meeting for that purpose made the following report : — 

The Committee appointed for that purpose, beg leave to report that they ap- 
pointed Captain H. Garmany, Ensign M. T. Hamilton, and Privates Thomas 
Hunt and Elias Greene, to bring the remains of Ensign J. S. Lacy, Orderly Ser- 
geant James C. Martin, and Privates J. A. V. Tate, Robert T. Holland, James H. 
Holland, James M. Allen, Henry W. Peden, and William M. Sims, who fell in 
the battle of Shepherd's Plantation, and who belonged to Captain Garmany' s 
Company ; that the remains have been carefully disinterred, placed in coffins and 
boxes, have been brought to this place, and are now in a room in the Court- 
house, ready for interment. 

Your Committee respectfully recommend that they be interred near the north- 
west corner of the Court-house yard, and that a suitable monument be erected to 
commemorate them for their gallantry and bravery. To this end, your Commit- 
tee recommend the adoption of the following resolution : — 

Resolved, That the remains of the said deceased be interred on Friday the 17th 
inst., in the northwest corner of the Court-house yard, at the hour of 1 o'clock, 
P. M., with military honours, and that a suitable monument be erected in a con- 
venient time to their memory. 

After this report was read, Colonel N. L. Hutchins offered the following as an 
amendment to the report, &c: — 

And whereas, our townsman, Captain James C. Winn, at the first call to arms, 
flew to the assistance of the Texians, who were warring for liberty and inde- 
pendence against their oppressors, and his early companion, Anthony Bates, who 
went with him to share his perils, fight in the same holy cause, and to suffer 
the same sad fate, were both inhumanly butchered in cold blood, in Fannin's de- 
voted band ; 

And whereas, by their bravery and devotion to the cause they had espoused, 
the first was promoted to a Captain, and the latter to Orderly, in a very short 
time after they entered the service, and served with honour to themselves and 
usefulness to the cause, until they were taken, bravely fighting, and in cold 
blood butchered by a savage band of Mexicans, by order of their still more sav- 
age commander : — Therefore, 

Resolved. That Captain James C. Winn, and Orderly Sergeant Anthony Bates, 
share the honours bestowed on our other lamented volunteers, and that their names, 
with suitable inscriptions, be engraved upon the monument to be erected in the 
public square. 



GWINNETT COUNTV. 485 

Which amendment was adopted; and then both preamble and resolution were 
unanimously adopted. 

On motion of Colonel N. L. Hutchins, a committee, consisting of himself, Cap- 
tain H. Garmany, Lieutenant M. T. Hamilton, T. W. Alexander, Colonel H. P. 
Thomas, A. R. Smith, J. B. Trippe, Esq., John S. Wilson, Wm. Montgomery, 
and Captain George E-eid, were appointed to take order for the interment. 

And on motion of T. W. Alexander, a committee, consisting of himself, J. W. 
Thompson, M. Crawford and William Gordon, was appointed to prepare a vault 
for this purpose. 

The meeting then adjourned, to meet at 10 o'clock on Friday, the 17th ult. 

The Committee appointed for that purpose beg leave to report the following 
order for the interment of the remains of Ensign Lacy, Orderly Martin, Privates 
Tate, R. T. Holland, J. H. Holland, Allen, Peden and Sims, and in honour of 
Captain Winn and Orderly Bates. 

Order for Interment. — The procession will form in front of Dr. Hall's, in the 
following order: — 1st. The Committee of Arrangements. 2d. Pall-bearers. 
3d. Relatives of the dead as mourners. 4th. The clergy. 5th. The military. 
6th. The judges and officers of courts. 7th. The corporate authorities of the 
town. 8th. The citizens. 

The procession to march around the public square, and enter the inclosure at 
the east side. 

The pall-bearers, under direction of the Committee of Arrangements, to re- 
ceive the remains at the east door of the Court-house, and proceed to the vault. 

The remains to be deposited, the Committee to take station on the right, the 
pall-bearers on the left, and the mourners and clergy on the west side of the 
vault, the military to approach the east end of the vault. 

The military to be formed and ordered by Captain Garmany into platoons. 
The rounds fired in honour of each, as follows, (to wit): — 1st. Captain Winn. 
2d. Ensign Lacy. 3d. Orderlies Martin and Bates. Privates Tate, R. T. Hol- 
land, J. H. Holland, Allen and Sims. 

The vault to be filled and covered up. The procession will then disperse. 

The Committee recommend the appointment of a Marshal, with power to regu- 
late the procession, and have agreed upon Dr. Thomas W. Alexander as a suit- 
able person. 

On the 17th of February, the remains were interred in conformity with the 
above arrangements. A large concourse of citizens attended to witness the 
solemn ceremonies. A suitable monument will be erected as soon as it can be 
done. 

The monument has been erected. It stands in the Court-house 
Square. On one side is this inscription : "This monument is erected 
by their friends to the memory of Captain James C. Winn and Ser- 
geant Anthony Bates, Texan volunteers of this village, who were 
taken in honourable combat at Goliad, Texas, and shot by order of 
the Mexican commander, March 27th, 1830." On the other side, 
"To the memory of Ensign Isaac Lacy, Sergeant James C. Mar- 
tin, and Privates William M. Sims, John A. V. Tate, Robert T 



486 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Holland, James H. Holland, brothers, Henry W. Peden, James M. 
Allen, members of the Gwinnett Company of Mounted Volunteers, 
under the command of Captain H. Garmany, who were slain in battle 
with a party of Creek Indians at Shepherd's, in Stewart County, June 
9, 1836. Their remains rest beneath this monument." 



HABERSHAM COUNTY. 

Habersham County was laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818. 
Length, 31 m. ; breadth, 23 m. ; area, 713 square miles. 

The country is broken by mountains. The most valuable lands are 
below the Currahee Mountain, on Tugaloo, Middle, Hudson's, and So- 
quee rivers, adapted to wheat and corn. 

The climate is unsurpassed. 

The principal streams are the Chattahoochee, the Soquee, and 
Middle rivers. The county furnishes some excellent farms. 

Clarkesville, the county seat, was named after Governor John 
Clarke, and incorporated in 1823. It is most delightfully situated 
near the southwest bank of the Soquee River, and its beauty is in- 
creased by the picturesque grandeur of the surrounding country. It 
is 136 miles north of Milledgeville. 

Habersham contains several small but pleasant villages, among 
which are Loudsville, Mount Yonah, and Nacoochee Valley. With 
the latter place is connected an Indian legend, as follows : — 

" Long before the Anglo-Saxon had made his first footprints on these western 
shores — long before even the Genoese visionary had dreamed of a new world be- 
yond the columns of Hercules, there dwelt in this lovely valley a young maiden of 
wonderful and almost celestial beauty. She was the daughter of a chieftain — a 
princess. In doing homage to her, the people of her tribe almost forgot the Great 
Spirit who made her, and endowed her with such strange beauty. Her name 
was Nacoochee — ' The Evening Star.' A son of the chieftain of a neighbouring 
and hostile tribe saw the beautiful Nacoochee, and loved her. He stole her 
young heart. She loved him with an intensity of passion that only the noblest 
souls know. They met beneath the holy stars, and sealed their simple vows with 
kisses. In the valley, where, from the interlocked branches overhead, hung 
with festoons, in which the white flowers of the climate, and the purple blossoms 
of the magnificent wild passion-flower, mingled with the dark foliage of the mus- 
cadine, they found a fitting place. The song of the mocking-bird, and the murmur 
of the Chattahoochee's hurrying waters, were marriage-hymn and anthem to them. 
They vowed eternal love. They vowed to live and die with each other. Intelligence 
of these secret meetings reached the ear of the old chief, Nacoochee's father, and 
his anger was terrible. But love for Laceola was stronger in the heart of Na- 
coochee than even reverence for her father's commands. One night the maiden 



HABERSHAM COUNTY. 487 

was missed from her tent. The old chieftain commanded his warriors to pursue 
the fugitive. They found her with Laceola, the son of a hated race. In an in- 
stant an arrow was aimed at his breast. Nacoochee sprang before him, and re- 
ceived the barbed shaft in her own heart. Her lover was stupefied. He made 
no resistance, and his blood mingled with hers. The lovers were buried in the 
same grave, and a lofty mound was raised to mark the spot. Deep grief seized 
the old chief and all his people, and the valley was ever after called Nacoochee. 
The mound which marks the trysting-place ; and the grave of the maiden and her 
betrothed, surmounted by a solitary pine, are still to be seen, and form some of 
the most interesting features of the landscape of this lovely vale." 

The mountains are, Ellick's, Sail's, Skitt's, Tray, Currahee, and 
Mount Yonah. Currahee rises gradually, in a conical form, until it 
reaches an elevation of nine hundred feet. On the east, it sinks com- 
pletely to the usual level of the land ; but on the western side, after 
descending for many hundred feet, it blends with a ridge that unites 
it with the chain of the Alleghanies. 

The Yonah is among the highest mountains in Georgia. The dis- 
tance from the bottom to the top of it may, perhaps, be a mile on a 
gradual slope. 

From the summit a delightful view is afforded. Plantations and 
dwellings are seen interspersed among the hills and forests, watered 
by sparkling rivulets, presenting a varied landscape, resembling a 
carpet of patch-work. The village of Clarkesville may be distinctly 
seen from hence. 

The following account of a subterranean village is copied from an 
old newspaper : — 

" About twenty years ago, a singular discovery was made of a subterranean vil- 
lage in this county. The houses were disinterred by excavating a canal for the pur- 
pose of washing gold. The depth varied from seven to nine feet. Some of the houses 
were imbedded in the stratum, or gravel. The logs were but partially decayed, 
from six to ten inches in diameter, and from ten to twelve feet long. The walls 
were from three to six feet in height, joined together, forming a straight line up- 
wards of three hundred feet in length, comprising thirty-four buildings, or rooms. 
The logs were hewn at the ends, and notched down, as in ordinary cabins of the 
present day. In one of the rooms were found three baskets, made of cane splits, 
and a number of fragments of Indian ware. From the circumstance of the land 
having been covered with a heavy growth of timber previous to its cultivation by 
the whites, twelve years before the time of its discovery, it was inferred that they 
were built at some remote period. The houses were situated from fifty to one 
hundred yards from the principal channel of the creek. 

"A great number of curious specimens of workmanship were found in situ- 
ations which preclude the possibility of their having been moved for more than a 
thousand years. During the operations of a gentleman, he found, at one time, 
about one-half of a crucible, of the capacity of near a gallon. It was ten feet be- 
low the surface, and immediately beneath a large oak-tree, which measured five 
feet in diameter, and must have been four or five hundred years old. The depo- 



488 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

site was diluvial, and what may be termed table-land. There was a vessel, or 
rather, a double mortar, found in Duke's Creek, about five inches in diameter, 
and the excavation on each side was nearly an inch in depth, and perfectly 
polished. It was made of quartz, which had been semi-transparent, but had be- 
come stained with iron. Some suppose it was used for grinding paint, or for 
some of their plays or games. The lot of land upon which this discovery was 
made is in the third district of Habersham, four miles from the Nacoochee 
valley, on Duke's Creek." 

The celebrated Falls of Tallulah are in this county, and all who 
have visited them unite in saying that they merit a high place among 
the natural curiosities of the United States. The following account of 
these falls is from the pen of David P. Hillhouse, Esq. : " The stream 
is, by the Cherokee Indians, called in some places Tarrurah, at other 
places Tallulah. It is the western branch of the Tugaloo River, and 
the rapids are situated about ten miles above its junction with the 
Chattooga, which is the eastern branch of the Tugaloo. The rapids 
are about twelve miles from Clarkesville. The river passes through a 
range or ridge of mountains, for somewhat more than a mile, forming 
for its bed an awful gulf, and for its banks stupendous fronts of solid 
rock, like those of Niagara, just below its great cataract, and of the 
Genesee River below the fall in that stream, a few miles above Lake 
Ontario. These banks of Tallulah are worn by its waters, in many 
places, into caverns and grotesque figures, and often the sides are per- 
pendicular, and smooth beyond the means of art to imitate. Just at 
the head, and also at the foot of the rapids, the banks of Tallulah 
River are not more than ordinary height above common water-mark. 
In the intermediate distance, the height of the banks varies from two 
hundred to five hundred feet perpendicular. The width of the river 
is from fifteen to one hundred feet. There are four perpendicular 
pitches of water, of from fifty to eighty feet, and a great many smaller 
cataracts of from ten to twenty feet perpendicular pitch. There are 
but two or three points by which a person can possibly descend to 
the bed of the river, and these are the tracks of small rivulets empty- 
ing themselves into the river on the west side, and making several 
very steep precipices, down which one may possibly pass by aid of the 
shrubbery that grows in the hollows. When arrived at the water's 
edge, to look out at the opening of the great cliffs above, is surprising, 
interesting, and alarming ! 

" These cliffs, combined with the foaming, roaring, bounding, im- 
petuous current of water, exhibit novelty, beauty, and grandeur, in the 
greatest degree. At the instant the visitor views the current some 
hundred feet below him, he shrinks back, in apprehension of his de- 
struction. Still curious to view it more, he cautiously advances again, 
until by degrees he becomes so familiar with the scenery, as to be 
perfectly enraptured. At every step he beholds some new dress 
that gives additional interest to the prospect. But there is no tinselled 
ornament to the banks of Tallulah. In a wild, uncultivated, and bar- 
ren countiy, no art has been introduced to deface this grand exhibi- 







T A LLULAH F A. L L 8 . 





SKA'aBei? rs. 
TOCCOA FALLS. 



HABERSHAM COUNTY. 489 

tion of nature. Sculptured chasms and fonts, elevated portals, for- 
midable stockades, impregnable fortresses, deep perpendicular cas- 
cades, and successive bounding currents, added to the many rainbows 
that continually shine (when the sun does) through the spray that 
rises from the falling water, and the variegated colours in front of the 
rocky banks of red, white, yellow, and brown, and the small rivulets 
that pour down into the gulf from the mountain's top, give novelty 
beauty, sublimity, and awe, to the rapids of Tallulah." 

On the 5th of July, 1837, the Rev. Mr. Hawthorn, a minister of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, arrived at Clarkesville by the stage. He preached in the evening 
of that day and on the following Sabbath, and gained the approbation, and almost 
the admiration, of all who heard him. Those with whom he became partially 
acquainted during this time, esteemed him very highly as a Christian minister. 
With others, he went on a visit to the Tallulah Falls. After the party had closed 
their excursion to the Falls, he and some other gentlemen concluded to go into a 
beautiful basin of water, between two of the falls, for the purpose of bathing. 
Some ladies being in company, they waited on them to some distance, leaving 
Mr. Hawthorn alone at the water, intending to return and bathe with him. 
They did return, but only found his clothing on the rocks — he was gone, and 
gone forever. 

It is supposed that he went into the water, and, from some circumstance un- 
known, sunk to rise no more. His body was found a week afterwards. 

The Toccoa Falls are on a creek of the same name. The water 
falls more than one hundred and eighty-five feet perpendicular. No 
description can give an idea of the beauties of this fall and the sur- 
rounding scenery. 

" Among the curiosities of this county was the Chopped Oak, a tree famous in In- 
dian history, and in the traditions of the early settlers. This tree stood about 
six miles southeast of Clarkesville, and was noted as being the ' Law Ground, 1 
or place of holding company musters and magistrates' courts. According to 
tradition, the Chopped Oak was a celebrated rendezvous of the Indians in their 
predatory excursions, it being at a point where a number of trails met. Here 
their plans of warfare were laid, here the several parties separated, and here, on 
their return, they awaited each other; and then, in their brief language, the result 
of their enterprise was stated, and for every scalp taken, a gash cut in the tree. 
If tradition tells the truth, and every scar on the blasted oak counts for a scalp, the 
success of their scouting parties must have been great. This tree was alive a 
few years since, when a young man, possessing all the prejudices of his country- 
men, and caring less for the traditions of the Indians than his own revenge, killed 
the tree by girdling it, that it might be no' longer a living monument of the 
cruelties of the savages." The stump is still standing. 

Minerals of almost every kind exist in Habersham. It was in this 
county that the first gold mines were discovered in Georgia. The 
following is a list of the principal ones : — Loud's, Gordon's, Lewis's, 



490 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Holt's, Richardson's, White & McGie's, Gordon & Lumsden's, Wil- 
liams's, Little John's, Horshaw's. 

Iron is abundant. 

In addition to the minerals already named, the county has cyanite, 
garnets, carnelians, augite, asbestos, tourmaline, rubies, plumbago. 
Three diamonds have been found in the county. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,338; families, 
1,338 ; white males, 3,962 ; white females, 3,713 ; free coloured 
males, 2. Total free population, 7,677; slaves, 1,218. Deaths, 17. 
Farms, 732 ; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of real estate, 
$327,003 ; value of personal estate, $1,083,771. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, General Wafford, 
Gabriel Fish, Major Williams, John Robinson, Alexander Wal- 
den, B. Cleaveland, John Whitehead, John Grant, Jesse Kiney, 
Charles Riche, Mr. Vandevier, Hudson Moss, Wm. Herring. 

This county was named after one of the Habershams, but which 
one we cannot say with certainty. 



HALL COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818. A part taken from Jackson 
and Franklin, 1818 ; part of new territory added to it, 1819. 
Length, 30 m. ; breadth, 24 m. ; square miles, 720. Named after 
Lyman Hall, a signer of the Declaration of American Independence. 

The principal streams are, the Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Oconee, 
and Littl-e rivers. The creeks are numerous. 

The soil is productive in some parts ; in others poor. 

Gainesville is the seat of justice, 111 miles from Milledgeville, 
delightfully situated, with a climate equal to any in the world. 

The Sulphur Spring, six miles N. of Gainesville, has been known 
to the public for several years. 

The Limestone Spring, two miles from Gainesville, is much fre- 
quented. 

Minerals in great variety are found in this county. Among them 
are gold, lead, ruby, tourmaline, cyanite, and emerald. The elastic 
sandstone abounds, in which a few diamonds have been found. 

Extract fromihe Census of 4850. — Dwellings, 1,300 ; families, 1,300 ; 
white males, 3,639 ; white females, 3,731 ; free coloured males, 4 ; 
free coloured females, 3. Total free population, 7,377. ' Slaves, 
1,336. Deaths, 69. Farms, 697. Value of real estate, $609,639 ; 
value of personal estate, $867,332. , 

Among the early settlers were, Wm. H. Dickson, E. Donegan, 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 491 

Joseph Wilson, John Bates, B. Reynolds, R. Armour, Joseph 
Gailey, T. Terrell, John Millar, D. Wafford, M. Moore, W. 
Blake, Joseph Read, R. Young, J. McConnell, R. Winn, Thos. 
Wilson, Wm. Cobb, N. Garrison, Joseph Johnson, John Barrett, 
E. Cowen, A. Thompson, Jesse Dobbs, James Abercrombie, Solo- 
mon Peake. 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 

This county was laid out in 1793. A part set off to Baldwin, 
1807, and a part to Taliaferro, in 1825. Length, 22 m. ; breadth, 
20 m. ; area square miles, 440. It received its name in honour of 
John Hancock, whose name appears so conspicuous upon the Declara- 
tion of Independence. 

The north fork of the Ogeechee River separates the county from 
Warren, and the Oconee from Putnam. 

Hancock is on the dividing ridge between the primitive and 
secondary, or rather tertiary formations. The northern portion is 
very hilly, with a red aluminous soil. The southern portion is flat 
pine woods, with silicious soil. The best lands are on Shoulder Bone 
and its waters. 

Sparta is the seat of justice, twenty-four miles N. E. of Milledge- 
ville. 

Powelton is in the N. E. part. 

Mount Zion is seven miles from Sparta. 

The climate is mild, but variable. The history of this county fur- 
nishes a number of instances of longevity. Dr. Timothy W. Ros- 
sitta died in 1845, aged 92; General Henry Mitchell, a soldier 
of the Revolution, died at 79 ; Mrs. Tabitha Marchman, at 91 ; 
Mrs. Judith Greene, at 84 ; Captain James Reese, 84 ; Wm. 
Wyley, 84 ; Mrs. Elisabeth Reid, 88. 

Among the Revolutionary patriots who died in this county were, 
John Hamilton, Esq., aged 78 ; Mr. Amos Brantley, aged 70 ; Dr. 
Edward Hood, 71. 

Henry Graybill, Esq., aged 82 years. He was born in Lan- 
caster, (Penn.,) but removed to South Carolina before the Revo- 
lutionary War, and afterwards settled in Georgia, where he lived 
forty-two years. He was a conspicuous and active man during 
the contest which obtained our Independence, and filled with credit 
to himself and country the important offices of surveyor, clerk of 
the court, &c, and was four times elected by the Legislature of this 
State one of the electors of President and Vice-President. He had 
been a member of the Baptist Church for fifty years, and of the 



492 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Masonic fraternity since the first establishment of regular Lodges in 
our State. He sustained through a long life the most unblemished 
character. 

From the earliest settlement of this portion of Georgia the citizens 
have been particularly distinguished for their great attention to the 
subject of education. Some of the most eminent men in the State 
received their academical education in Hancock. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 761 ; families, 785; 
white males, 2,134 ; white females, 2,078 ; free coloured males, 33 , 
free coloured females, 27. Total free population, 4,272 ; slaves, 
7,306. Deaths, 128. Farms, 444; manufacturing establishments, 
20. Value of real estate, $1,630,646 ; value of personal estate, 
$4,049,156. 

Hancock Manufacturing Company. — Situated at Sparta ; dimen- 
sions of factory, 54 by 140; engine-room, 25 by 54 ; engine, 100 
horse power; capital, $80,000; spindles, 4,500; looms, 100; opera- 
tives, 140 ; yards of cloth made per day, 3,500 ; pounds of thread per 
day, 500 ; osnaburgs, sheetings, &c, are manufactured. 

The lovers of natural science will find much to interest them in 
this section of the State. Minerals are abundant, viz., agate, jasper, 
chalcedony, iron, gold, asbestos, kaolin, galena, zircon, plumbago, 
epidote, &c. 

There are some remarkable mounds in this county. A gentleman 
has furnished us with an account of several on Shoulder Bone 
Creek. He says, " The principal one is 400 feet N. of the 
centre prong of Shoulder Bone Creek ; its base is 20 feet above the 
level of the creek. A few years ago it was 37 feet high ; around it 
are the remains of a ditch or intrenchment, containing about four 
acres. Near the mound is an inclosure. Human bones, to a large 
amount, have been exhumed." 

This county has furnished her share of distinguished men. Hon. 
Dixon H. Lewis was born in Hancock. Governor McDonald, Hon. 
W. T. Colquitt, and numerous others, resided in it. Hon. Bolling 
Hall was a gentleman of an uncommonly fine mind. We have 
in our possession a number of his letters addressed to prominent 
men, and they afford evidence of a great knowledge of the science of 
government. Hancock may still point to many useful and patriotic 
men among her citizens. It is said that she is particularly noted 
for producing stout men. We have heard of a jury whose united 
weight exceeded 3,600 pounds. 

Among the first settlers of the county were, General H. Mitchell, 
Bolling Hall, Charles Abercrombie, General Adams, Henry 
Graybill, Joseph Bryan, Wm. Rees, Jonathan Adams, John 
Montgomery, Jacob Dennis, Archibald Smith, T. Holt, Thos. 



HARRIS COUNTY. 493 

Raines, James Bishop, Isham Rees, M. Martin, R. Clarke, R 
Shipp, F. Tucker, L. Barnes, W. Wyley, Wm. Saunders, James 
Thomas, Jesse Pope, Jonas Shivers, Wm. Hardwick, L. Tatum, 
R. Moreland. 

Shoulder Bone Creek is memorable as being the place where a 
treaty was made with the Creeks in 1786. 



HARRIS COUNTY. 

Laid out from Troup and Muscogee, 1827. Part added to Mus- 
cogee, 1829. Length, 20 m. ; breadth, 18 m. ; square miles, 360. 
Named after Charles Harris, Esq., of Savannah, an eminent jurist. 

The Chattahoochee forms the western boundary of the county. 
West End, Standing Boy, Sowahachee, Mulberry, Flat Shoal, Old 
House, and Mountain creeks, empty into the Chattahoochee. 

Hamilton is the county town, situated at the extremity of the Oak 
Mountain, one mile south of the Pine Mountains, and distant from 
Milledgeville 110 miles. 

Whitesville is on the road leading from Columbus to La Grange. 

Valley Place, Cochran's, and Ellerslie, are small places. 

There is much variety in the face of the country. The Pine Moun- 
tains enter the county near the northeastern corner. The Oak 
Mountain enters it at its eastern corner. Above the Pine Mountains, 
east of the road leading to Columbus, the country is level, having a 
thin, light soil, productive, but not lasting. West of the road, from 
Columbus to La Grange, it is a broken, rich country, heavilv tim- 
bered. In the valley between the Oak and Pine Mountains the soil 
is gray ; growth, Spanish oak and hickory. South of the Oak Moun 
tain, upon the head waters of Mulberry Creek, and extending ail the 
way down said creek, the soil is rich. 

There is nothing in the climate to distinguish it from that of the 
surrounding counties. The instances of longevity that have come to 
our knowledge are — Jonathan Blackman, who died over 80 ; Eze- 
kiel Brown, 86 ; Smith Cotton, 88 ; Mr. Farley, over 84 ; Mr. 
Welden, over 80 ; Mrs. Street, over 80 ; Mrs. Walker, 80. 

Among the first settlers of this county were — Anderson Redding, 
T. Jones, W. C. Osborn, A. Johnson, Joseph Davis, E. D. Hines, 
Thos. Hall, B. Johnston, A. Goodman, S. Huey, James Ramsey, 
John White, Judge Welborn, General Low, R. Mobbley, Na- 
thaniel H. Barden, William Whitehead, Thomas Whitehead, 
Lewis Winn, John J. Harper, Thos. L. Jackson, Jackson Har- 
well, Stringer Gibson, John and Julius Mitchell Thos. Mahone. 



494 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,175; families, 
1,242; white males, 3,391; white females, 3,318; free coloured 
males, 15; free coloured females, 15. Total free population, 6,739 ; 
slaves, 7,982. Deaths, 149. Farms, 873; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 73. Value of real estate, $1,773,509 ; value of personal estate, 
$3,677,877. 



Extract from the Minutes of the first Superior Court of Harris County. 

Agreeably to appointment, the Court met — present, His Honor Walter T. 
Colquitt, Judge thereof — this 20th day of March, 1828. 

The following persons were sworn as Grand Jurors to serve the present term, 
being the first Superior Court in this county : — 

1. George W. Rodgers, 13. Levi Ezzell, 

2. William Heard, 14. Burwell Blackmon, 

3. J. Bass, 15. Thos. G. Bedell, 

4. James Loflin, 16. John D. Johnson, 

5. George Chatham, 17. Drury Kendrick, 

6. George H. Bryan, 18. John Jordan, 

7. Silvester Naramore, 19. Thomas Mahone, 

8. Bennett Williams, 20. Reuben R. Mobbley, 

9. Edward D. Perryman, 21. Benjamin Meddows, 

10. Bolling Smith, 22. William Peel, 

11. Stephen Curvin, 23. Jno. S. Beckham. 

12. William Watts, 

N. H. Barden, Esq., was elected Clerk of the Superior Court in 
1836, and has held the office ever since. 



HEARD C OUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Troup, Carroll, and Coweta, in 
1830, and named after the Hon. Stephen Heard. 

It is well supplied with streams. The only river is the Chattahoo- 
chee, into which numerous creeks empty. 

The surface of the country is very hilly. About one-third of the 
county consists of rich oak and hickory land ; two-thirds are pine, 
mixed with oak and hickory, and remarkably productive. 

Franklin is the seat of justice ; it is situated on the east bank of 
the Chattahoochee River, 145 miles from Milledgeville. 

Corinth, 1 1 miles east, and Houstoun, 9 miles southwest of Frank- 
lin, are thriving villages. 

St. Cloud's and McBride's Mills do considerable business. 

No section of Georgia is favoured with a more salubrious climate. 
There are a few small mounds near the Chattahoochee. On 



HENRY COUNTY. 495 

Colonel Dent's farm, some negroes ploughed up a gun, having on it 
the British coat of arms. 

Gold has been found in the bed of the Chattahoochee, and in all 
the creeks and branches on the west of it. Iron ore and lead have 
also been discovered. 

Among the instances of longevity are the following : — Mr. John 
Cook, who died between 90 and 100 ; a Mr. Wood had a negro woman 
supposed, at her death, to have been 120 years old ; Mr. James Wood 
died at the age of 85 ; his wife was supposed to have been about 
the same age at her death. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 724; families, 724 ; 
white males, 2,295 ; white females, 2,225 ; free coloured males, 3. 
Total free population, 4,523 ; slaves, 2,400. Deaths, 41. Farms, 
512 ; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of real estate, $799,770 ; 
value of personal estate, $1,425,064. 

Among those who made the first settlements in this county were — 
Colonel Dent, Winston Wood, John Ware, Daniel Whitaker, D. 
Sullivan, C. B. Brown, James Adams, Dr. Ghent, J. T. Smith, 
Thomas Pinkard, P. H. Whitaker, Elisha Talley, Dr. Joseph 
Reese, Bailey Bledsoe, W. Kirk, Rev. Samuel Lane, Rev. Jesse 
George, James Wood, J. Stevens, Rev. W. W. Steagall, John 
Scoggins. 



HENRY COUNTY. 

Boundaries defined by the Act of 1821 ; a part added to* and a part 
taken from, Walton, 1821, and parts to Newton, to Fayette, 1821; 
and a part to Butts, 1825. Length, 27 m. ; breadth, 15 m. ; square 
miles, 405. Named after Hon. Patrick Henry, of Virginia. 

The rivers are, South and Cotton. 

Several creeks water the county. 

McDonough is the capital, situated on the waters of Walnut 
Creek, seventy miles from Milledgeville. 

The public places are, Hollins worth's Store, Double Cabins, Hale's 
Store, White House, Cotton River, and Pittsfield. 

The face of the country is uneven. The bottom lands are produc- 
tive. 

The climate is healthy. 

We insert a few cases of longevity. John Smith, near 100 ; Jas. 
Daniel, 80 ; John Treadwell, 80 ; Jacob Coker, 80 ; Richard Card, 
80 ; John Oslin, 80 ; E. Cloud, 92 ; Mr. Cuncle, 82. 

Mr. John Wyatt lived to the age of 93. During that war which 
" tried the souls of men," this gentleman, then in the vigour of 



496 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

youth, rendered to his country the most signal services. He was pre- 
sent, and acted an honourable part in the character of an officer, 
when Cornwallis surrendered. In this and other severe engage- 
ments, the deceased bore ample testimony of that undying devotion 
to his country's welfare, which distinguished him through the course 
of a long life. 

Statistics from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,680; families, 
1680 ; white males, 4,978 ; white females, 4,765 ; free coloured males, 
9 ; free coloured females, 5. Total free population, 9,757 ; slaves, 
4,969. Deaths, 157. Farms, 1,003 ; manufacturing establishments, 3.. 
Value of real estate, $1,762,595 ; value of personal estate, $2,869,342. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, William Hardin, 
Jesse Johnson, James Sellers, H. J. Williams, Wm. Pate, D. 
Johnson, W. H. Turner, M. Brooks, S. Weems, Woodson Herbert, 
James Armstrong, Robert Beard, James Patillo, Josiah McCully, 
Roland Brown, R. M. Sims, Wm. Crawford, E. Moseley, John 
Brooks, who built the first mill, Reuben Dearing, Jacob Hinton, 
E. Brooks, John Calloway, B. Jenks, Wm. Jenks, Col. S. Strick- 
land, Parker Eason, Joseph Kirk, Wm. and John Griffin, Daniel 
Smith, H. Longino, Wm. Tuggle, John Lovejoy. 



In 1828, a paper called the Jacksonian was published at McDo- 
nough, by Mr. Samuel W. Minor. This paper was the first to nom- 
inate General Andrew Jackson for the Presidency. 

The first Superior Court was held 10th June, 1822. at the house of William 
Ruff, Judge Clayton presiding. The names of the Grand Jurors were, — 

William Jackson, Robert Shaw, 

Wm. Malone, James Colwell, 

James Sellers, John Brooks, 

James Pate, F. Pearson, 

Thomas Abercrombie, Wm. McKnight, 

C. Cochran, B. Lasseter, 

Gr. Gat, Jacob Hinton, 

Wm. Wood, Jackson Smith, 

Wilie Terrill, S. Strickland. 
Jethro Barnes. 



houstoun county. 

This county was organized in 1821. A part set off to Bibb and 
Crawford in 1822 ; a part to Pulaski in 1828 ; and a part to Craw- 
ford in 1830. Named after John Houstoun, formerly Governor of 
Georgia. It is 35 miles long and 25 wide ; square miles, 875. 



HOUSTOUN COUNTY. 497 

The Ocmulgee flows along the eastern borders of the county. 
There are many creeks which water the country. 

The soil is rich, and mostly of a limestone formation. The first 
quality lands are on the rivers and creeks, adapted to cotton and corn. 
The lands generally lie level, and are easily cultivated. 

Perry is the county town, situated upon the waters of Big Indian 
Creek, sixty-seven miles from Milledgeville. 

Fort Valley is twelve miles N. W. of Perry. It is situated on an 
elevated table-land, which divides the waters of the Ocmulgee and 
those of the Flint, the former flowing into the Atlantic, and the latter 
into the Gulf — thus rendering it, by position, one of the healthiest 
localities in Central and Southern Georgia. In addition to these ad- 
vantages, it is situated in the midst of a community not surpassed by 
any in the State for intelligence, refinement, and general morality, 
making it a desirable place of residence for persons wishing to edu- 
cate their families. 

At this place is the Fort Valley Female Seminary, which possesses 
many advantages for the purposes contemplated. 

At this village there is also an excellent academy, under the direc- 
tion of a gentleman whose qualifications are highly spoken of. 

Hayneville and Henderson are small but pleasant villages. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,138 ; families, 
1,138; white males, 3,360; white females, 3,152; free coloured 
males, 7 ; free coloured females, 7. Total free population, 6,526 ; 
slaves, 9,924. Deaths, 201. Farms, 750; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 23. Value of real estate, $2,211,709; value of personal es- 
tate, $5,463,591. 

Among the first settlers in this county were, Abner Wimberly, 
James and David Clark, Allen Sutton, Allen Williams, Meredith 
Joiner, Tiios. Gilbert, J. M. Kelly, Co lonel Howell Co bb. Lewis 
Hunt, Daniel Dupree, Jacob Little, James Everitt, Rev. Daniel 
McKenzie, Thomas Scott, David W. Mann, Henry W. Kaly, Jesse 
Pollock, Amos Wingate, James Duncan, and F. Patillo. 



Colonel Simon Bateman died on the 7th of August, 1841. Like his father, 
Colonel Bateman obeyed the call of his country in the hour of danger, and vol- 
unteered his services in her defence in the last contest with the colossal power 
of Great Britain, and continued in the service until the close of the war. 

The following well-authenticated incident will illustrate his bravery and hu- 
manity. In a skirmish with the Indians, a brother soldier was wounded and left 
on the field. The Colonel, generously risking his life, went back to him, and, 
dismounting, took him up and carried him to a place of safety. While performing 
this noble act, his clothes were pierced by the enemy's balls, who were in sight. 

32 



498 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Four miles south of Perry are the remains of an old fortification. When the 
county was first settled, large trees were found growing upon it. 

The first Court was held at Mr. Jacob Little's house, the Hon. Thomas W. 
Harris, Judge. 

hi the early settlement of this county, the citizens encountered many difficul- 
ties. Four years passed before a good mill was erected. Mr. William H. Moore 
built one of the first grist-mills. It was situated on Juniper Creek, and was in 
operation without intermission for six months. People stayed at the mill day and 
night. 

Colonel Howell Cobb was the first justice of the peace in the county. 



IRWIN COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818, and part set off to Thomas 
and Lowndes, in 1825. It was named in honour of General Jared 
Irwin. Length, 52 m. ; breadth, 28 m. ; area square miles, 1,456. 

The Ocmulgee and the Allapaha rivers are the chief streams. 

Little River rises in the northern part of the county. Among the 
creeks may be named, Sandy, Hat, Lake, Big House, Willocoochee, 
Indian, Domes, Little House, Deep, Warrior, Tyty, Pine Woods, &c. 

Irwinville is the seat of justice, 112 miles from Milledgeville, 60 
from Hawkinsville, and 30 from Jacksonville. 

Statistics prepared at the Census Bureau, 1850. — Dwellings, 448; 
families, 448. White males, 1,479; white females, 1,404; 1 free 
coloured male. Total free population, 2,884 ; slaves, 450. Deaths, 
15. Farms, 414. Value of real estate, $171,636; value of personal 
estate, $383,433. 

Among the first persons who made settlements in this county were, 
John Dorminy, R. H. Dickson, M. McDuffee, L. Mobbley, John 
Henderson, Thos. Bradford, Lot Whiddon, Redding Hunter, John 
Joice, Wm. Bradford, S. Griffin, James Wallace, James Allen, 
John Ford, Samuel Story, Thomas and John Gibbes, Wm. Fus- 
sells, J. C. Summers. 

On the 13th of July, 1836, on the Allapaha River, near the planta- 
tion of Mr. Wm. H. Mitchell, a battle was fought between the whites 
and Indians. Captain Levi J. Knight commanded the whites, num- 
bering about seventy-five men. The Indians were defeated, and all 
killed except five. Twenty -three guns and nineteen packs fell into 
the hands of the whites. 



JASPER COUNTY. 499 



JACKSON COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1796 ; part set off as Clarke, 1801 ; 
part added to Madison, 1811 ; part to Walton, Gwinnett, and Hall, 
1818. It is 23 miles long, and 18 wide; square miles, 414. It was 
called after General James Jackson. 

The branches of the Oconee flow through this county. Big Sandy, 
Mulberry, Barber's, Curry's, Cider, and Beach creeks, are some of the 
streams. 

Much of the soil of this county is unproductive, although there are 
some good lands on the branches of the Oconee. 

The diseases most prevalent are fevers and pneumonia. Instances 
of longevity are not rare. Among others, are Mr. Henry Angling, 
aged 80; Mr. Amos Stapler, 80; Middleton Brooks, 95; Mrs. 
Brown, over 100. 

Jefferson is the seat of justice, situated on the waters of the 
Oconee River, distant from Milledgeville 87 miles. It was made the 
county site in 1806, and incorporated in 1812. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,200; families, 1,200. 
White males, 3,372; white females, 3,436; free coloured males, 9 ; 
free coloured females, 10. Total free population, 6,827; slaves, 2,941. 
Deaths, 91. Farms, 547; manufacturing establishments, 6. Value 
of real estate, $723,054; value of personal estate, $1,375,657. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Jacob JBankston, 
Richard Easley, John Smith, Jordan Clark, AbednegcTMoore, 
Thomas Hill, Paul Williams, Edward Callehan, Parks Chand- 
ler, Andrew Millar, Bedford Brown, Z. Collins, S. Lively, 
Iohnson Strong, Miles Gathright, D. W. Easley. 



JASPER COUNTY. 

This county was laid out by the name of Randolph, in 1807 ; but 
the name was changed to Jasper in 1812, in honour of Sergeant 
Jasper, who distinguished himself in the American Revolution. A 
part was set off to Morgan in 1815, and a part to Newton in 1821. 
Length, 24 m. ; breadth, 16 m. ; area square miles, 384. 

The Ocmulgee, which divides the county from Butts and Monroe. 
is the chief stream. 

Monticello, so called from the residence of Thomas Jefferson, is 
the county site, situated on the waters of Murder Creek, 35 miles 
W. N. W. of Milledgeville 



f,00 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Hillsborough is nine miles S. E. of Monticello, named after Mr 
Isaac Hill, one of the early settlers of the county. 
Shady Dale is eight miles from Monticello. 

The climate is temperate. The diseases which most generally 
prevail are fevers, chills, and pneumonia. 

There were living, three years ago — Anthony Dyer, over 83 ; 
George Clark, 90 ; Mr. Caps, nearly 80 ; John Davidson, over 80 ; 
David Smith, over 80 ; Richard Carter, 83. Dr. Carroll died at 
the age of 100 ; Jeremiah Campbell, a Revolutionary character, was 
over 80 ; Sion Barnett published the first proclamation connected 
with the Mecklenburg meeting, was present at the battles of Stono 
and Cowpens, and died at the age of 82 ; Littleton Johnson, 86 ; 
Mr. Waters, 105, killed by a fall from a horse ; Mr. Abner Chap- 
man, 86 ; Mrs. Chapman, 80 ; Mr. Yaney was at the siege of Savan- 
nah, and when Pulaski was shot down, was within five steps of him. 
A negro man, named Shade, at 110; Gilbert Shaw, at 80, killed 
by a tornado, in 1842; A. Riddick, a Revolutionary soldier, died at 
94 ; John Sla.y, at 80 years ; Thomas Grant, a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, 72 ; Mrs. Mary Brewer, at the age of 100. 

The face of the country is undulating. The soil is productive, fur- 
nishing fine crops of cotton, corn, &c. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,812 ; families, 
1,812; white males, 2,230; white females, 2,093; free coloured 
males, 14; free coloured females, 15. Total free population, 4,352; 
slaves, 7,134. Deaths, 180. Farms, 588 ; manufacturing establish - 
ments, 12. Value of real estate, $723,054 ; value of personal estate, 
$1,375,657. 

Among the early settlers were — Jeremiah Cox, Richard Carter, 
Adam Glazier, Sylvanus Walker, Joel Wise, Charles Cargile, 
Wm. Scott, Stokely Morgan, Anthony Dyer, Gen. J. W. Burney, 
Isaac Hill, Captain Eli Glover, Major Pearson, Wm. Penn, Thos. 
Broters, James Smith, S. Barnett, W. Dozier, John Powell, A. 
Chapman, W. L. Thompson, R. Jorden, F. and S. Malone, M. Whit- 
field, D. Meriwether, Nathan Fish, E. Lovejoy, N. Williams, 
Wm. Reid. 

fflteitilitnn*. 

On Murder Creek are several mounds. 

On the 17th of May, 1847, a portion of this county was visited by a hail-storm, 
which destroyed the crops, timber, stock, &c. The hail-stones generally were as 
large as a man's fist. 

General David Adams. — A paper of the day says: — "This gentleman 
was born at the Waxaws, in South Carolina, on the 28th of January, 1766. He 
seryed a campaign in the latter part of the Revolution, in the lower portion of South 



JASPER COUNTY. 501 

Carolina, under General Henderson, against the British and Tories. After the 
successful termination of that war, his father removed, and settled on Shoulder Bone 
Creek, in the State of Georgia. The Creek Indians, at that time, were a power- 
ful nation of savages ; a war of extermination existed between them and the 
white settlers of the frontiers of this State. The attacks of the Creeks were so 
frequent, being often marked by the extinction of whole families, that the inhabi- 
tants of every neighbourhood were compelled to build and live in forts. The 
younger Adams now came forward in defence of his country, with a zeal that 
gained the confidence of his fellow-citizens; he was elected amajor of the militia, 
and was engaged in the arduous duties of a scout for ten years. 

"Major Adams was elected Brigadier-General by the Legislature of Georgia, 
and subsequently a Major-Genera!. He was appointed to the command of an 
expedition in the war against the towns on the Tallapoosa River, by the 
Governor. Having commenced his march with about three hundred volun- 
teers to the above-mentioned towns, General Floyd, being then in the lower 
part of the nation, with the army under his command, hearing of the expedition 
under General Adams, and knowing that the savages had evacuated their towns, 
and embodied in the Horse Shoe, and consequently were too strong for such a 
force as that commanded by General A., detached a troop of horse to inter- 
cept him and turn him back ; unfortunately he was too far advanced, and the troop 
could not overtake him. On arriving at the town opposite, or a little above the 
bend distinguished by the name of the Horse Shoe, he found it deserted by the 
Indians, who had retired within their fortifications in the Horse Shoe, out of 
which they marched up and paraded in considerable numbers, on the opposite 
side of the river, and fired upon the volunteers in the town, with little or no 
effect, having slightly wounded one man. It was found impracticable to cross 
the river, it being very much swollen by the recent rains ; and, indeed, it was 
highly necessary to commence a retreat. Having burnt the village, and destroyed 
the provisions which the Indians had not removed to their fortifications within 
the bend of the river, he retired a short distance and encamped for the night. 
The cunning savages were prowling about his encampment, endeavouring, no 
doubt, to ascertain the number of the volunteers. They were frequently fired 
upon by the sentinels. General Adams wisely suffered no fires to be kindled 
during the night, which was remarkably cold. To this circumstance, and his 
judicious manoeuvres, by which he concealed the strength of his detachment, 
may be attributed his not being attacked and defeated by the powerful force of 
the savages then in his immediate neighbourhood. 

" General Adams held various appointments under the State Government, all of 
which he discharged with fidelity and ability. He was a Commissioner on the 
part of the State, when the lands lying between the Ocmulgee and Flint Rivers 
were obtained. He was always a favourite with his fellow-citizens, was a distin- 
guished member of the Legislature for upwards of twenty-five years, and was 
often Speaker of the House of Representatives.'' 

The Hon. Alfred Cuthbert and Dr. Rees, gentlemen who stand 
deservedly" high in the estimation of their fellow citizens, are residents 
of this county. 



502 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Burke and Warren in 1796. Length, 
30 m. ; breadth, 23 m. ; area square miles, 690. 

The face of the country is level, and the soil diversified. Good 
crops of cotton and corn are made, and the lands are increasing in 
value. 

The Ogeechee is the principal stream. 

The climate is mild. The instances of longevity are the follow- 
ing, viz. : — Elisabeth Jordan died at 82 ; Ellen Boyd, at 86 ; 
Josiah Wells, at 85 ; Wm. Paradise, at 84 ; Sarah Move, at 86 ; 
Simon Fields, a negro, at 101. 

Rev. M. Polk died at 94 years of age. 

Mon. Jacques Benjamin Gobert, Sen., at 80 years. This gentle- 
man once filled the appointment of Procureur-General for the depart- 
ment in which he lived in France. For some time he held the office 
of Vice-Consul of France for the port of Savannah. 

Mrs. Raiford, at 82 ; Wm. Lyon, a soldier of the Revolution, at 
88 ; John J. Schley, at 80 ; Aaron Tomlinson, an officer of the 
Revolution, under General Greene, at 80 ; Dr. John Bouton, at 87 ; 
General Solomon Wood, a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and 
who distinguished himself by his opposition to the Yazoo Law, at 
80; Moses Thompson, at 90 ; Hugh Wilson, at 100; Seth Pearce, 
a Revolutionary soldier, at 85. 

When the census of 1850 was taken, there were living, Hannah 
Young, aged 80 ; Abraham Beasley, 81 ; Ann Justice, 92 ; Mar- 
garet Stapleton, 82 ; Joseph Price, 82 ; Patty Collins, 92 ; 
Sarah Worrell, 81 ; James Gunn,81 ; Mary Patterson, 98 ; Nancy 
Davis, 92; Sarah Marshall, 82; James Sherod, 81 ; Jane Neely, 
82; Mille Pierce, 92; Rachel Gordon, 91. 

Louisville is the county town, situated on Rocky Comfort Creek, 
fifty-four miles from Milledgeville. It was once a place of impor- 
tance. It was made the seat of government for the State of 
Georgia, by the Constitution, on the 16th of May, 1795, and con- 
tinued such until 1804, when Milledgeville became the capital. The 
court-house is built of the materials which formerly composed the 
State-house. It was here that the papers connected with the cele- 
brated Yazoo Acts were publicly burnt. The inhabitants of this vil- 
lage are particularly distinguished for their hospitality. 

Pine Hill, a summer retreat, is four miles from Louisville. 
Queensborough was an old settlement, two miles S. E. of Louis- 
ville. 

Galphinton was nine miles S. E. of Louisville. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 503 



PROMINENT MEN. 

Hon. Roger L. Gamble was a member of Congress, and Judge 
of the Superior Court. 

Captain James Meriwether, who died in this county on the 25th 
of October, 1817, was born in Virginia, and removed to Georgia 
in 1782. Ever ardently interested in the support of justice and the 
rights of mankind, he, at the commencement of the Revolutionary 
War, breasted the shock of invasion, and successfully aided in repel- 
ling the encroachments of the enemy. 

George Stapleton, Sen., died 30th May, 1832. He was born in 
the State of Virginia ; enlisted in the army at an early age, and 
with patriotic zeal, served his country throughout the Revolutionary 
War. He was in several engagements, but was preserved throughout 
the struggle that tried men's souls, and lived to bring up a numerous 
and respectable family. 

Major John Berrien, father of the Hon. John M. Berrien, died 
in this county. At the dawn of the Revolution, when entering on the 
threshold of life, with a heart glowing with patriotic ardour, he visited 
Georgia, expecting to find there a field in which he might devote him- 
self to the defence of his country. At fifteen years of age he was ap- 
pointed a Lieutenant in the 1st Georgia Regiment, and was subse- 
quently promoted to a captaincy in the same. When General Mcintosh 
was appointed to a command in the Northern army, Major Berrien was 
selected by him as Brigade Major, and in that capacity he joined 
the grand army at Valley Forge. He was very conspicuous in the 
battle of Monmouth, and in several other engagements, and continued 
in service until the close of the Revolutionary War. On the return 
of peace, being qualified by an active, well-cultivated mind, and cor- 
rect judgment, for public usefulness, a great part of his life was occu- 
pied in offices of honour and trust, the duties of which he performed 
with integrity and diligence. • 

Rev. David E. Bothwell was a native of the County of Monaghan, 
in Ireland. His father, who was the tenant of a small estate in the 
immediate neighbourhood of Monaghan, was removed by death, leav- 
ing a widow and ten children in limited circumstances. In due time 
he attached himself to the church of his fathers, and felt it to be a 
duty to consecrate his life to the ministry. With rigid economy and 
application, he spent the intervals which his occupation would allow 
alternately in attending a grammar school and in teaching. He after- 
wards repaired to Glasgow, in Scotland, where he graduated with 
honour about his 28th year. He then studied theology, under the 
care of the Presbytery of Monaghan. After a sufficient period spent 
in his theological studies, he returned home, and was licensed to 
preach in 1787. 



504 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

In the mean time, the Colony of Georgia, in America, was being 
settled by subjects of his Majesty's government, and a small colony 
of several families from Ireland, of the Burgher and anti-Burgher 
churches, had settled at Queensborough, near to where Louisville 
now stands, being increased from time to time by emigrations from 
Ireland and Scotland. They spread over a large area of country, in 
parts of what are now Burke and Jefferson Counties. Their fortunes 
had been various. 

They suffered very much during the American war, both from 
their immediate neighbours, the Indians, and from the English. Be- 
sides, their settlement being composed of Burghers and anti-Burghers 
mingled together, they of course had conflicting views as to the jus- 
tice and policy of the war. Some of them felt bound by conscience 
to observe in good faith their oath of allegiance to his Majesty 
George II., and some of them felt an equally strong obligation to dis- 
regard the oath. Their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Ronaldson, conscien- 
tiously opposed the war, and with him a minority, chiefly of anti- 
Burghers, agreed in sentiment ; and as the war advanced, he was 
taken captive, his pastoral relations were violently dissolved, and the 
party who had constituted the reformed church were broken, and never 
again reorganized. Those left consisted principally of the Associate 
Burgher Synod, and a few of the Reformed, who rallied again, and 
formed two congregations, known as Buck Head and Louisville, to 
which Big Creek, now Ebenezer, was afterwards added. In the year 
1789 they sent up a petition to the Presbyters of Monaghan for a 
pastor, and the choice fell upon David E. Bothwell. He, after some 
private arrangements, sailed for Charleston, S. C, on the 1st of Ja- 
nuary, 1790, and shortly afterwards arrived at Queensborough. His 
congregations were large, and embraced Louisville and a vast scope 
of country around. Here he laboured for many years, and died at 
the residence of General Jared Irwin, in Washington County, June, 
1801, aged forty-five years, and was interred in the family burial- 

f round of General I., where his grave may still be seen by the visitor, 
[e was a man of medium size, rather stout. As a speaker, he was 
clear, and had no difficulty in enunciation. 

The Hon. Benjamin Whitaker, who died in this county, was long 
the able Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of 
Georgia. ^ 

The celebrated Patrick Carr lived and died in Jefferson. By 
birth he was an Irishman, and came to Georgia before the begin- 
ning of the American Revolution. Upon the commencement of hos- 
tilities, he warmly espoused the cause of his adopted country. Ne- 
ver, perhaps, was there a more determined man. Many anecdotes 
are related of him. 

On one occasion he was praised for his bravery, upon which he 
replied, that he would have made a very good soldier, but the Al- 
mighty had given him too merciful a heart. And yet it is said that 
Patrick Carr had killed one hundred Tories with his own hands ! ! 



JONES COUNTY. 505 

It is certain that the Tories stood very much in fear of him, and it 
was seldom that they ever received mercy at his hands. He lived 
many years after the Revolution, and it is said was finally murdered 
by some of the descendants of the Tories. 



JONES COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1807 ; part added from Putnam, 1810; part to Bibb, 
1822. Length, 21 m. ; breadth, 18 m. ; area square miles, 378. 

The chief river is the Ocmulgee. 

The face of the country is hilly . The soil, though much worn, is 
productive. 

Clinton is the county town, distant from Milledgeville 22 miles. 

Blountsville, a small place, is 10 miles from Clinton. 

Griswold's Cotton Gin Factory is situated in Griswoldville. Ma- 
chinery moved by steam. Yearly average sales, 900 gins, worth not 
less than $40,000 ; saws worth about $80,000 ; 70,000 pounds of cast- 
ings, mostly of iron, used per annum ; 50,000 pounds of wrought 
iron, 40,000 pounds gin-saw cast steel, and 200,000 feet of lumber. 
Annual profits of business, $20,000. Connected with this establish- 
ment are two saws, cutting 600,000 feet of lumber per annum, besides 
wagon, smiths' shops, &c. Whole number of hands employed, 80. 

The most common diseases are fever and pneumonia. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — White males, 1,972 ; white 
females, 1,927; free coloured males, 17 ; free coloured females, 29. 
Total free population, 3,945 ; slaves, 6,279. Deaths, 85. Farms, 405; 
manufacturing establishments, 15. Value of real estate, $1,373,625 ; 
value of personal estate, $3,525,464. 

Among the first settlers were, Captain Jonathan Parish, Peter 
Clower, Henry Low, Wm. Williams, Wilkins Jackson, Jeremiah 
Dumas, Thomas White, Jeremiah Pearson, Major Humphries, 
James and High Comer, Roger McCarthy, Allen Greene, Ben- 
jamin Tarver, Bailey Stewart, James Anthony, George Harper, 
John Chapell, Jesse M. Pope, Henry Pope, John Bayne, Ste- 
phen Kirk, Wm. Carbanus, P. A. Lewis, James Jones, Wm. Jones, 
Robert Hutchins, James Grey. 

Mr. Benjamin Reynolds died in this county, aged seventy-three 
years. He was a native of Caroline County, Virginia. At the 
breaking out of the Revolutionary W T ar, he was too young to enter 
the service. As soon as his age would admit, he, together with the 
patriotic citizens of that part of Virginia, so distinguished in the his- 
tory of the Revolution, took up arms, and entered the service of his 



506 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

country. At the end of the war he removed to South Carolina 
into a neighbourhood distinguished for their loyalty to the British 
crown. Mr. Reynolds, from his zealous devotion to the cause of lib- 
erty, encountered the most violent persecution from his misguided 
associates. After the purchase of the land on which Jones County 
is included, he removed thither, being one of it earliest settlers. 

John Lamar, Esq., died in this county. As a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion, he was not only brave to a fault, but his services were of long con- 
tinuance, and his sufferings excessive. Very shortly after entering 
the army, he was deputed with others to the performance of a perilous 
duty, in which he was deserted by his companions, and left to exe- 
cute the order alone, which he did to the admiration and astonishment 
of all. For this act of intrepidity and fidelity, the Government ten- 
dered him a Lieutenant's commission in the regular forces, which, 
however, he modestly declined, on the ground that he was too 
young and inexperienced to assume the responsibilities of the station, 
being at this time only in his seventeenth year. He served under 
Generals Marion and Pickens, attached generally to the battalion of 
the latter ; was at the battle of the Eutaw, Cowpens, siege of Au- 
gusta, and in several other engagements ; once taken a prisoner, but 
made his escape from the camp of Lord Cornwallis, rescuing at the 
same time one of his cousins ; was twice wounded during the war by 
the British, and once by the Indians, after his removal to Georgia. 

Many of the citizens of this section of the State have done honour 
to it by their virtues and talents. 

Dr. Hamilton, now of Cass, was a practitioner of medicine in this 
county for many years, and had a high reputation. 

Colonel Robert Hardeman is well known as a courteous gentleman 
and eminent lawyer. 

Interesting Trial. — In December, 1837, there was brought up 
and tried before the Superior Court of this county a case which 
excited great interest throughout the country. A full account of it 
was given in a pamphlet, from which the following extracts are made : 

The maiden name of the mother of Jesse L. Bunkley was Elisabeth Slatter. 
Her first husband, the father of Jesse, was William D. Bunkley. After the death 
of Mr. Bunkley, who left a large estate, his widow married Mr. Billingslea. 
After the death of Billingslea, she married Samuel Lowther, Esq. Captain Jona- 
than Parish married the annt of Jesse L. Bunkley by the mother's side, and in 
1815, was appointed guardian of the person and property of Jesse. The estate 
left to Jesse by his father was considerable. At the time when it was claimed 
by Elijah Barber, who personated Jesse L. Bunkley, it is supposed that it would 
have amounted to between thirty and forty thousand dollars. Young Bunkley 
having ample means to educate him in the best style usual in our country, 



JONES COUNTY. 507 

was, from five years old, sent to the first schools and academies in the vicinity, 
was prepared for college, and entered the University of Georgia. As is too common 
with young men of fortune, Jesse L. Bunkley did not feel the necessity of personal 
exertion to get him through the world. He was consequently wild and rude, 
though talented; his habits did not permit him to remain long a student of the 
University. He made frequent excursions to our large cities and elsewhere, to 
indulge in amusements more congenial to him than the strict rules of a college 
life. 

After he left college, in order to indulge his disposition for roaming and amuse- 
ment, he determined to make a trip to the westward and to New-Orleans. At 
this time, 1825, his mother lived about three miles from Clinton, Jones County, 
Georgia. She testified that he left there on the 17th day of May, 1825, aged 
nineteen years and six months. She heard from him occasionally, by letter and 
otherwise, for little more than two years. After this it was generally reported and 
believed in and about Clinton, that Jesse L. Bunkley had died in New-Orleans. 
And this report was so much confided in, that his guardian paid out his estate 
to his brother, William D. Bunkley, (generally called familiarly Bob Bunkley,) 
who was entitled to his brother's estate upon his death. William D. Bunkley 
has since died, and his estate descended to his widow and children, residing in 
Alabama. 

The following is the description given of Jesse L. Bunkley when he left Geor- 
gia : Light complexion, a little inclined to be swarthy, light hair, yellow eyes, face 
full and round, a deep dimple in the chin, full jaws, the upper one inclined to 
turn up when he laughed; nose large, and a little turned up at the end; large 
hips, large thighs and legs, a full body, but slim round the waist. The middle 
finger of the left hand was bit off above the nail, the nail entirely gone ; a scar 
on the right side of the neck, under the jaw-bone, which grew up into a ridge ; a 
scar immediately under the left knee-pan, directly across the leg. A mark is 
also described on a private part of Bunkley, by Mr. Williams, who was present 
when he got the wound. 

We collect, from the history of the case, that from about the middle of the 
year 1827, till about the year 1830, or 1831, nothing was heard of Bunkley; but 
the belief of his death generally prevailed among his relatives and acquaintances 
in Georgia. About this time counter reports began to reach them that he was 
dead, and that he was alive. Rumours reached Clinton that he had been seen 
chained to a block, working on the streets and the Levee at New-Orleans. 

About 1832 or 1833, the report became current that he was confined in the 
Calaboose, in New-Orleans. About this time a correspondence was commenced 
between a person in the Calaboose and a respectable gentleman of the bar in 
Clinton, in which the former represented himself to be Jesse L. Bunkley, and 
wrote to the latter under that name, with a view to procure money to aid him in 
his difficulties, from the estate left to his son by William D. Bunkley. The indi- 
vidual in the Calaboose was visited by Major Wynn of Columbus, who knew 
Bunkley, but who identified him to be the prisoner on his trial. He was con- 
victed and confined in the Calaboose, under the name of Elijah Barber, of having 
forged bank-notes in his possession. He afterwards opened a correspondence 
with the mother of Bunkley ; but failed to satisfy her of his identity. This indi- 



508 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

vidual had been well known to many persons in Georgia, for a number of years. 
Many of the citizens of Gwinnett and other counties knew him well as Elijah 
Barber. He was recognized by that name about Macon, Milledgeville, Augus- 
ta, and elsewhere. The citizens generally were acquainted with his father, 
mother, and family. He was seen as late as the year 1828 in Milledgeville, and 
1829 in Augusta, three or four years after Bunkley left the State. He was a 
wild, dissipated, intemperate man, extremely illiterate, so much so, that he 
could not write his name • and was frequently arrested for breaches of the laws. 

Barber first demanded his estate of the guardian of Bunkley, by power of 
attorney, purporting to have been written in the State of Arkansas. The guar- 
dian suspected some unfairness, as he did not recognize the handwriting, and 
believed Bunkley to be dead. He therefore refused to settle with the agent who 
produced the power of attorney. 

A short time after this, the person representing himself as Jesse L. Bunkley, 
made his appearance in Jones County, and after remaining there two or three 
weeks, demanded of Captain Parish the estate of Jesse L. Bunkley. He passed 
by the name of Bunkley, and this personation and demand gave origin to the 
case here reported. 

Elijah Barber (the man convicted) is about the ordinary stature, perhaps a 
little over it, said to be taller than Bunkley when he left Georgia — spare made — 
very little bow-legged — somewhat thin-visaged, face rather long — complexion 
ruddy — hair quite black, and black whiskers — deep blue eyes — sharp chin, with- 
out any appearance of a dimple — nose long and sharp, a little aquiline, or turned 
down. On his left leg, about an inch and a half below the knee, is a scar made 
obliquely up the leg. He shows a very small spot for a scar on the side of the 
neck under the right jaw-bone. A very peculiar mark on a private member is 
proved. He has not lost any of his fingers — the nails are all on them, and perfect. 
He has never been seen to write anything but Jesse L. Bunkley, and that badly. 

One of the witnesses described a scar or scars on Barber's leg from the bite 
of a snake. Barber exhibited himself before the jury, and scars were found on 
his right leg, very much resembling the description of the wounds from the bite 
of a snake. 

Two objections were raised by the prisoner's counsel when the indictment was 
about to be read. 

1st Objection : "That prisoner had not been served with a copy of this indict- 
ment." 

2nd : " That the indictment has been amended by adding to it the name of a 
new prosecutor, the former being dead, and that the statute of jeofails extends to 
civil and not criminal cases." 

Which objections, however, were overruled by the court, who ordered the in- 
dictment to be read. 

Ninety-eight witnesses were sworn in behalf of the State, and thirty-nine in 
behalf of the prisoner. 

The jury were out but a few minutes, and returned a verdict of guilty. The pri- 
soner was sentenced to five years' imprisonment at hard labour in the Penitentiary. 

The Solicitor-General, William G. Smith, Hardeman, Colquitt, and Reid, for 
the State, and James Smith and E. Y. Hill for the prisoner. 



LAURENS COUNTY. 509 



LAURENS COUNTY. 

This county was named after Lieutenant-Colonel John Laurens, 
who was killed in the Revolutionary War, near Combahee, South 
Carolina, 27th of August, 1782. It was laid out in 1807, and por- 
tions of it added to Pulaski in 1808-9. Length, 32 m. ; breadth, 22 
m. ; area square miles, 704. 

Extract from the last Census. — White males, 1,740 ; white females, 
1,719 ; free coloured males, 3 ; free coloured females, 6. Total free 
population, 3,468 ; slaves, 2,974. Deaths, 54. Farms, 328 ; manu- 
facturing establishments, 6. Value of real estate, $464,181 ; value 
of personal estate, $1,171,164. 

The Oconee is the chief stream. 

There are numerous creeks, such as Deep, Okeewalkee, Tickee 
Hachee, Palmetto, Turkey, Hunger, Hardship, Shaddock, Pues, and 
Whitewater. 

The climate is considered as pleasant as any in the United States. 

Dublin, the county seat, is situated half a mile from the Oconee 
River, forty-six miles from Milledgeville, sixty from Macon, and one 
hundred and twenty from Savannah. 

The public places are, Thomas' Cross Roads, Hampton's Mills, 
Laurens Hill, and Buckeye. 

The face of the country is rolling. The soil has a clay foundation, 
with sand and vegetable mould in the pine, and a good mixture of 
lime, with mould and sand, in the oak lands. 

The oak and hickory lands constitute one-third of the cultivated 
portion of the county ; the remainder are, for the greater part, the 
open pine woods and wire-grass. The wire-grass lands are very sus- 
ceptible of improvement ; a little manure is sufficient to give from ten to 
twelve bushels of corn, ten to twelve of wheat, and two hundred bushels 
of sweet potatoes. The wire-grass itself is valuable. There is no other 
known grass in the South which resists the cold and furnishes food to 
cattle, sheep, and hogs, and in the spring or early summer, to the 
table of the farmer the. finest butter, rich in flavour and beautiful in 
colour. It is true that, as the season advances and winter approaches, 
this grass, like every perennial, becomes coarser and tougher, and is 
therefore less relished ; but never so coarse or tough as not to afford 
aliment sufficient to sustain life. Besides the wire-grass, there is the 
lightwood, the poor man's fuel, and charcoal — a fire kindled in three 
minutes for warmth, cooking, and for every household purpose. 
Should the time ever come when steam shall be found to be cheaper 
for every mechanical operation, upon an extensive scale, than water- 
power, the pine forests will be invaluable. Every material for build- 
ing, of excellent quality, and abundant, is furnished by these forests. 
Tar and turpentine might now be made to great advantage. Such a 



510 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

combination of advantages makes this county, as well as others in 
the same parallel, a garden spot to the poor man, and a wide field to 
the manufacturer of cotton and wool, whenever he shall find it his 
interest to prefer steam to water-power. 

Among the early settlers were, General Blackshear, Colonel 
McCormick, Mr. Jonathan Sawyer, Colonel Hampton, the Robin- 
son family, and others. 

DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

General David Blackshear was born in Jones County, North 
Carolina, January 31st, 1764. At an early age he took an active 
part against the Tories. He moved to Georgia in 1790, and settled 
in Laurens County, near the Oconee River, which was then the 
dividing line between the whites and Indians. Here he was en- 
gaged in several battles with the savages, and earned a high repu- 
tation for his intrepidity. Prior, we think, to 1818, he was elected 
Brigadier-General, and had the immediate command of a line of forts 
in Twiggs, Pulaski, and Telfair Counties. In 1814, in consequence 
of the disability of General Floyd to take the field, he was offered 
the command, by Governor Early, of the army in the service of the 
United States, against the hostile Creek Indians. General Floyd, 
however, recovering his health, General Blackshear was placed in 
command of the army under Major-General John Mcintosh, and 
ordered to rendezvous at Fort Hawkins. This order was obeyed. 
The force raised amounted to 2,500 men, and was intended to join 
General Jackson near Mobile, being marched first to Hartford, and 
thence to Fort Early, on the Flint River. Here he received orders 
to conduct his force to Darien, Mcintosh County. The road from 
Fort Early to Darien was opened at that time, and is still known as 
" Blackshear' s Road." In 1815, a vote of thanks was given to 
Generals Mcintosh and Blackshear by the Legislature of Georgia for 
their faithful services. In various ways General Blackshear served 
the State of Georgia. He represented Washington County first, and 
afterwards Laurens, for a number of years. He was one of the elec- 
tors who voted for Mr. Jefferson, and again when General Jackson 
was elected. He was the honoured friend of some of Georgia's noble 
sons, such as Governors Early, Troup, Floyd, &c. This good man 
died on the 4th of July, 1837, at his residence in Laurens County, in 
the seventy-fourth year of his age. 

The Hon. George M. Troup, so conspicuous in the annals of our 
State, is a resident of this county. 



LEE COUNTY. 511 



LEE COUNTY 



This county was laid out in 1826 ; part set off to Muscogee and 
Marion, 1827; part taken from Dooly in 1827; part set off to Ran- 
dolph in 1828 ; and part set off to Sumter in 1835. It is 40 m. in 
length, and 25 m. in breadth ; square miles, 1,000. It was named 
after Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, who on the 7th of June, 
1776, in his place in the Congress of the United States, moved 
"that the colonies declare themselves free and independent." 

The soil is fertile, producing cotton, corn, &c. 

Starkville is the seat of justice, situated nearly in the centre of 
the county, 130 miles S. W. of Milledgeville. The town was made 
the county site in 1832, and named after Major-General John Stark, 
of Revolutionary memory. 

Palmyra is situated on Kinchafoona Creek, ten miles from Stark- 
ville. 

Watson's Cotton Gin Factory is located in this village. The arti- 
cles manufactured are said to be unrivalled in their performance and 
durability. The machinery is propelled by water-power taken from a 
subterranean stream which runs at this place from twelve to fifteen 
feet under the surface of the earth. The limestone has been excavated 
down to the stream, and a head of water raised sufficient to run 
the machinery for the gin factory and the grist-mill. The creek upon 
which the factory is built runs into Kinchafoona, about three hundred 
yards distant. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 550 ; families, 550 ; 
white males, 1,576; white females, 1,449; free coloured males, 7 ; 
1 free coloured female. Total free population, 3,033 ; slaves, 3,626. 
Deaths, 117. Farms, 387 ; manufacturing establishments, 7. Value 
of real estate, $1,148,224 ; value of personal estate, $2,207,702. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Mr. Woolbrigiit, 
Dr. Mercer, John McClendon, Wm. Spence, Joshua Clarke, J. 
O. Edwards, John Lawhorn, John Cock, Abraham Dyson, Lewis 
Bond, Wm. Janes, E. Janes, D. Janes, D. Sneed. 



Observations on the Soil, by Dr. Mercer. — The middle and eastern por- 
tions of this county rest upon tertiary limestone, which is found at depths vary- 
ing from twenty to fifty feet. It is the chief obstruction in sinking wells; never- 
theless, water is generally obtained by penetrating it thirty or forty feet. This rock 
makes good, but not very white lime. The free and general use of it in agricul- 
ture would greatly improve the soil, and promote the health of the citizens. This 
limestone is covered by a bed of earth destitute of fossils, and consisting of sand, 



512 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

clay, and water-worn pebbles of primary rocks. It is a diluvium, having evi- 
dently been transported from the older parts of the continent. The smaller 
streams, as well as the Flint River, have washed away this diluvium in their 
courses down to the limestone, and in this also have dissolved channels, in which 
they now flow. Rain-water, charged as it always is, more or less, with carbonic 
acid, percolating through the diluvium, has dissolved here and there subterranean 
channels and caverns in the limestone, and these, giving way from time to time 
to the superincumbent weight of earth, have formed the lime-sinks and ponds that 
diversify and distinguish the topography of the country. Strewn over and imbed- 
ded in the diluvium are innumerable fragments of burrstone, the remains, no 
doubt, of a bed once much more continuous than the present, the softer portions 
having been destroyed by the combined agency of rain, fire, and frost. The fos- 
sils prove that it belongs to the same division of rocks (Eocene) as the lime- 
stone below. Great quantities of these fragments of burrstone have been deposit- 
ed in the beds of the water-courses in the natural process of their formation, and 
from aggregation constitute the existing shoals that obstruct their navigation. 

Destruction of an Indian Town. — In this county there was for- 
merly an Indian town called Cheha, and sometimes Au-muc-cul-la. 

It was destroyed by a force under Captain Wright, on the 23d of 
April, 1818. Its destruction produced great excitement in the country, 
and gave rise to a spirited correspondence between General Andrew 
Jackson and William Rabun, then Governor of the State of Georgia. 
It was asserted that the inhabitants were friendly to the whites ; that 
they had supplied our army with a large quantity of provisions ; that 
some of the sick soldiers had been left under their protection ; and 
that forty of their warriors were at that very time fighting for the 
United States under General Jackson. It was declared to be an of- 
fence of such enormity as to be without a parallel in history, &c. 

We have taken pains to collect the facts connected with this affair, 
as far as we were able, and believe them to be substantially the fol- 
lowing : — 

In March, 1818, Governor Rabun requested General Jackson to 
station a sufficient military force on the frontier, to protect the most, 
exposed parts against the incursions of the Indians. To this applica- 
tion no answer was given. Governor Rabun, believing it to be his 
duty to provide for the safety of the frontier inhabitants, ordered Cap- 
tain Obed Wright, with a sufficient force, to proceed immediately 
against the Felemma and Hopaunee towns, the inhabitants of which 
were known to be decidedly hostile, and had committed many mur- 
ders. The orders of Governor Rabun confined Captain Wright spe- 
cially to this object. Captain Wright took up the line of march from 
Hartford, in Pulaski County, with Captains Robinson and Rogers's 
companies of mounted gunmen, Captains Dean and Childs' In- 
fantry, together with two detachments under Lieutenants Cooper and 
Jones — in all about two hundred and seventy effective men. When 
the detachment reached the neighbourhood of Fort Early, they were 
informed that a celebrated old chief, Hopaunee, whose town had 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 513 

joined the hostile party, had removed ; that he was at that time living 
in the village upon which the attack was made, was considered as 
their principal leader, and that a great portion of them was under his 
immediate direction. Captain Wright considered himself authorized 
to attack it, as being one of Hopaunee's towns. The town was 
attacked on the 23d of April, 1818, and in the course of two hours the 
whole was is flames. About ten of the inhabitants were killed. Gene- 
ral Glascock, of the Georgia Militia, in a letter to General Jackson, 
dated April 30, 1818, in detailing this transaction, says, "When the 
detachment arrived at Cheha, an Indian was discovered grazing 
some cattle ; he proposed to go with the interpreter, and bring any ot 
the chiefs for the captain to talk with. It was not attended to. An 
advance was ordered. The cavalry rushed forward, and commenced 
the massacre. Even after the firing and murder commenced, Major 
Howard, who furnished you with corn, came out of his house with a 
white flag, in front of the line. It was not respected. An order was 
given for a general fire, and nearly four hundred guns were discharged 
at him before one took effect. He fell, and was bayoneted. His son 
also was killed." 

Governor Rabun regretted very much this occurrence. Captain 
Wright was arrested by order of General Jackson, but was released 
by the civil authority. Governor Rabun had him arrested after- 
wards, and the President of the United States ordered him to be 
placed in the custody of the Marshal, but he made his escape. 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 

This county was formed from the parishes of St. John, St. Andrew, 
and St. James, in 1777. The eastern part is intersected by many 
large swamps. The surface is level. 

Hinesville, named after Charlton Hines, Esq., is the county town, 
180 miles from Milledgeville. 

Walthourville is in the northwest part of the county. 

Dorchester is five miles from Sunbury. 

Riceborough is on North Newport River. 

Sunbury is on the south side of Medway River, on a bold bluff 
eight miles E. S. E. of Riceborough. It was laid out, in 1758, by 
Mark Carr. Proposals were afterwards made to him to make a deed 
of trust for this tract of land, and accordingly he executed a deed to 
James Maxwell, Kenith Baillie, John Elliott, and John Stevens.* 
This town was taken by the British in the war of the Revolution. 
Immediately after the war it w r as quite a flourishing seaport, hav- 
ing about forty families residing in it, and twelve or fifteen square- 
rigged vessels have been seen in its harbour at one time. The remains 
of the old fort, from which Colonel Mcintosh sent to the British com- 

* McCall's History of Georgia, vol. i., p. 255. 
33 



514 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

mander the gallant reply, " Come and take it,' r are still to be seen 
Sunbuiy is now almost deserted, being inhabited by not more than 
six or eight families. 

Extract from the Census o/1850. — Dwellings, 360; families, 362 ; 
white males, 1,021 ; white females, 981 ; free coloured males, 6; 
free coloured females, 10. Total free population, 2,118; slaves, 
5,908. Deaths, 116. Farms, 244 ; manufacturing establishments, 4. 
Value of real estate, $514,436 ; value of personal estate, $2,532,235. 



HISTORICAL NOTICES. 

Whilst Georgia was a colony under the Trustees, the excellent 
character of its lands attracted the attention of a company of persons 
who were then living on the northeast bank of the Ashley River, 
eighteen miles from Charleston. They were the descendants of the 
first persecuted Europeans who emigrated to New-England. Jn the 
beginning of 1630, a Congregational Church was gathered at Ply- 
mouth, England, who intended to come to North America, in order to 
enjoy civil and religious privileges. After a day of fasting and prayer, 
they chose Rev. John Warham and Rev. John Maverick to accom- 
pany them as their ministers. They set sail on March 20th, and ar- 
rived at Nantasket on May 30th, where the captain put them on shore, 
notwithstanding his engagement was to bring them up Charles River. 
Here " they were left in a forlorn wilderness, destitute of any habita- 
tion, and most other necessaries of life." 

Several of the company having procured a boat, they proceeded to 
Charlestown, and after various adventures, finally settled at a place 
called by the Indians Mattapan, which they named Dorchester, be- 
cause several of the settlers came from a town of that name in Eng- 
land, and also in honour of the Rev. Mr. White, of Dorchester. 

In 1695 a church was gathered in this town, and Mr. Joseph Lord 
was ordained its pastor, for the purpose of removing to South Caro- 
lina, " to encourage the settlement of churches, and the promotion of 
religion in the Southern plantations. After a passage of fourteen 
days, they landed at Carolina, and on the 2d of February, 1696, 
was the first Sacrament of the Lord's Supper that was ever celebrated 
at Carolina. The place proving unhealthy, and the quantity of lands 
too small for the inhabitants, they determined to remove to Georgia." 
The causes of their removal are stated in the Record-book of the Med- 
way Church in the following manner : — 

"Our ancestors, having a greater regard to a compact Settlement and religious 
Society than future temporal advantages, took up but small tracts of land, many 
of which, after their Disease, being divided amongst their children, reduced them 
still to smaller, in consequence of which our lands were generally soon worn 
out. Few had sufficient for the convenient support and Maintenance of their 
families, and some none at all, nor likely to get any among us. Young people, 
as they grew up and settled for themselves, were obliged, for want of lands, to 
move out from us. Dorchester and Beach Hill, the places where we settled, being 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 515 

also a very sickly part of the country, several persons among us, chiefly for 
these reasons, seemed very anxious to move out from us, and had several times 
searched for some other place in Carolina, but could find none capacious and 
convenient enough for that purpose ; notwithstanding which, the same disposi- 
tion to remove continuing with several, occasioned some serious reflection on the 
state and circumstances of this Church, and it was thought probable, that unless 
some tract of land, suitable for the convenient and compact settlement and support 
of a Congregation, could be found to which we might remove, and settle in a body, 
the Society would, in a few years at most, be dispersed, so as not to be capable of 
supporting the Gospel among us, especially if we should lose our present pastor, 
and (which in that case seems not unlikely) be any considerable time without 
the administration of Gospel ordinances among us — the only circumstance which 
at present detains many, otherwise quite inclined to remove from us. Upon these 
considerations, a removal of the whole Society seemed advisable ; and having 
heard a good character of the lands in Georgia, 'twas thought properthat some should 
take a journey to that Colony, and search out some place there conveniently for 
our purpose, which was accordingly performed at several inquisitions, and issued 
at length in a tolerable satisfaction as to the capacity of the place, and a remove 
hereupon was more generally concluded on, 

"On Monday, ye 11th of May, anno 1752, three persons of our Society sett off 
from Beach Hill for Georgia, to view the lands there; and on Thursday, the 16th, 
arrived at Medway, the place proposed. After a few days' stay, haveing viewed 
Med way Swamp, and approving of it, and heard of large Quantitys of good Lands 
adjoining, they returned home, with an account of what they had heard and seen. 
\jpon which a Disposition to remove seemed to encrease among us, tho' opposed 
by several, and a Further Search was determined. A Petition was also drawn up, 
and signed by many, to be presented to the Council of Georgia, for a Reserve of 
a Quantity of Land for us, if approved of by the Searchers ; and on Monday, ye 
15th of June, 1752, five of the said Society sett off for Medway, where they arrived 
on Thursday, the 25th, and continued their searches till the third of July, and 
got as good a satisfaction for the Time as could be expected, and returned from 
thence to Savanna with their Petition, and got a Grant of 22,400 acres of land, to 
be reserved for us eighteen months. From thence they returned home on the 
fourteenth of July, when people were differently affected with the relation of 
what they had discovered, and how far they had proceeded. Several used their 
Endeavours to frustrate the Scheme, notwithstanding which, an Inclination to re- 
move seemed considerably in the Ascendant. Several Persons not included in the 
former grant were now desirous of joining with us, and a new Petition was drawn 
up, to which were affixed the names of thirty persons more, and it was determined 
that another journey should be made to the place, in order to survey the lands 
already granted, to petition for more, and to make a further search. About the 
Beginning of August, 1752, six persons sett off by Land, and on the 10th of the 
same month, Seven more by water, to survey the Lands, and begin Settlements. 
Those by land caryed in the petition, and got a grant of nine thousand five hun- 
dred and fifty acres more of land, and took a further prospect of the place ; but, 
being disappointed in the coming of the Schooner, which was to have met them 
at the place, on board of which was most of their provisions and their Negroes 



516 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 

they were obliged to return without, effecting much there. On the 12th of Sep- 
tember, in the evening, they got on board, in order to return, and on the 14th got 
down to St. Catherine's Island, from whence they intended to have proceeded 
the next day to Sea ; but Providence, happily for them, ordered them a Disappoint- 
ment, which kept them some days from their purpose, for on the , while they 

lay in the harbour, there arose an Hurricane, which was in Carolina the most 
violent that ever was known since the Settlement of the English there, which in 
many places left not one tree in Twenty standing, and threw down many Build- 
ings. On the 16th, they attempted to put out to sea, but could not, and therefore 
went within land to Tibi, where, meeting with high winds, they sailed up to 
Savanna, where several, leaving the vessel, went home by land; the rest, who 
remained in her, had a tedious, long passage, and were met by a second hurri- 
cane before they got home, but were then aho in a safe Harbour. In their passage 
to Georgia, one negro fell overboard, and was drowned, and those who went up 
by land had two of their horses drowned in their return. These adverse Provi- 
dences were very discouraging to most, and brought the affaire of our Removing 
to a very considerable stand." 

On the 16th of May, 1752, a settlement was commenced at Med- 
way. 

Mr. James Habersham, in a letter to Mr. Martyn, Secretary to the 
Trustees of Georgia, thus speaks of this emigration : — 

" In 1752, five persons, deputed by forty-three families, part of a congregation of 
Protestant dissenters, with their minister, in the neighbouring province, had ap- 
plied for lands to settle here, which was granted ; and that it was expected that 
several more of their brethren would want to join them. Accordingly twenty- 
eight persons by their deputies petitioned the Board yesterday for lands, and 
received a satisfactory answer. These twenty-eight, with their families, con- 
sist (by the account of the deputies) of 77 whites and 158 blacks, which, with 
the former 43 families, make 280 whites, men. women and children, and 536 
blacks. Part of the first petitioners are gone to have their lands laid out, and 
make the necessary preparation for the rest to follow. 

"These people, with their minister, are not unknown to many in this colony, 
and we have an extraordinary character of them from all quarters, which I be- 
lieve they very justly deserve. They will all be settled as contiguous as possible 
for the conveniency of meeting together in public worship, which they say is a 
principal end of their moving, for where they formerly resided, many of them 
were very much pinched for land, and some rented what they occupied, which 
was very discouraging, and would have obliged them to separate; and to prevent 
this, those who were well accommodated in respect to lands, proposed to dispose 
of them, and remove with those that wanted. They will be settled on the heads 
of Medway and Newport rivers, about thirty or forty miles south of this town, 
which will greatly strengthen those parts. I really look upon these people mov- 
ing here to be one of the most favourable circumstances that could befall the 
colony. They are all inured to the climate, know how to begin new settlements, 
and will be an immediate benefit by increasing her products.''* 

* Colonial Documents. 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 



517 



do. 
do. 
do. 
do. 



EARLY SETTLERS OF LIBERTY COUNTY. 

The following is from the Record-Book of the Medway Church •— 

Arrived from Dorchester and Beach Hill, in South Carolina, to Medway and 

Newport, in Georgia, for inhabitation :— , y u 

1752, Dec. 6, Sam'l Bacon and family. 1754, May 10, Bwj.Andhew and family. 

I7«M , f' N p JAMINBAKER ' d °- fromPonpon. 

7 3, March 24, Parmenas Way, do. 1755, March, Thomas Peacock, 

llu If ? P° HN E e VENS ' d °- Charlestown. 

1754, March, Richard Spencer, do. 1755, March 16. John Gorton 

Richard Baker, do. « April 15, John Winn, 

3, Josiah Osgood, do. « « John Luptan, 

31, Samuel Way, do. « « 20 , Joseph Bacon, 

April 22, John Elliott. j oseph Massey> p onpon 

May 2, John Quarterman, do. 1 755, May 6, Andrew Way do 

June 8, Rev. Mr. J Osgood, do. « « IsAAC g^J do ; 

February, Sarah Mitchell, do. 1756, Feb, Wm. Graves, do 

fromPonpon. Mr. John Stewart, Sen,' do' 

John Mitchell, do. 1756, April 20, Mr. John Graves, do' 

a T ,00 fr ° m / 0n P on - " " Mr. Daniel Donnom, ^ 

June 12 Samuel Brunley, do. Mr. Richard Gerreaudeau, do 

• May 2, Edward Way, do. 1758, March 13, James Andrew, do*. 

™T T? D da " M ^ 12, Mr. Samuel Jeans, do. 

17.4 May 22 Wm Baker, do. 1759, Jan. 26, Mr. Palmer Goading, do. 
April 6 John bHAVE, do. 1771, Mar. 22, Mr. Jonathan Bacon do. 
Nathaniel Way, do. « « Wm. Norman. do 

John Quarterman, Jr., Moses Way. « J une 1, Isham Andrews. 

We continue our extracts from the Medway Church books : 

1754 31st of November—John Elliott was chosen a Representative to the 
General Assembly. 

1755 29th o/March.-Two of us went to Savannah to attend upon the Gover- 
nor and Council. 

1755, 19th of May, Monday.~We had our first muster, when the militia law 
was read at the head of the company. 

1755, 29th ofMay.-Dr. Samuel Stevens, Messrs. John Graves, and William 
Graves, arrived. 

1756.— A letter came to us from the Hon. Jonathan Bryan, Esq one of his 
Majestie's Council for this colony, giving an account of some Creek Indians bein- 
slain by some persons from the Northward, who had settled themselves pretty 
high upon the Great Ogeechee River, in a quarrel about some creatures which 
the Indians had taken from them j that the Indians were very much irritated 
and declared they must have blood for blood; and that all means to pacify them 
seemed to no purpose, and advising us with expedition to build a fort for our 
safety. People are very much alarmed with the news, and consultations were 
immediately had about the building and place for a fort, and it was determined 



► 18 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



by a majority, that it should be at Captain Mark Carr's, low down, and upon the 
river near the sound, at about seven or eight miles distance from the nearest of the 
settlementof the Society, which accordingly was begun on the 20th September, 1756. 
October, 1756. — We hear that the Indians, upon the arrival of one who was 
wounded in the quarrel, and the relation he gave them of it, were as uneasy 
about it as ourselves, blamed their people for stealing the English horses, and 
have sent them runners, to spare us of their own, and desire the continuance of 
their friendship. 




THE MEDWAY CHURCH. 

1757, July 11. — Last night, received letters from some of our neighbours who 
were going on a trading voyage to Augustine, and taken by a French privateer, 
the captain of which made one of the company pretty large offers to bring him 
in at St. Catherine's, and told them he was informed of a rich vessel lately ar- 
rived there. Our neighbours having agreed to the ransom of the vessel and car- 
go, were let go by the privateer, and meeting with another of the inhabitants re- 
turning in a canoe with part of the said letters, and in them advised us to take 
care of ourselves, upon which we were called down this day to Sunbury, where 
we raised a couple of batteries, and made carriages for eight small cannon, 
which were at the place. 

1757, July 16. — Before day, we were alarmed by the fire of cannon at Sun- 
bury, whither we repaired, and a boat went out, but could discover nothing. 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 



519 



1760, May 27. — An express arrived from the Creek Nation, informing us that 
several of the traders were killed there, upon which many of the out-settlers left 
their settlements. 

1773, Aug. 2. — Our dear and much honoured pastor, the Rev. Mr. John Os- 
good, departed this life. 

The first house for public worship was erected on Metlway Neck, 
near the plantation of Mr. Thomas Mallard. About 1754, measures 
were taken to build a new meeting-house. It was erected at the Cross 
Paths, on the north side of the north branch of Newport Swamp, 44 feet 
by 36, with a gallery 18 feet, and pitched roof, hipped at one end, and a 
small steeple at the other. The steeple was placed west, and the pul- 
pit north. This house was destroyed by fire in 1778, by a body of 
armed men, under the command of Colonel Prevost. At the close 
of the Revolution, a coarse building was put up near the place 
where the old meeting-house stood, 40 feet by 30, with posts in the 
ground, and the sides filled up with poles. The present meeting- 
house, of which a view is annexed, was built in 1792. The body of 




CEMETERY OF MEDWAY CHURCH. 

the house measures 60 feet by 40. There is a large cemetery con- 
nected with this church, contiguous to it, which is happily illustrated 
by the accompanying engraving. The view of the cemetery, as also 
that of the church, was taken from a daguerreotype politely fur- 
nished us by a promising young artist of Liberty. 

List of the pastors of the Med way Church, from its organization to 
the present time : — Rev. John Osgood, Rev. Moses Allen, Rev. 
Abiel Holmes, D. D., Rev. Cyrus Gildersleeve, Rev. Murdogk 
Murphey Rev. Robert Quarterman, Rev. J. S. R. Axon. 



' 520 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Liberty County was the theatre of many important events during 
the Revolution. The reader may recollect, that at a meeting held at 
Savannah, to determine whether deputies should be sent to join those 
of the other colonies at the Continental Congress, it was decided in the 
negative. St. John's Parish, now Liberty County, dissented from that 
negative. The following papers will explain the conduct of her sons 
upon this occasion : — 

St. John's Parish, Georgia. — On Thursday evening, 23d of February, 1775, 
Joseph Wood, Mr. Daniel Roberts, and Mr. Samuel Stevens, three members of 
the Committee for the Parish of St. John, in Georgia, arrived in Charlestown, S. C., 
deputed to wait on the General Committee there, with the following letter and 
account of the proceedings of the inhabitants of that parish, in the present criti- 
cal situation of American affairs : — 

At a meeting held in the Parish of St. John's, 9th of February, 1 775, a letter 
from this Committee to the Committee of Correspondence, in Charlestown, S. C, 
was agreed to and written. 

It was then moved and agreed that some person or persons of this Committee 
do wait upon the Committee in Charlestown, with said letter. Accordingly, 
Messrs. Daniel Roberts, Samuel Stevens, and Joseph Wood were appointed and 
authorized to present the same, and transact such matters relative thereto as 
shall seem prudent and necessary. 

Taken from the minutes by order of the Chairman, and certified by Benjamin 
Baker, Clerk. 

Gentlemen: — We, the Committee of the Parish of St. John, take the earliest 
opportunity to lay before you the several steps taken by this Parish to conform, 
as near as possible, to the resolutions entered into by the other Provinces, and the 
measures now adopted for carrying into execution the Continental Association. 
As it was particularly recommended to us, we readily embraced those measures, 
by subscribing an agreement to accede to the General Association, on condition 
that trade and commerce might be continued to us with the Provinces, and we 
should have immediately sent it to you for your approbation, but were delayed by 
a summons to attend a Provincial Congress at Savannah, 18th of January last, 
for the purpose, we understood, of a General Association with the other Pro- 
vinces, and forchoosing'delegates to attend at the next Continental Congress to be 
held at Philadelphia in May next. We met at that time and place,' and ac- 
quainted the Committees of the other parishes then assembled, that the inhabit- 
ants of this parish had acceded to the General Association on the above-men- 
tioned conditions, and earnestly recommended the same to them. They did en- 
ter into an association, (a copy of which we transmit to you.) but so different, in 
our opinion, from the Continental Association, that it appears to be a contraven- 
tion of it, and exposes them to the censure of the 14th clause of the General As- 
sociation. 

1st. They have extended the time limited for exportations beyond what is al- 
lowed by the Continental Congress, and thereby indulged a liberty of exporta- 
tions to the prejudice of the other Provinces. 2d. For that in their limited time 
of importations, they have, contrary to the Continental Association, extended it 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 521 

in general to 15th of March next, for goods to be shipped to England, and for the 
Indian trade, to a still greater latitude, under the cloak of which, we have reason 
to believe, may be introduced a large importation equally adapted to the whites 
as well as to the Indians, and on the whole, such as we could not, consistent with 
our own association, possibly join in. Had they acceded fully to the General 
Association, even at so late a time as our Provincial Congress, we should have 
no occasion to trouble you with this address; but as they did not, we now apply 
to you to admit us, the subscribers in this parish, to an alliance with you, request- 
ing that you will allow trade and commerce to be continued to us, exclusive, if 
you think proper, of this Province in general ; the same to be continued and con- 
ducted under such regulations and restrictions as shall be consistent with the Ge- 
neral Association, and which on our parts we engage with all possible care to 
keep inviolate. Our being a parish of a non-associated Province, cannot, we 
presume, prevent our joining the other Provinces, as the restriction mentioned in 
the 14th clause of the General Association must, as we apprehend, be consider- 
ed as a general rule only, and respects this Province considered m a mixed or 
promiscuous sense ; but as we of this parish are a body detached from the rest by 
our resolutions and association, and sufficiently distinct by local situation, large 
enough for particular notice, and have been treated as such by a particular ad- 
dress from the late Continental Congress ; adjoining a sea-port, and in that re- 
spect capable of conforming to the General Association, and (if connected with 
you) with the same fidelity as a distinct parish of your own Province ; therefore 
we must be considered as comprehended within the spirit and equitable meaning 
of the Continental Association, and we are assured you will not condemn the inno- 
cent with the guilty, especially when a due separation is made between them. 
We now wait your answer, and shall be glad of your advice. 
(Signed,) 

Lyman Hall, Chairman. 
Medwav, Fehuary 9, 1775. 
To the Committee of Correspondence in Charlestown, South Carolina. 



Extracts from the Minutes of tlie Proceedings of the Committee of the 
Parish cf St. John, met at Savannah, ISth January, 1775. 

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1775. — The Committee met, and Dr. Lyman Hall took the 
Chair. The following message was sent to the Committees of the several parish- 
es in Congress sitting : — 

Gentlemen : — The Committee of the Parish of St. John present the Commit- 
tees of the other parishes with a copy of a letter received by them from the 
late Continental Congress, and agreeably to the advice therein contained, the in- 
habitants of the Parish of St. John have acceded to the General Association, en- 
tered into and recommended by the said Continental Congress. They hope you 
will adopt the same measures. 

Thursday, Jan. 19, 1775. — The Committee sat until six o'clock in the afternoon, 
in expectation that the Committees of the several parishes, in Congress sitting, 



522 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

would return an answer to the message delivered to them yesterday, which not 
being received, the Committee adjourned. 

Friday, Jan. 20, 1775. — Another message was sent to the Committees of the 
several parishes in Congress met, in the following terms : — 

Gentlemen : — On the first day of your meeting, we presented you with a mes- 
sage acquainting you that the inhabitants of the Parish of St. John have acceded 
to the General Association entered into, and particularly recommended to them 
by the late Continental Congress. We have patiently waited your answer, and 
wish to impute your silence rather to inattention than design. We now assure 
you, if you think proper to enter fully into the measures of the late Continental 
Congress, we will heartily join you in everything that may tend to enforce them. 

The Committees of the several parishes sent the following answer : — 

Gentlemen : — In answer to your message of this morning, we beg leave to 
inform you of three determinations from which we hope this Congress will never 
recede. 

1st. That we should be glad to have the Province upon this occasion as fully 
represented as possible, and will cheerfully receive the delegates of St. John's 
Parish as part of us. 

2d. That we apprehend every delegate here is accountable to his constitu- 
ents and his own conscience for the opinion he gives at this time, and therefore 
ought not to let any other man, or set of men, judge for him. 

3d. That we trust no member amongst us has any other object in view but 
the public good. 

Saturday Jan. 21, 1775. — Committee met, and came to the following resolu- 
tions : — 

Resolved, That the Committees of the several parishes in Congress, now sitting, 
are not, nor cannot, be called a Provincial Congress, as the greatest number of 
parishes in this Province are not represented therein ; they therefore are not 
bound by the proceedings of said Committees, although they may arrogate to 
themselves such a power. 

Resolved, That as the Committees of the several parishes in Congress, now sit- 
ting, have not fully approved of dnd adopted the measures entered into and re- 
commended by the late Continental Congress, this Committee cannot join them 
without violating the General Association which they have already acceded to, 
and betraying the trust reposed in them by Iheir constituents. 

And then the Committee adjourned sine die. 

Above extracts taken from original minutes, by Joseph Wood, Secretary. 



The following are the resolutions adopted by the General Com 
mittee at Charlestown, S. C, in reference to the Colony of Georgia, 
and the action taken by the citizens of the Parish of St. John : — 

In General Committee, Charlestown, Feb. 8, 1775. — Inasmuch as the Colony of 
Georgia hath not acceded to the Continental Association, entered into by the Gene- 
ral Congress at Philadelphia, 20th of October last; therefore, and in conformity 
to the resolution of said Continental Congress, 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 523 

Resolved, That we will from henceforth have no trade, commerce, dealings, or 
intercourse with the said Colony of Georgia, but will hold them as unworthy of 
the rights of freemen, and inimical to the liberties of their country. 

Feb. 24, 1775. — A letter and sundry papers from the Parish of St. John's were 
considered : and it was 

Resolved, That the Chairman be desired to write a proper letter to the Commit- 
tee of the Parish of St. John, in Georgia, assuring them of the high sense we 
have of their arduous struggle in favour of the common cause of America, and 
that we sincerely lament their present unhappy situation; but as the parish is a 
part of the Colony of Georgia, in our opinion falls under the 14th article of the 
General Association, so we apprehend that it is not in our power to give them 
that relief they desire, and we can only recommend that they will persevere in 
their laudable exertions, and lay a state of their case before the ensuing Conti- 
nental Congress, making no doubt that it will by them be properly considered. 



The determination of the inhabitants of this county to send dele- 
gates to Congress before the rest of the Province had acquiesced 
in that measure, induced the Legislature to change the name of 
St John's Parish to that of Liberty County. 

An idea of the spirit of the people may be gathered from the 
following letter addressed by Sir James Wright, then Governor of 
Georgia, dated 24th of April, 1775, to the Earl of Dartmouth : — 

But here, my Lord, I must mention that a few inhabitants of the Parish of St. 
John's, chiefly descendants of New-England people, of the Puritan Independent 
sect, and who left New-England and settled in South Carolina about forty or 
fifty years ago, and who, there is great reason to believe, still retain a strong 
tincture of Republican or Oliverian principles, have entered into an agreement 
amongst themselves to adopt both the resolutions and association of the Con- 
tinental Congress. They did not join the people here, but sent three persons to 
Charlestown, in South Carolina, to the Committee, as they call them, offering to 
associate with them ; but they would have nothing to say to them, being but a 
few, or a part of one parish only; and I am told they have appointed a man, 
Lyman Hall, of New-England extract, to go from thence to meet in Philadelphia 
next month, where, I expect, they will be treated in the same manner as in 
Charlestown. And these poor insignificant fanatics no sooner entered into associa- 
tion, than they broke through it in many instances, and still do, although they 
pretend great sanctity, and to be strict adherents of religion and liberty, as they 
term it; and it is said they have collected about 200 barrels of rice, which Hall 
is to carry with him for the relief of their poor distressed, innocent brethren in 
Boston, suffering under tyranny and oppression. 



The annals of this county are rich in Revolutionary incidents. 
About one mile and a half south of Medway Church, the brave 
General James Screven was killed. 

The following correspondence, copied from the London Remem- 



524 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

brancer, will explain some circumstances connected with the battle 
at Midway, in which this noble patriot fell : — 

Camp at Medway, Nov. 20, 1778. 
Sir : — General Screven and Mr. Strother having been missing since the skir- 
mish with your troops, I have sent Major Habersham to know whether they had 
fallen, or are prisoners in your hands ; and, in the former case, to request thai 
their corpses may be permitted to be brought in for interment. 1 cannot avoid, 
on the present occasion, to complain of the equally ruinous and disgraceful war- 
fare carried on by the troops under your command. While your King affects to 
wish a pacification with America, his officers are heightening the resentment of 
the people by the most contrary to good offices. What advantages or consola- 
tions do you derive from cruel burnings ? Are not the effects of war sufficiently 
calamitous for the community, that you should transfer them to individuals, and 
in a manner, too, without discrimination ? Britons did not use to do so ; it is their 
practice only in these latter days. Having fought in their service, I feel a right 
to remonstrate against it, and which I more earnestly do, that it may prevent the 
horrors of retaliation. 

J am, Sir, 

J. White, C. C. 
Lieut. -Colonel J. Pkevost, Commander of the King's Troops. 



answer to the above. 

St. John's Parish, Nov. 22, 1778. 

Sir: — I had the honour of yours relative to Brigadier-General Screven and Mr. 
Strother. The former, I am happy to inform you, is likely to do well, from the 
report of the surgeons. The other, I believe, is dead. I shall give directions for 
his burial. 

When you come to consider that many of the troops under my command are 
irregulars, and many of them have resentments, to account for many acts which 
I heartily abhor ; and that the calamities of war you complain of have been by 
people under your immediate command, given as a precedent, at Pierson's 
Island; the destruction previous to that of ever) r settlement on St. Mary's River; 
the wanton destruction of animal creatures on the Island of Amelia, and the mur- 
der of Captain Moore, and others, in cold blood; — you will own, I hope, that if the 
retaliation has been severe, it might have been foreseen and expected, and the 
more costly, it will be less felt than that of the poor people who lost their all. At 
the same time. I positively disclaim any order, or even approbation, of such pro- 
ceedings. My heart bleeds for the sufferers, though authorized by the laws of 
war. 

I have forbidden in the strictest manner the burning of any houses ; and when- 
ever any people have been found to take care of their property, though known to 
be inimical to the King's government, I have left them in possession of every- 
thing belonging to them, and only required them to remain quietly and peacea- 
bly at their own houses. The hostile appearance of the inhabitants, and your 
Governor's indecent proclamation when your last attempt against Florida was 



LIBERTY COUNTY- 525 

threatened, would justify anything, if I could reconcile it to myself; at the same 
time, I must declare to you. that whenever I shall meet with opposition from 
planters and inhabitants, their property must answer for their imprudence. The 
destruction of provisions, which I know to be a capital loss to a planter, will at 
least atone for their rashness. I have to acquaint you that I have accounts of a 
large number of Indians anxious to join me; the horrors attending their mode of 
carrying on war have always shocked me, and I could wish that I could be jus- 
tifiable in sending them back again previous to their entering the heart of the 
settlement. Think not that I am vain, or mean to threaten, by demanding a 
tame submission of the Province until the fate of America is determined; you 
will find that my humanity and my wish to save Georgia dictate my application 
to you. I have the honour to be with respect, sir, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 

J. Prevost, Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Commanding the King's Troops in Georgia. 
P. S. — Brigadier-General Screven being desirous, I was glad to send him, when 
he could meet with proper assistance. I am really unhappy to hear from him 
that one of the Rangers shot him after he was already disabled. Captain Mittuc, 
whom I send with him, with eight men, has orders to deliver him safe in your 
camp, and to return immediately. I beg he may not be detained. Your flag 
was detained no longer than to give proper attendance to the General. 

I am, sir. yours, 

J. Prevost. 



The following correspondence between Colonel John Mcintosh, 
commanding officer in Fort Morris, and Lieutenant-Colonel Fuser, 
commanding a body of British troops, who then had possession of 
the upper part of the town of Sunbury, will be particularly interestino- 
to the reader : — 

Sir : — You cannot be ignorant that four armies are in motion to reduce this 
Province. The one is always under the guns of your fort, and mav be joined 
when I think proper, by Colonel Prevost, who is now at the Medway meeting- 
house. The resistance you can or intend to make will only bring destruction 
upon this country. On the contrary, if you will deliver me the fort which you 
command, lay down your arms, and remain neuter until the fate of America is 
determined, you shall, as well as all of the inhabitants of this parish, remain in 
peaceable possession of your property. Your answer, which I expect in an hours 
time, will determine the fate of this country, whether it is to be laid in ashes, or 
remain as above proposed. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, &c., 

L. V. Fuser. 
Colonel GQih Regiment, and Commander of his Majesty's 
Troops in Georgia, on his Majesty's Service. 
P. S. — Since this letter was closed, some of your people have been firing scatter- 
ing shot about the line. I am to inform you, that if a stop is not put to such irre- 
gular proceedings, I shall burn a house for every shot so fired. 



526 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

This letter was brought into the fort by Major Lane, who soon re- 
turned with the following answer, which he delivered to Colonel 
Fuser : — 

Fort Morris. Nov. 25, 1778. 

Sir : — We acknowledge we are not ignorant that your army is in motion 
to endeavour to reduce this State. We believe it entirely chimerical that Colo- 
nel Prevost is at the Meeting-house ; but should it be so, we are in no degree 
apprehensive of danger from a junction of his army with yours. We have 

no property compared with the object we contend for that we value a rush , 

and would rather perish in a vigorous defence than accept of your proposals. We, 
sir, are fighting the battles of America, and therefore disdain to remain neutral 
till its fate is determined. As to surrendering the fort, receive this laconic reply, 
"Come and take it." Major Lane, whom I send with this letter, is directed to 
satisfy you with respect to the irregular, loose firing mentioned on the back of 
your letter. 

I have the honour to be, 

Sir, your most obedient serv't, 

John McIntosh, 
Colonel of Continental Troops. 

About half past 11, A. M., Major Lane returned, after having signified to Colo- 
nel Fuser, that the loose firing complained of was intended to prevent the British 
troops from plundering the town ; and as to his threatening to burn a house for 
every shot, the Major stated to Colonel Fuser, that such a proceeding would 
be rather savage and inhuman ; but if he was determined to do it, in order 
to convince them how little we were to be deterred by such threats, as soon as 
he burnt a house at one end of the town, we would apply a torch to the other, 
and let the flames meet by a mutual conflagration. 

Several skirmishes between the Americans and the British took 
place in this county. 

At the White House, in 1779, Major Baker defeated a party of the enemy. 
Several were killed, among whom was Lieutenant Gray, whose head, McCall 
says, was almost severed from the body by a cut from the sabre of the celebrated 
Robert Sallette. 

Near a place then called Hickory Hill, the plantation of James Butler, a battle 
took place in June, 1779, between a party of the enemy, commanded by Captain 
M idler, and a detachment of Americans, commanded by Major Cooper and Cap- 
tain Inman. Although the British fought bravely, victory declared in favour of 
the Americans. None of the British detachment escaped. 

On June 27th, 1779, Colonels Baker and Twiggs, of the Georgia Militia, with a 
party of volunteer horse, in an excursion towards Sunbury, fell in with some 
of McG-irth's men at Medway Meeting-house, whom they attacked, and made a 
few of them prisoners. Intelligence being received by Colonel Baker of several 
Continental officers, prisoners on parole, going from Savannah to Sunbury, went 
in quest of them, and retook, at Mrs. Arthur's, Captains Mosby, Nash, Booker, 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 527 

Hicks, and Templeton, and Lieutenants Mosby, Davenport, and Mitchell. These 
gentlemen, with the prisoners, were sent up to Cannouchee. Colonel Twiggs re- 
mained, with about sixty men, at Mr. James Butler's plantation, which the 
enemy learning, Captain Muller, of the 60th Grenadiers, was sent for from Sa- 
vannah, with about fifty regulars, mounted on horseback, to surprise him. 
Twiggs, being apprised of their approach, had just time to collect thirty-five of 
his men, and post them behind a fence which Muller had to pass, and who, dread- 
ing nothing less than an ambush, was coming on in perfect security, when he 
received a well-directed fire of musketry, by which several of his party were 
killed. He ordered his men to dismount, and charge. After keeping up an 
irregular tire for ten minutes, the enemy betook themselves to flight. In this en- 
gagement Muller was killed. 

In the year in which McGirth made his first trip from St. Augustine to Liberty 
County, he came to a place, now Jonesville, where there was a stockade fort 
built by Moses Way. It contained provisions, and was garrisoned by eight or 
ten men who were sent from Barrington. Their horses were grazing near the 
fort. Early in the morning, when Way's son went to collect the horses, McGirth 
made his appearance, took him prisoner, tied him to the horse by his legs, and 
then made him ride in full view of his father. McGirth commenced the attack 
upon the fort, and the firing continued from sunrise to sunset, when Colonel Baker 
appeared, and McGirth retreated. 



No portion of the State suffered more from the Indians than this 
county. A volume might be filled with an account of the sufferings 
of the inhabitants. We extract from the papers of the day the fol- 
lowing particulars : — 

1787. — On the 24th of October in this year, a man was scalped within eighteen 
miles of Sunbury. 

1788. — On the 9th of January, two men, named Rogers and Queeling, and a 
lad named Bennett, were killed and scalped by a party of thirteen or fourteen 
Indians, in Medway settlement, twelve miles from the Great Ogeechee ferry. 

On the 6th of March, Captain Sterling received intelligence that a party of 
Indians were collecting stock on the River Alatamaha, whereupon he ordered 
five picked horsemen, well mounted, to cross the river. That night they stopped 
at an evacuated fort, called Williams', and on the next day proceeded up the 
south side of the river; and at Phinholloway Creek found their trail, which they 
followed, and about two o'clock came up with them, twelve in number, with 
seventeen head of cattle and a drove of hogs. The whites immediately charged, 
and drove the Indians for a considerable distance, until they gained a bay, where 
they resolutely faced about, and entered into a spirited action, which continued 
for some time, during which two of the Indians were killed: but the superiority 
of their numbers compelled the whites to retreat. One of the men was wounded 
through the hand, and another slightly through the neck. The names of the 
five men who so gallantly fought upon this occasion were, Greene, II arvev, King, 
Waggoner, and Corker. These brave fellows were publicly thanked in general 
orders by General James Jackson. 



528 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

In the same month a party of Indians attacked Captain Lewis, at Mr. Shepherd's 
plantation. The Captain had been on a scout to Beard's Creek and across to 
Cannouchee. Returning about the middle of the afternoon, he turned out his 
horses, and dispatched several of his men to procure forage. A little before 
sunset, the Indians were discovered coming up behind some outhouses. The 
men had just time to fly to their arms and conceal themselves, when the enemy 
marched within forty yards, discovered the white party, and fired. The fire was 
instantly returned, which killed one Indian and wounded two more. The Indians 
then retreated. Captain Lewis pursued them, but the wily foe escaped. 

May 1st. — The Indians came to Mr. Gerreaudeau's plantation, carried off some 
of his negroes, and wounded a young man by the name of Smallwood. 

May 8. — The Indians came to Colonel Maybank's plantation and carried off 
some of his negroes. 

At Sapelo a young man was killed by the savages, whilst milking his cow. 

On the Gth of June, a party of Indians came to the plantation of John Hous- 
toun, Esq., and near the fort killed a man by the name of McCormick, scalped 
his son, and carried off three of his daughters, with a little boy. 

In the month of September, a party of Indians came to Mr. Quarterman's planta- 
tion, and took away thirteen negroes. .Captain Sumner and Lieutenant Burnley 
pursued them. The latter gentleman overtook them in a thick branch on Tay- 
lor's Creek, and charged them, but the Indians fled. The negroes were retaken. 

During the same month, the inhabitants of this county held a meeting at Med- 
way Church, at which it was resolved, that a body of light horse be immediately 
raised for the defence of the county, to consist of 40 privates, 2 sergeants, 2 lieu- 
tenants and a captain, and to be under articles agreeably to the Continental 
establishment. 

The following is extracted from a letter written by Colonel Max- 
well to Lieutenant-Colonel Fishburne : — 

"On the 14th of November, 1788, information was received by Captain White- 
head, that the Indians had attacked Mr. Walthour's plantation, killed three and 
carried off eight negroes. Being at a loss for a pilot, Captain Whitehead's com- 
pany proceeded to a place owned by Mr. Taylor, about half a mile from where 
these depredations had been committed. Knowing Mr. Walthour to be a good 
woodsman, and acquainted with the different crossing-places on the Alatamaha. 
Captain Whitehead sent two expresses for him to join him at the above planta- 
tion, but received no answer. Captain Whitehead then proceeded to search out 
the trail, and after going about four miles, found it, which made for Beard's 
Bluff. He pursued with all possible haste. A mile and a half from the 
Bluff the Indians had stationed a sentinel, who, at the appearance of Captain 
Whitehead's force, gave the alarm by firing his gun. Upon his arrival at the 
Bluff, the Indians fled into a swamp, but they were pursued. Not being able 
to overtake them, the Captain returned, ordered eight men to dismount, laid an 
ambuscade, and requested Lieutenant Maxwell to proceed with the remainder 
back on the route, to continue firing guns, and hallooing for a mile or two, 
decoy the enemy into the belief that he had retreated, which had the desi 
effect, for in a short time the Indians were heard collecting together in 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 529 

swamp, and one appeared on the other side of the river in order to reconnoitre. 
The Indians came within forty-five yards of the ambuscade, and were fired upon." 
1793, April 10. — Mr. Peter Gerreaudeau was killed by the Indians. He was at- 
tached to a force under the command of Colonel Stewart, who were in pur- 
suit of twelve negroes who had been taken from Mr. James Smith's plantation 
by the savages. For some cause he left his party, and when search was made 
for him he was found dead. 



The following is the address of the Congregational Church and 
Society at Medway, formerly St. John's Parish, to President Wash- 
ington, whilst on a visit to Georgia in 1791 : — 

Sir: — We feel ourselves happy in an opportunity of expressing our attachment 
to your person, and our peculiar pleasure in your selection by the unanimous 
voice of your country to the Presidency of the United States. 

Though situated in the extreme part of the Union, we have gratefully to ac- 
knowledge that we already experience the propitious influence of your wise and 
parental administration. To the troops stationed on our frontiers by your order, 
and to the treaty lately concluded with the Creek Nation under your auspices, 
we are indebted, under Providence, for our present tranquillity. The hatchet is 
now buried, and we smoke with our Indian neighbours the calumet of peace. 
This, while it affords a happy presage of our future protection, gives, at the same 
time, a recent proof how justly you have earned, in your civil as well as military 
capacity, the glorious title of Father of your Country. 

With the laurel, then, be pleased to accept the civic wreath from a grateful 
people. 

We readily conceive how arduous must be the duties, -how weighty and com- 
plicated the cares of office, in the government of so extensive a Republic as that 
over which you are called to preside. Impressed with a deep sense of this, we 
will not fail to implore the Divine blessing in your behalf. May you continue 
to be directed by that wisdom from above which is necessary to the discharge of 
the duties of your high and important station ; and may you long be preserved the 
favoured instrument of Heaven to secure to a free people those invaluable rights 
which you so eminently contributed to rescue from the hand of oppression. Dis- 
tant as our situation is from the Seat of Government, permit us to assure you that 
our influence, however inconsiderable in the national scale, shall not be wanting 
in encouraging submission to the laws of the United States, and thus under God 
perpetuate the blessings of an efficient Federal Government, now so happily es- 
tablished. 

(Signed.) James Maxwell, 

Daniel Stewart,- Committee in behalf 

A. Holmes, y of the Church and 

Henry Wood, Society. 

John P. Mann, j 

Midway, Liberty County, May 12, 1791. 

34 



530 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The President's Answer to the Congregational Church and Society at Med- 

way, Georgia. 

Gentlemen: — I learn with gratitude proportioned to the occasion, your attach- 
ment to my person, and the pleasure you express on my election to the Presi- 
dency of the United States. Your sentiments on the happy influence of our 
equal government impress me with the most sensible satisfaction. They vindi- 
cate the great cause of humanity. They reflect honour on the liberal minds that 
entertain them, and they promise the continuance and improvement of that 
tranquillity which is essential to the welfare of nations and the happiness of men. 

You overrate my best exertions, when you ascribe to them the blessings which 
our country enjoys. 

From the gallantry and fortitude of her citizens, under the auspices of Heaven, 
America has derived her independence. To their industry and the natural ad- 
vantages of the country, she is indebted for her prosperous situation. From their 
virtue she may expect long to share the protection of a free and equal govern- 
ment, which their wisdom has established, and which experience justifies, as 
admirably adapted to our social wants and individual felicity. 

Continue, my fellow-citizens, to cultivate the peace and harmony which now 
subsist between you and your Indian neighbours — the happy consequence is im- 
mediate — the reflection which arises on justice and benevolence will be lastingly 
grateful. A knowledge of your happiness will lighten the cares of my station, 
and be among the most pleasing of their rewards. 

George Washington. 

The following is extracted from the minutes of the proceedings of 
the first Superior Court held in Liberty County : — 

Sunbury, in the County of Liberty and State of Georgia : — The Superior Court 
was opened in the usual form on Tuesday, the 18th November, 1783. But a 
sufficient number of the officers not appearing for holding the same, on account 
of bad weather, the Court was adjourned to Wednesday, 19th. 

Wednesday, the 19th, the weather still continuing bad, their Honors, George 
Walton, Esq., Chief-Justice, and Benjamin Andrew, Sen'r, Esq., Assistant Judge, 
present, ordered that the Court be adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow, and it was 
adjourned accordingly. 

Thursday, 20th November, 1783, the Court met according to adjournment. 

The Grand Jury being empannelled and sworn, the Chief-Justice gave the fol- 
lowing charge : — 

Gentlemen of the Grand Jury : — The Circuit which I have lately rode, and 
which is now to be finished in your county, being the first since the close of the 
war, the best consequences may be expected to ensue from that good order and 
subordination which everywhere attended the courts, and which I doubt not will 
take place here. Nothing can contribute so much to confirm the blessings of 
peace as an invariable observance of the laws, which have, or ought always to 
have, for their sole object the general happiness of the people. In their execu- 
tion, juries are the grand medium, and without their intervention^ no citizen 
can be deprived of his rights. To you in particular is now consigned an in« 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 531 

quiry into the nature and degree of those offences committed within the county 
jurisdiction against the peace of the State. In the prosecution of it, neither 
hatred nor malice, favour, nor affection, is to be admitted, but the culprit is to be 
punished, and the innocent discharged. 

I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the news of a definitive treaty of peace, by 
which our freedom, sovereignty, and independence, are secured. The war 
which produced it was one of necessity on our part. That we were enabled to 
prosecute it with firmness and perseverance to so glorious an issue, should be 
ascribed to the protecting influence of the Great Disposer of events, and be a 
subject of grateful praise and adoration, while the result of the contest is so 
honourable and advantageous to us and to posterity. It is to be lamented that 
those moral and. religious duties, so essential to the order of society and 
the permanent happiness of mankind, have been too much neglected. To re- 
cover them into practice, the life and conduct of every good man should be-a 
constant example. Your temples, which the profane instruments of a tyrant 
laid in ashes, should be built again ; for nothing tends to harmonize the rude and 
unlearned organs of man more than frequent meetings in the place of holy wor- 
ship. Let the monument of your brave and virtuous soldier and citizen,* which 
was ordered by Congress to his memory, be erected on the same ground, that his 
virtues, and the cause in which he sacrificed his life, may be seen together by 
your children, and remembered through distant ages. 

In the course of the conflict with an enemy whose conduct was generally 
marked with cruelty, the whole State has suffered, undoubtedly, more than any 
in the confederacy. The citizens of Liberty County, with others, have drunk 
deep in the stream of distress. Remembering these things, we should not lose 
sight of the value of the prize we have obtained. And now that we are in full 
possession of our freedom, we should all unite in our endeavours to benefit and 
perpetuate the system, that we may always be happy at home, and forever freed 
from the insults of petty tyrants commissioned from abroad. 

grand jurors' names. 

1. Joseph Law, 13. John Hardy, 

2. William Baker, Sen., 14. William Baker, Jun., 

3. James Maxwell, 15. Nathaniel Saxton, 

4. James Jeffries, 16. James Powell, 

5. John Mitchell, Jun., 17. William Way, 

6. Palmer Goulding, 18. John Myers, Sen., 

7. John Elliott, 19. John Way, 

8. John Whitehead, 20. John Winn, 

9. William West, 21. Edward Way, 

10. Thomas Bradwell, 22. Joseph Way, 

11. William Peacock, Sen.. 23. William Quarterman. 

12. Nathan Taylor, 

* Judge Walton here refers to a monument which was ordered by Congress to be 
erected to the memory of General James Screven. 



532 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 



DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. 

This county may be justly proud of her sons. We give short 
sketches of a few of them. 

Rev. William McWhir, D. D., died in this county, in the ninety- 
second year of his age. He was born in Ireland in 1759, received 
his collegiate education at Belfast, and, after pursuing his theological 
course, w r as licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Belfast. In 1783 
he came to America, and settled in Alexandria, Va., where for ten 
years he was at the head of an academy, of which General Washing- 
ton was a trustee. In 1793, he came to Sunbury, at which place he 
established an academy. Here he married the widow of Colonel 
John Baker. Such was the reputation of his school, that pupils came 
to it from almost every part of the State. 

As a Greek and Latin scholar, Dr. McWhir was without a rival. 
In 1819 he visited Ireland, England, and Scotland. 

About the years 1823-24, he visited Florida, preached at St. Au- 
gustine and Mandarin, and in the vicinity, and was the founder of a 
church at the latter place, the first Presbyterian Church ever organ- 
ized in Florida, and it was mainly through his efforts that the church 
at St. Augustine was founded. Dr. McWhir never had a regular pas- 
toral charge ; nevertheless, he continued, to his death, a member of 
the Presbytery, within the bounds of which he lived, and was fre- 
quently in Synod, and a Commissioner to the General Assembly. 
The Boards of the Church found in him a willing contributor, and 
considering his means, which never were large, few men ever gave 
more to religious and benevolent objects. Until within the last ten or 
fifteen years, he preached occasionally, chiefly in destitute places, and 
at his decease was probably the oldest Presbyterian minister in the 
United States. At the age of nearly ninety, Dr. McWhir was a vo- 
luntary colporteur .of the American Tract Society, and gave up the 
work not until he was too feeble to labour. The name of no man 
who ever lived in Georgia was more intimately identified with the 
cause of education, unless the late venerable Moses Waddel be an 
exception. As a teacher, his chief merits were thoroughness of in- 
struction and the most exact discipline, such as would in these days 
be esteemed too rigorous. He never enjoyed much reputation as a 
preacher, owing, no doubt, to the want of ready eloquence, and the al- 
most entire absence of that faculty of the mind called imagination. 
Nature and education seemed to have fitted him for the school-house. 
Among his pupils may be ranked some of the most eminent men in 
the State. His correspondence was very extensive, and embraced 
within its range several distinguished men, amongst them Genera 1 
Washington, Dr. Chalmers, and Sir John Sinclair. 

Rev. Moses Allen. — This gentleman was, born in Northampton, 





• .-. 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 533 

Mass., Sept. 14, 1748. About 1777 he was established at Midway. 
At the reduction of Savannah by the British troops, Mr. Allen was 
taken prisoner. The Continental officers were sent to Sunbury on 
parole, but Mr. Allen, who was Chaplain to the Georgia Brigade, 
was denied this privilege. He was sent on board a prison-ship, and 
in attempting to recover his liberty by swimming to land, he was 
drowned. His body was washed on an island, and was found by 
some of his friends. They requested of the captain of a British ves- 
sel boards to make a coffin, but were refused. 

Benjamin Baker, at the age of twenty-three, attended General Ogle- 
thorpe in his expedition against St. Augustine. During the Revolution 
he suffered many hardships. In 1776, " he was engaged for almost a 
week in studying and writing for the public, comparing several con- 
stitutions of government, and endeavouring from these to compile one 
suitable for the Province of Georgia." For more than twenty-seven 
years he was clerk of the Midway Church. At his death, he left 
several volumes of manuscripts. 

Colonels William and John Baker were active soldiers in the 
Revolution, and distinguished themselves upon many occasions. 

Hon. John Elliott died in this county, and served in the Senate 
of the United States from 1819 to 1825. 

General Daniel Stewart. — The chronicle of Georgia's great 
names would be incomplete without that of this distinguished citizen. 
He was frequently in battle under Sumter and Marion, and rendered 
important services to the State by the judicious measures he adopted 
to defend its frontiers against the attacks of the Indians. He died in 
the sixty-ninth year of his age. 

Mr. Audley Maxwell was a member of the first General Assem- 
sly in Georgia, which met in Savannah on the 15th day of January, 
1751. 

For the following sketch of Major John Jones, the father of the 
late Captain Jones, who was killed in the battle at Savannah, we are 
indebted to a friend : — 

Major John Jones removed from Charleston, S. C, of which city 
he was a native, to St. John's Parish, now Liberty County, Ga., prior 
to the Revolution. In 1774 he was a large importing merchant, re- 
siding with his family in the then flourishing town of Sunbury, cul- 
tivating at the same time his plantation, still known as Rice Hope. 
At the earliest call of his country, we find him enlisting in her cause. 
The Atlantic wave, which had heretofore borne from our mother 
England only the peaceful sails of commerce, was now, from the same 
source, wafting with every breeze the invader to our shores. On his 



534 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

part, there was no hesitation from motives of selfish interest. His 
soul was pledged to freedom, and so was his fortune. From this pe- 
riod the affluent merchant was merged into the partisan soldier. Our 
first notice of his gallant bearing is derived from the personal recol- 
lections of General Daniel Stewart. He was attached to the corps of 
cavalry raised for the defence of the parish under the command of 
Colonel Baker. They were hastily summoned to resist the inva- 
sion of General Prevost, from the South, and the members joined 
the corps on its march as early as it could be done by them. 
Major Jones was summoned to join the body at the intersection of 
the road from Savannah with the Sunbury and Darien road. With 
all possible speed he rode from Sunbury, and on arriving at the 
appointed place of meeting, and finding the roads vacant, he con- 
cluded the cavalry had passed. They had done so not two hours, and 
finding that General Prevost, anticipating an attack at Bull Town 
Swamp, had hastened forward and crossed it, they made good their 
retreat, with the infantry, towards Riceborough and Midway. Major 
Jones passed on, and when near Bull Town Swamp, saw what he sup- 
posed to be his corps in the distance, and in the eagerness of his ad- 
vance, never discovered his mistake until within point-blank shot of 
the enemy. Reining in, he stood firm, in so perilous a situation, 
and drawing his pistol, discharged it in the face of the foe ; to use 
his own words, " he was determined not to retreat until he had first 
given the red coats a shot." Wheeling, he put spurs to his horse, and 
escaped unharmed amidst volleys of balls discharged at him. " When 
he overtook his company," says General Stewart, " as he rode up 
flushed with the excitement of the occasion, he narrated the circum- 
stances, and remarked that as he retreated a hundred bullets whizzed 
within an inch of his nose, which was the prominent feature of his 
face." 

A disagreement arising between Colonel Baker and himself, he 
challenged him to a settlement by single combat. They were to 
fight in uniform, on horseback, and with their broadswords. The 
morning came, and the appointed hour found them on the ground, 
when General James Screven unexpectedly presented himself before 
them. He well knew their courage and settled determination. Ap- 
proaching them, he said : " My friends and companions in arms ! can 
it be, when your country is bleeding at every pore, and needs the sup- 
port of her sons in her defence, that you are about to sacrifice your 
lives to feelings of personal hostility and revenge ? If you cannot ex- 
tend to each other the hand of confidence and friendship, for your 
country's sake, do not destroy each other's lives." The appeal was 
heard. The drawn swords were returned to their scabbards. The 
spirit of patriotism sealed the fountain of injured honour, and tri- 
umphed over the desire of private revenge. To live for their country 
was more noble than to die for themselves. 

Major Jones suffered severe losses in common with his fellow- 
citizens. On the surrender of Sunbury to the British, his dwelling, 
store and warehouse were rifled and destroyed. His plantation also 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 535 

in the country was broken up, and many of his servants taken off, 
and he removed his family to Jacksonborough, in South Carolina, for 
safety. In the progress of the war, he was appointed aid to General 
Mcintosh, with whom he continued until his death. 

The following are a few brief extracts from his letters to his wife, 
Mrs. Mary Jones. The first was dated " Canys, at Reed's Bluff, 3d 
June, 1778," in which he says : " Do not make yourself unhappy. I 
do not expect the campaign will be long. The General offers his 
compliments to you, and thanks you for the buckle sent him. Do not 
forget to send Major Grimkie some black ribbon to make a cockade." 
The others relate immediately to the siege of Savannah. 

General Lincoln reached Zubly's Ferry, on the Savannah River, in 
his march to co-operate with Count D'Estaing in an attack upon 
Savannah, on the 11th of September, 1779; and from this place 
Major Jones writes : — 

"Zubly's Ferry, Tuesday, \4th Sept., 1779. 
" My Dear Polly : — We arrived here last evening, and are just going to cross 
the river. Count Pulaski has taken ten prisoners, but they were not found in arms. 
We are informed that a number of the inhabitants of Georgia have come over to 
receive pardon, and implore protection. How far the General will protect their 
property I do not know.'' 

"Camp near Savannah. 3d October, 1779. 
" My Dear Polly : — The express not setting off yesterday, gives me an opportu- 
nity of writing you again. I expected we should have begun with bombs and 
cannonading this morning ; but as matters are not quite ready, we shall not begin 
before this afternoon, when we shall open with twenty-six pieces of battering 
cannon and thirteen bombs. I am in hopes, in the course of twenty-four 
hours' play on their different redoubts, that they will think it prudent to surren- 
der; and if they should not, God knows what will be the consequence. Many 
valuable lives must be lost in taking the town by storm, the last resource. We 
are just upon the move — the scene will shortly open. We have the prayers of 
the Church, and I hope, from the justness of our cause, that God will decide in our 

favour. 

" Your affectionate, 

"John Jones." 

"Camp befcJre Savannah, 4th October, 1779. 
" My Dear Polly : — This being a very favourable opportunity, I cannot omit 
writing you. I still keep my health, and am in high spirits. Last night, at twelve 
o'clock, we began to open our bomb battery, and this morning, at five o'clock, 
we began with our battering cannon — a sight that I would not miss seeing. We 
are still at it, and I do not expect that we shall cease for forty-eight hours. At 
the end of that time, I hope Savannah will have surrendered. 1 feel most sin- 
cerely for the poor women and children ; God only knows what will become of 
them. I can form no idea at present when we shall get into Savannah. I am of 
opinion the enemy will make a very vigorous and desperate defence, and it is 



536 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

more than probable that we shall be driven to the disagreeable necessity of 
storming. Count D'Estaing is now embarked seriously in this matter, and his 
honour will not allow him to withdraw; so that, at all events, we must reduce 
Savannah. I heartily desire to see the day when I can inform you of our suc- 
cess. But pray do not be unhappy on my account, and believe that if it is my 
fate to survive this action, I shall ; if otherwise, the Lord's will must be done. 
Every soldier and soldier's wife should religiously believe in predestination. 
What shall I do for clothes ? I have but one pair of breeches left. 

"Your affectionate, 
— " John Jones." 

"Camp before Savannah, oth October, 1779. 
" My Dear Polly : — The enemy still being obstinate, and not knowing how 
long they may continue so, I must beg the favour of you to send off Ishmael im- 
mediately, on Black Sloven, with a pair of thick breeches, my blue coat, and 
three ruffled shirts, without stocks, and one pair of black silk breeches. Ishmael 
is to go no farther than Mrs. McPherson's, at Indian Land, where Jacob will 
meet him. I have sent home my English horse : he has been very sick. The 
time I have been absent from you appears almost an age. As soon as this im- 
portant affair is over, I shall immediately return homel 

" Your ever affectionate husband, 

"John Jones." 

"Camp before Savannah, 1th October, 1779. 

" This letter, my dear wife, will be handed you by Ishmael, I expect. I am 
sorry that it is not in my power to congratulate you on our safe arrival in Savan- 
nah. The enemy still continue very obstinate, and a more cruel war could never 
exist than this. The poor women and children have suffered beyond description. 
A number of them, in Savannah, have already been put to death by our bombs 
and cannon. A deserter has this moment come out, who gives an account that 
many of them were killed in their beds, and amongst others, a poor woman, with 
her infant in her arms, was destroyed by a cannon-ball. They have all got into 
cellars ; but even there they do not escape the fury of our bombs, several having 
been mangled in that supposed place of security. I pity General Mcintosh; his 
situation is peculiar. The whole of his family is there. We have burnt, as yet, 
only one house ; but I expect this night the whole will be in flames, Count 
D'Estaing being determined they shall now surrender at discretion. We keep up a 
most incessant cannonade and bombardment, and this evening we shall carry 
on our approaches within pistol-sh#t of the enemy's lines. We are hourly ex- 
pecting that they will strike, though many, with myself, are of opinion they will 
not, until we compel them by storm. Their investment is complete, and the siege 
a regular one. I think the matter so near a conclusion, that I doubt if Jacob will 
return from Mrs. McPherson's in time. The want of thick clothes has been the 
means of my taking a great cold. We have been very unlucky with respect to 
the weather — a continued rain, and now very cold. 

" Adieu, my good wife, and believe me to be, with sincerity, your ever affec- 
tionate, 

"John Jones." 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 537 

Two replies to these letters alone remain. They breathe a spirit 
kindred with his own in patriotic feeling and tender affection. In 
one of them she says : — 

" I am very anxious to hear from you how matters go on. I would to God the 
great affair was over, for oh ! how I dread it, no tongue can express. I am con- 
vinced, my dear, you ever will act like a man of spirit; but do not run rashly 
into danger, if you can avoid it. Consider you have two dear children and a wife 
whose whole happiness depends on yours. May Heaven guard you, and give me 
once more a happy sight of you I" 

Count D'Estaing declining to wait for the reduction of the garrison 
by regular approaches, an assault was determined upon on the morn- 
ing of the 9th of October. The plan of the attack was revealed to 
the British by a deserter. The consequence was, the Spring Hill 
battery was reinforced, and so confident were the enemy of repulsing 
the allied army, that they received them with lively airs. 

Major Jones was in the forlorn hope which led on the attack upon 
the Spring Hill battery. A French and an American standard were 
for an instant planted on the parapet of the redoubt ; and here, in the 
fiercest and most desperate part of the contest, he was struck by a 
cannon-ball in the breast, and instantly killed. The attacking columns, 
although literally mowed down, pressed gallantly on, and sustained 
the murderous fire for nearly one hour before a retreat was ordered. 

The dead were hastily buried. An intimate friend, passing by one 
of the pits, discovered an exposed hand, which he recognized as that 
of Major Jones. He had his body disinterred, and carefully and pro- 
perly buried. He fell at the early age of thirty years and a few 
months. 



In this county there lived, during the Revolution, a man by the 
name of Robert Sallette, distinguished for his opposition to the Tories 
It is not known with certainty to what particular command he was 
attached. He appears to have been a sort of roving character, doing 
things in his own way. The Tories stood very much in dread of him, 
and well they might, for never had they a more formidable foe. On 
one occasion, a Tory, who possessed considerable property, offered a 
reward of one hundred guineas to any person who would bring him 
Sallette's head. This was made known to our hero, who provided 
himself with a bag, in which he placed a pumpkin, and proceeded to 
the house of the Tory, and told him that, having understood he 
had offered one hundred guineas for Sallette's head, he had it with 
him in the bag, (at the same time pointing to the bag,) and that he 
was ready to deliver it, provided the money was first counted out for 
him. The Tory, believing that the bag contained Sallette's head, 
laid down the money, upon which Sallette pulled off his hat, and, 
placing his hand upon his head, said, " Here is Sallette's head." This 
answer so frightened the Tory that he immediately took to his heels, 
but a well-directed shot from Sallette brought him to the ground. 



538 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

On one occasion, Sallette and Mr. Andrew Walthour, who, with 
some others, were the advanced guard of the American army, met the 
advance of the British, when a smart skirmish took place, and the 
British guard was driven back. In the skirmish, a very large man of the 
British was killed. Noticing a pair of boots on the feet of the dead 
man, Bob resolved to possess them, and was pulling them off, while his 
comrades were hallooing to him to leave, for he would be killed ; but 
he answered, " I must have the boots, for I want them for little John 
Way." 

He has been known to leave the American army during battle, get 
into the rear of the enemy, and kill many of them before he was dis- 
covered. 

On a certain day he dressed himself in British uniform, dined 
with a party of the enemy, and whilst the toasting and drinking 
were going on, suddenly drew his sword, killed his right and left 
hand man, sprung upon his horse, without having time to throw the 
bridle over his neck, and rode off amidst the fire of his pursuers. His 
motto was, never to forgive a Tory ; and if one was liberated, he 
would follow, and, if possible, take his life. 

The following letter was addressed to the author by George W. 
Walthour, Esq., of Liberty County, and contains some particulars 
concerning Sallette : — 

Walthourville, August 28, 1851. 
Dear Sir: — My father, Andrew Walthour, Sallette, and another man ; were 
once riding a small trail late in the evening, near to Fraser's old mill seat, when 
they met three men. My father being in front, said to Sallette, " I will pass the 
first and second man, and as soon as I come opposite the third, will seize his gun, 
and you can do the same.'' In this way, the three men were disarmed. "Dis- 
mount, gentlemen," said Sallette. "What is your name ?'' addressing himself to 
the leader, to which he replied, giving a fictitious name. "Where is your 
camp'?" The Tory replied, "We are from over the river." "Where did you 
cross?" "At Beard's," (the Alatamaha.) where the Whigs were most numerous. 
Sallette replied, "That is a lie!" Then asking the second man the same ques- 
tion, and receiving a similar answer, he turned to the third, and repeated the 
same question, and received a like answer. " If you do not tell me the truth," 
said Sallette, "1 will cut off your head." The fellow replied as at first, and was 
shot down by Sallette. The others promised, if he would spare their lives, they 
would conduct him to their camp. Their lives were spared, and with the aid of 
his prisoners, he captured a large party of Tories. 

Yours, &c, 

George W. Walthour. 

Doctors Dunwoody and Axon were distinguished practitioners of 
medicine. 



LINCOLN COUNTY. 539 



LINCOLN COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Wilkes in 1796, and named in 
honour of Major- General Benjamin Lincoln. Length, 22 m. ; 
breadth, 9 m. ; area square miles, 198. 

The Savannah River separates the county from South Carolina, 
Broad River from Elbert, and Little River from Columbia County. 
The creeks are, Fishing, Mills', Pistol, Gray's, Lloyd's, Cherokee, 
Shivers', Soap, Dry Fork, &c. 

Lincolnton is the county town, situated upon the waters of Soap 
Creek, distant 90 miles N. E. from Milledgeville. 

Lisbon, on the south side of Broad River, was laid out as early as 
1786. 

Goshen is six miles N. of Lincolnton. 

Leathersville is six miles S. of Lincolnton. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 378 ; families, 
378; white males, 1,109; white females, 1,078; free coloured 
males, 15 ; free coloured females, 16. Total free population, 2,218 ; 
slaves, 3,780. Deaths, 94. Farms, 273 ; manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 13. Value of real estate, $611,312; value of personal 
estate, $1,735,722. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Thomas Murray, 
Robert Walton, John Lockhart, B. Lockhart, Thos. Mitchell, 
Sterne Simmons, J. Stovall, Captain John Lamar, Stephen 
Handspiker, M. Henley, Robert Fleming, James Wallace, Peter 
Lamar. 



DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

Judge John M. Dooly died in this county on the 26th of May, 

1827. 

Hon. Thomas W. Murray was born in this county. Jn 1819 he 
became a public man. He was distinguished not so much for the 
brilliancy of his talents, as for his honesty and independence. For 
many years he was a member of the Legislature, and once Speaker of 
the House. 

Colonel John Dooly settled in Lincoln about the beginning of 
the American Revolution. He came to his death by the hands of 
the Tories. 

Captain Thomas Dooly was a brave soldier of the Revolution. 
He lost his life in a skirmish with the Indians on the 22d of July, 1776, 
near the Oconee River. 



540 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



LOWNDES COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Irwin in 1825, and a part added to 
Thomas in 1826. Length, 52 m. ; breadth, 40 ; area, 2,080 square 
miles. 

The rivers are, the Allapaha, Little, and Withlacoochee. 

Among the creeks are the Allapahoochee, Ocopilco, Allapacoochee, 
Cat, Camp, Mule, &c. 

Troupville is the seat of justice, immediately in the fork made by 
the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Little rivers. It is situated 
IS. of Milledgeville, distant 180 miles. Named after the Hon. George 
M. Troup. 

Statistics according to the last Census. — 2,998 white males ; 2,847 
white females ; 16 free coloured males ; 6 free coloured females. To- 
tal free population, 5,867 ; slaves, 2,484. Deaths, 64. Farms, 469 ; 
manufacturing establishments, 2. Value of real estate, $790,000 
Value of personal estate, $1,590,276. 

The genera] face of the country is level. 

The lands are very fertile. Rice, cotton, corn, &c, are the pro- 
ductions. 

Among the early settlers were, Rev. Wm. A. Knight, Benjamin 
Serman, Bani Boyd, Wm. Smith, John Bryan, Jacob Bryan, John 
J. Underwood, Henry Parish, Fisher Gaskins, Jesse Lee, Jesse 
Carter, H. Colson, J. Jameson, J. Hall, S.Hall, G. Hill, John 
Hill, Rev. Mr. Alberton, J. D. Spanks, James Matthews, S. E. 
Swilley, Major Simmons, Wm. Deas, J. Deas, William McMullin, 
Francis Roundtree, Jesse Goodman, Captain Burnett, L. Roberts, 
Captain Bell. 



3&isnlUiuiitts. 

Almost every stream of note in this county has some natural curiosity con- 
nected with it. Many of the streams disappear and are not seen for miles, when 
they again make their appearance, and flow as tranquilly to their destination as 
if nothing strange or unusual had happened to them. Others present caves in 
their banks, into which a part of the stream is diverted, and at their entrance a 
thriving mill will often be found. 

Lowndes County also contains curiosities in the shape of numerous large 
open ponds, covering some six square miles, without any tree or stump in 
them. A portion of the surface of these ponds is covered with beautiful and rare 
botanical specimens. The streams and ponds abound in fish of various kinds. 
The woods are filled with same of all sorts. 



LOWNDES COUNTY. 541 

Within a few miles of Troupville are the ruins of an old town. Large live 
oaks grow in front of the ruins in straight rows, and so regular in their distance 
that it is scarcely probable they are of spontaneous growth. Roads are also dis- 
cernible. These are wide and straight. 

In 1827 a spot of earth in this county suddenly sunk to the depth of one hun- 
dred feet. The place is now covered with water. 

Adventure with a Panther. — In 1849, a step-son of Thomas B. Stewart and 
his younger brother were hunting hogs near a swamp, one mile from the Allapa- 
ha River, and ten miles above Knight's Bridge. Their dog had left them and 
gone into the swamp ; but soon returned at full speed, closely pursued by a huge 
panther. 

Escape was impossible. The panther seized the elder brother, and mangled 
him most fearfully. Leaving him for dead, it then pursued the younger brother 
and the dog. It soon, however, returned. The boy finding escape impossible, 
pretended to be dead. After smelling around him, the animal proceeded to co- 
ver him partially with leaves and grass, and again renewed its pursuit of the 
other party. 

The wounded boy had by this time so far recovered from his wounds and 
fright as to be able to make good his escape, which he did as rapidly as possible. 
In the mean time, the younger boy had given the alarm and aroused the 
neighbourhood. William G. Aikin, John H. Guthrie, Alfred Herrin and Jesse 
Vickery, immediately went in pursuit. 

Upon arriving at the spot, they found the pile of leaves and grass, and broken 
bushes, but the boy and panther were both gone. Having an excellent dog, they 
soon trailed the panther into the swamp, and in a few hundred yards brought him 
to bay. The hunters entered the swamp, and proceeded cautiously until they 
approached within about thirty yards of the huge monster. Here they stopped 
to consult as to the manner of attack. Not so the panther. He was in their 
midst at almost a single bound. 

Seizing Guthrie, he dashed him violently to the earth, horribly gashing his 
head and face. Vickery discharged his piece, loaded with buckshot, into the 
panther's breast, at a distance of six feet. Herrin' s gun missed fire, when he 
drew his knife, in real Western style, and cut the panther's throat. The dog was 
killed in the fight by the cougar, but Guthrie and the boy escaped with their 
lives, and still survive to tell the tale. 



542 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



LUMPKIN COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee, and organized in 1832, and named after 
the Hon. Wilson Lumpkin. 

The rivers are, the Etowah, Chestatee, and Tesnatee. 

The creeks are, Yellow, Amicalolah, Shoal, Nimble Will, Cain, 
Yahoola, &c. 

The Blue Ridge is in the northern part of the county. Walker's 
Mountain is in the eastern part. 

Some fine bodies of land are on the rivers and creeks. The ridge 
lands are valuable only for timber and mining. 

The principal products are corn, wheat, and tobacco. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,381 ; families, 
1,381; white males, 3,971 ; white females, 4,022 ; free coloured 
males, 9 ; free coloured females, 13. Total free population, 8,015; 
slaves, 939. Deaths, 46. Farms, 598. Value of real estate, $556,334 ; 
value of personal estate, $647,274. 

The climate of this county is pleasant, but subject to great ar d 
sudden changes. Lumpkin can show a long list of persons who ha/e 
attained to a great age. Mrs. Young, living a few years ago, was 
over 100. John J. Williams was over 90 — he was in the battle at 
King's Mountain. Mr. John Hames was over 100 ; Samuel Evans, 
85 ; Mr. Harper, 89 ; John Alexander, 84. Mr. All:','In died 
at the age of 115 years; Mr. Watts died at the age" of 90; 
Mr. James Boyd was over 100 years, and his wife, Nancy B ^yd, over 
94 years. Richard Ledbetter, a Revolutionary soldier, r his death 
was 100 years old ; Mrs. Smith died at 103 ; Mrs. Sall^ Bright at 
112. M. Pilgrim died at 86. 

Dahlonega, the capital of this county, is situated on a high hill, 
commanding a view of Walker's, Mossy Creek, and Yonah Mornir 
tains, and is 141 miles from Milledgeville. 

Gold is often found in the court-house square, particularly after a 
shower ; and the little boys frequently pick up pieces of gold weighing 
from one-fourth of a dwt. to one dwt. 

The U. S. Branch Mint establishment is located in this town. 

The Indian name for Dahlonega was Tau-lau-ne-ca, meaning yel- 
low money. 

Auraria, alias Nuckollsville, is situated six miles from Dahlonega. 

Leather's Ford is situated on the Chestatee River. 

The following are the principal gold mines in Lumpkin County : — 
Singleton's mines, near Dahlonega, embracing more than 2,000 
acres. 

Calhoun's mine, on the Chestatee River, has yielded enormously. 



MACON COUNTY. 543 

J. E. Calhoun's mine, on the Chestatee River, five miles from Dah- 
lonega, has been a very rich deposit mine, and is not yet exhausted. 

Cain and Yahoola creeks are celebrated localities. On the latter is 
the famous lot, 1,052, which once created such a sensation among 
the gold speculators. 

In almost every portion of this county gold abounds. Evidence of 
its existence meets the eye of the traveller in every direction. 

Amicalolah Falls are 17 miles west of Dahlonega, near the road 
leading to Tennessee. The name is said to be a compound of two 
Cherokee words, " ami," signifying water, and " calolah" rolling or 
tumbling. A writer in the Orion, vol. ii., p. 352, thus describes these 
falls : " The view from the top does not (as is the case at Tallulah) 
comprehend the whole extent of all the cascades ; but, on some ac- 
counts, is preferred. The range of mountains to the south and west, 
as it strikes the eye from the summit of the falls, is truly sublime ; 
and the scene is scarcely surpassed in grandeur. The view from the 
foot embraces, as strictly regards the falls themselves, much more than 
the view from above, and is therefore perhaps the better ; both, how- 
ever, should be obtained, in order to form a just conception of the 
scene." 



MACON COUNTY. 

Bou ded on the N. by Crawford, E. by Houstoun and a part of 
Talbot, S. by a portion of Dooly and Sumter, W. by Marion, and 
named a v er the Hon. Nathaniel Macon. 

The i ;nt River flows through the county, and has the following 
tributaries. ,viz. : — Beaver, Juniper, Horse, White Water, Bucks, 
Buck Head, and Spring. 

On the Flint River are several mounds. 

Lanier is the seat of justice, situated on the west side of the Flint 
River, 80 miles from Milledgeville. It was named after Clement 
Lanier, Esq. 

Oglethorpe is one mile W. of Flint River, and fifty miles from Ma- 
con. The site of the town is high, dry, and sandy. It is so situated 
as to command the trade of a large portion of Southwestern Georgia. 
The place has rapidly improved. Mr. S. S. Boone built the first 
house. 

Montezuma, on the east side of the Flint River, was founded by John 
T. Brown, Esq. 

Cuyler is two miles west of Oglethorpe. 

Marshallville, Winchester, and Marthasville, are on the South- 
western Railroad. 

The face of the country is level. East of the Flint River the 
lands are mixed. 



544 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 679 ; families, 
679; white males, 2,091; white females, 1,999; 1 free coloured 
female. Total free population, 4,091 ; slaves, 2,961. Farms, 419. 
Value of real estate, $1,249,925 ; value of personal estate, $1,684,317. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Wm. H. Hollingshead, 
W. N. L. Crocker, Needham Mussey, James M. Taylor, Wm. Cole, 
Geo. V. Whitefield, Jacob Dunn, Samuel Williams, David Jones, 
Philip Bailey, Robert Peacock, R. Sellers, John Stapler, Wm. 
McDowell, Edward Brooks, Walter L. Campbell, John Rushin, 
Robert Brooks, John Mott, Henry Turner, John Young, Wm. 
Measles, John Perry, A. Branham, E. Adams, Jesse Rouse, John 
Monk, Robert Greene, D. Wadley, M. Wadley, D. Mitchell, 
Thomas Bivins, Geo. Buchanan, James Kaigler, Wm. Under- 
wood, N. Powell, R. Snelling, L. Thrower, S. Hill, Joshua New- 
some, Wm. Tompkins, D. Owens, R. Stewart, M. Kemp. 

The first court was held at the house of Walter. L. Campbell, Judge 
King presiding. 

Upon the plantation now owned by Mr. L. Wyley was formerly a 
place known as Barnett's Reserve, on the east side of the Flint River, 



MADISON COUNTY 

Was laid out from Oglethorpe, Clarke, Jackson, Franklin, and El- 
bert, in 1811. Part added from Clarke in 1813; part from Elbert 
and Franklin in 1819 ; part taken from Franklin in 1823 ; part from 
Clarke, 1829 ; part taken from Oglethorpe in 1831. It received its 
name from the illustrious James Madison. Length, 14 m. ; breadth, 
13 m. ; area square miles, 182. 

The Broad River is the chief stream. 

Good lands are on Blue Stone Creek. The lands on the north 
fork of Broad River are very inferior. On the south fork the lands 
are productive. The nortrrwest part of the county is poor. The pro- 
ductions are cotton, corn, &c. 

The climate is pleasant and healthy. 

There are several instances of longevity. Mr. James Pittman. 
93 ; Mrs. Lettuce Milligan, 89 ; Mr. Stephen Groves was over 
98 ; Mr. James Thompson was over 80 ; Mr. James Caruth, over 80 ; 
Mr. James Saunders, 80 ; Captain Robert L. Tate, 80; Rev. Tit )- 
thy Carrington died at 80; Alexander Haman, at 80 ; Wm. Chp :, 
at 89 ; Charles Tugle, 87. 

Among the early settlers were, Samuel Long, Jacob Eberhart, 
Samuel Woods, Stephen Groves, General Daniel. 



MARION COUNTY. 545 

Danielsville, named after General Allen Daniel, is the capital, 
distant from Milledgeville 87 miles. 

Madison Springs are 20 miles N. E. of Athens. For forty years 
they have had a high reputation. The accommodations are of a su- 
perior character. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 692 ; families, 
692 ; white males, 1,848 ; white females, 1,919 ; 1 free coloured male ; 
free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 3,670 ; slaves, 
1,933. Deaths, 68. Farms, 404 ; manufacturing establishments, 3. 
Value of real estate, $927,844 ; value of personal estate, $1,134,308. 



MARION COUNTY. 

Named after General Francis Marion, and laid out from Muscogee 
and Lee in 1827; part added to Crawford in 1827; part added to 
Muscogee in 1829. Length, about 41 m. ; breadth, 30 m. 

There is great variety in the soil. In some parts the land is red 
and stiff, but the most of it is a loose, sandy soil, and very produc- 
tive. Cotton, rice, corn, &c., are the productions. 

There is no large river in this county. The creeks are the Kincha- 
foona, Pine Knot, Uchee, &c. 

Buena Vista, made the county site in 1847, is situated 101 miles 
from Milledgeville. 

Tazewell, formerly the county site, is about 25 miles from Flint 
River. 

Pineville, in the western corner of the county, is 15 miles from Taze- 
well. 

Glenalta is in the northern, and Poindexter in the southeast part. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,101 ; families, 
1,101 ; white males, 3,270 ; white females, 3,298 ; free coloured 
males, 3 ; free coloured females, 5. Total free population, 6,676 ; 
slaves, 3,604. Deaths, 72. Farms, 563 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 4. Value of real estate, $1,359,940 ; value of personal estate. 
82,107,500. 

Among the first settlers in this county were, Thomas Bivins, D. M. 

BlJRKHALTER, J. BURKHALTER, MORGAN KEMP, ReUBEN KEMP, RaNDALL 

Stewart, D. Owens, R. Sellers. 

35 



546 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



McINTOSH COUNTY. 

This county was laid off from Liberty in 1793. Length, 40 m. ; 
breadth, 16m.; area square miles, 640. 

The Alatamaha is the principal river. 

The Alatamaha lands are of inexhaustible fertility, producing large 
quantities of rice and sugar-cane. The pine lands are valuable for 
their timber. 

Darien is the capital, on the north bank of the Alatamaha, 190 
miles from Milledgeville. 

At this place is a large steam saw-mill, having five gangs of saws, 
capable of sawing 50,000 feet of lumber per day ; valuation of mill, 
$50,000. 

Fort Barrington is 12 miles from Darien, on the Alatamaha. 

South Newport is north of Darien. 

Jonesville is in the northern part of the county. 

The islands are, Sapelo, Wolf, Deboy, Broughton, &c. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 283 ; families, 
283 ; white males, 692 ; white females, 635 ; free coloured males, 41 ; 
free coloured females, 31. Total free population, 1,399 ; slaves, 
4,629. Deaths, 111. Farms, 117; manufacturing establishments, 
10. Value of real estate, $632,945; value of personal estate, 
$1,931,136. 

The lumber business is conducted extensively, and several of the 
citizens have engaged in the manufacture of turpentine with success. 

The climate is warm, and unhealthy. The planters are in the 
habit of retreating, during the summer months, to the pine lands. 
Numerous instances of longevity are recorded. Mrs. Susannah 
Ford died in this county at the age of 113 years ; Mr. John Grant, 
a soldier under Oglethorpe, was nearly 90 at his death ; George 
White, 81 ; John Calder, 77. Both of these gentlemen were sol- 
diers of the Revolution. 

Mrs. Ann McIntosh died on Tuesday, the 22d of October, 1833, 
at Cedar Point, Mcintosh County, aged 100 years. Her parents 
came to this country with General Oglethorpe, and she was born 
shortly after at Darien, where Oglethorpe had a military post. She 
spent her life within ten miles of that place, ninety-five years 
within two miles of it, and eighty-six on the same spot, never having 
left it but once, when she was expelled by the British. Mrs. M. pos- 
sessed her voice and animation to the last hour, was a woman of good 
character, and highly esteemed by her friends. 

This county was named to commemorate the services of the 
Mcintosh family. 



m'intosh county. 547 

General Lachlan McIntosh was born in Scotland. When the 
first regiment in Georgia was organized, he was elected commander. 
Besides rendering important services in Georgia, he was invested with 
the command of an important Western post by Washington ; and by 
his prompt and prudent measures, succeeded in giving repose to the 
frontiers. He died at Savannah in 1806. 

Colonel James S. McIntosh, who lost his life in the late Mexican 
war, was born on the 19th of June, 1787, in the County of Liberty. 
He entered the army in 1812, and remained in it until the battle of 
Molino del Rey, where he received a wound which terminated his life. 

General John McIntosh. — Some incidents m the life of this dis- 
tinguished soldier, as also of the lady whom he married, which have 
never appeared in print, and are known to but few persons now living, 
cannot but prove highly interesting to the reader. They were fur- 
nished by an esteemed friend. The patriotism and heroic fortitude of 
Mrs. Mcintosh, under the most trying circumstances, are worthy of re- 
cord : — 

General Mcintosh, when a Lieutenant-Colonel in the army of the Kevolution, 
during the war became acquainted with Miss Sarah Swinton, of South Carolina, 
of Scottish descent, and whose father, a patriot of those times, was killed in 
battle by the British at Stono. Her form was light and delicate. Possessed of a 
well-cultivated and discriminating mind, with a rare faculty for conversation 
and argument, and although of soft, retiring manners, she espoused with an al- 
most imprudent zeal the cause of freedom, in a part of the country infested by 
Tories, and marauding bands of British troops. To this lady he was engaged to 
be married ; and in one of his excursions to the neighbourhood in which she re- 
sided, he was informed that Captain Elholm, a Polander in the American ser- 
nce. (Lee's Legion.) had acted oppressively towards some of the inhabitants, and 
m remonstrating with him on the injustice and impolicy of his conduct, a quarrel 
quickly ensued, and which, it was as promptly determined, should be settled by 
the arbitrament of the sword. 

The arranged meeting was soon generally known. Both were young, resolute, 
active, and powerful men, and it was thought that one or both would certainly 
be killed in the contest; and as the parties were moving on to the place of com- 
bat, Miss Swinton requested to see for an instant her intended consort. The 
friends of the Colonel hesitated, fearing the consequences of an interview at 
such a moment, which he had not the heart to decline, though he had one for a 
different and desperate encounter. He called on her, and was met with serious 
firmness, and after a little conversation, she observed, "If you are, then, invio- 
lably pledged to meet this man, and feel that your honour is dearer than life, 
what, shall I do?" Seeing that his cravat was but loosely bound about his neck, 
she continued, " Yes, but let me adjust your cravat." And having with scrupulous 
care, as she thought, protected the most vulnerable and exposed part, after a few 
brief words, feeling the softer susceptibilities of her nature beginning to prevail, 
she hastily gave him her hand, and fled to her room, to conceal there her agita- 
tion, and the anguish of a devoted heart. 



548 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The hostile parties met under a large oak, the ground about which was soon 
cleared of every obstacle that might impede the movements of the combatants. 
At the word "Ready," they drew, and, advancing with sharp and glittering 
swords, commenced the battle in good earnest, with firm hearts and sturdy arms. 
In a little time the right arm of Captain Elholm was nearly severed from his 
body, and fell powerless by his side. Here it might be supposed that the contest 
would cease : not so ; there was but a momentary pause, for he was a proud, fear- 
less soldier, expert with his weapon, and naturally left-handed. His sword 
was dexterously transferred to his left hand, which he used with great effect; 
and the blows came so awkwardly, that they were not easily parried by his right- 
handed antagonist. Both were in a few moments disabled in such a manner, 
that the friends present felt it proper to interfere, and end the bloody conflict. 

They carried to their graves the scars, and deeply furrowed cheeks, as evi- 
dences of a once terrible struggle. Miss Swinton was not long in suspense ; the 
combatants were soon taken from the field, disfigured by many deep and danger- 
ous sabre wounds, of which, however, in due time, they both recovered ; and the 
Colonel often remarked that he was more indebted to the tender attentions of M is.s 
S. for his restoration to health than to the management or skill of his surgeon. 

Witnesses of the particulars of this scene have often related to the writer what 
he has above stated. 

A little time after this occurrence, Colonel Mcintosh brought his young anil 
patriotic wife to Georgia, his native State ; and some eight or ten years after the 
close of the war, he was induced by the representations of friends who had 
removed to Florida, to go there also, being then a province of Spain, v^here grants 
for fine lands could be obtained at but little cost or trouble. He removed there, 
and settled on the St. John's with his family ; and was making improvements on 
the south bank of that beautiful river, when, on going to St. Augustine, as usual, 
he was roused from his bed, at midnight, by a band of Spanish troops, accompa- 
nied by the Governor in disguise, Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, with whom 
he had been on friendly terms, and by him was imprisoned in the fortress of St. 
Augustine ; a company of soldiers being dispatched to the residence of the family, 
forty miles distant, in search of papers to criminate him they had so basely seized, 
on suspicion, as it was afterwards said, of his having designs against the Spanish 
Government. They came suddenly to the house, which they surrounded, and 
entered, to the terror of a helpless family, rudely demanding the keys of every 
place on which there was a lock, made a thorough search, and carried off every 
document, private letter, and scrap of paper on which any writing was to be seen. 
While he remained in this prison, all intercourse with his distressed family and 
friends was interdicted; and by the first opportunity he was shipped, under a strong 
guard, as a prisoner of state, to the Captain-General of Cuba, and by him incar- 
cerated in the Moro Castle of Havana. He could obtain no information as to the 
direct cause of his imprisonment, nor hope as to the period of any trial, by which 
his innocence might be made to appear, expecting to perish in that loathsome 
dungeon, as many do who enter it, never even hearing the cause of their arrest 
or detention. 

Just about this time, Mrs. Mcintosh had lost her sight, by attempting to 
reduce an inflammation of the breast, which fell on her eyes, and produced 



M INTOSH COUNTY. 549 

blindness, which the best oculists and medical men of our country, who had 
been employed, could not relieve. Thus situated was Mrs. Mcintosh, in a wil- 
derness country, with an aged grandmother and family of young children, far 
from her friends ; her husband in a distant prison beyond sea, in the power of a des- 
potic and pitiless government, surrounded by spies, ready to attribute all his 
movements to criminal designs, and so represent them ; and her property subject 
to many losses for the want of accustomed care and direction. Yet she quailed 
not under these multiplied wrongs and afflictions. Her fortitude yielded not to 
the pressure of misfortune, but strengthened as her difficulties increased. She 
was a fervent Christian, and trusted in God to approve her efforts for deliver- 
ance from present and impending troubles. 

She obtained permission from the Governor of Florida to write to her husband. 
She also addressed several letters to the Captain-General of Cuba. Some of her 
letters to Colonel Mcintosh were in her own handwriting: the process wns pain- 
ful and slow, being conducted by having a ruler as a guide, placed on the paper, 
and writing over the upper edge of it, until the line was finished, when it was re- 
moved to a proper distance for the next line, the attendant supplying the ink 
when necessary. 

An amanuensis became indispensable, (which was often one of her little sons,) 
in consequence of her increased correspondence, induced by the imprisonment 
of her husband. Several affecting letters of Mrs. Mcintosh, and a few pieces 
of poetry, some of which appeared in the journals of the day, are all of her wri- 
tings which now remain in the hands of her descendants. 

Colonel Mcintosh having placed himself voluntarily under the Spanish Gov- 
ernment, no interposition from ours could be claimed for him; but the private 
influence of General Washington, and of the most distinguished men of our coun- 
try, many of whom had served with him during the war, was exerted in his be- 
half, mainly through the active correspondence and ceaseless efforts of Mrs. 
Mcintosh. In her addresses to the functionaries of the Spanish Government, she 
endeavoured to propitiate by a persuasive and flattering style ; but meeting with 
disappointment, and wearied by procrastination and the neglect of prevaricating 
officials, she had recourse to a more energetic manner, through letters to her 
husband, which she knew could not fail of falling into the hands of the Captain- 
General. In little less than a year, Colonel Mcintosh was released without trial, 
confronted by no accuser or testimony of any kind ; no charge having ever been 
formally preferred against him. Such was the suspicious Spanish Government 
then, and such it is now. 

On Colonel Mcintosh's arrival in Florida, from Cuba, when near his home on 
the St. John's, it was announced to his family that he had been released, and 
would soon be in their midst. 

This was as a resurrection from the tomb, for all who judged rightly of the in- 
justice and tyranny of this execrable government, believed him lost to his family 
forever. Mrs. Mcintosh sprang from her seat, and with clasped hands expressed 
the rapturous emotions of her long and sorely-bruised heart in a flood of grateful 
tears — more eloquent than words. 

The tumultuous burst of joy by the family and servants around her was too 
much for her delicate health, and she sunk upon the floor, oppressed by the over- 



550 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

powering sensations of the moment; and when she awoke to consciousness, 
found herself in the arms of her husband, whose fate she had so long deplored. 

Colonel Mcintosh, chafed by the injustice and rigour of his confinement, left 
the Province immediately, not, however, without some acknowledgment of his 
gratitude for Spanish hospitality, (aided by a few faithful followers, who had also 
suffered imprisonment in St. Augustine,) by destroying a small fort on the St. 
John's, opposite to Jacksonville, then called the Cow Ford, and burning several 
galleys in the river, as they passed on to Georgia. The late Colonel Abner Ham- 
mond, of Milledgeville, was a fellow-prisoner with Colonel Mcintosh in the Moro 
Castle, and released at the same time. 

Mrs. Mcintosh lived several years after these troubles, and died among her 
friends on St. Simon's Island, Georgia, in 1799. General Mcintosh was called 
again to the service of his country in the war of 1812, and died in 1826, at his 
plantation, in the county which received its name commemorative of the services 
of his family, some of whom have held commissions in every war in which the 
country has been engaged since the settlement of Georgia by General Oglethorpe. 

Bellevue, Florida, May 25, 1794. 
My Dear Mr. McIntosh: — Three days ago I received your letter of the 30th 
nit., but have heard nothing of the one directed to the care of Dr. Traverse. 
Nothing, my dear husband, in life would have given me half the satisfaction 1 
experienced in hearing from you, and, in the midst of my afflictions, I rejoice to 
find you so resigned to the will of God, who will, I trust, shortly deliver you from 
captivity, and restore you again to your unhappy family. But why, my dear 
husband, do you mention my settling any of your business 1 Rest assured I have 
not the smallest doubt but you will be permitted to return as soon as your trial is 
over, which, I have the best reason to believe, will be soon. Innocence and jus- 
tice are on your side ; you have, therefore, nothing to fear from laws which, when 
administered justly, never oppress the innocent. Cheer up your spirits, therefore, 
dear husband, and look forward to brighter prospects and happier days, which I 
hope will shortly present themselves to your view. I truly regret you did not re- 
ceive your trunk earlier; you must have wanted for every necessary. We are 

all as well as we can be in your absence 

Adieu, my dear husband ; and may that merciful 

God, who so often shielded you in the day of battle, guard and restore you in 
safety to your unhappy family, is the sincere and constant prayer of your truly 
affectionate wife, Sarah S. McIntosh. 

A Letter to his Excellency the Captain- General of the Island of Cuba, 
Louisiana, and the two Floridas. 

East Florida, May 25th, 1794. 
May it please your Excellency: — I should before the present time have 
done myself the honour of addressing you, emboldened to do so from your gene- 
rous, humane, and benevolent character ; but I hitherto declined it, in expecta- 
tion of first receiving a copy, agreeably to the translation into Spanish, of some 
papers, which, on the 21st day of March last, I had laid before his Excellency, 



M 1NT0SH COUNTY. 551 

the Governor of this Province, with a letter from myself respecting my husband, 
Mr. John Mcintosh, who unfortunately, though innocently, fell under some suspi- 
cion, as I am told, of having views inimical to the government, and who, I under- 
stand, is now in confinement in the Moro Castle. Having at length, this day, re- 
ceived the above-mentioned copy, I take the liberty of doing myself the honour 
of transmitting it to you, and of candidly laying my unfortunate story before you, 
humbly entreating your Excellency's attention to it. Being informed by a friend 
that nothing would be done respecting my papers without a formal petition from 
myself to the Governor, I, in a weak and infirm situation, without loss of time, 
went to St. Augustine, and on the first day of April, laid a petition before his Ex- 
cellency, the Governor, praying that the papers already laid before him respect- 
ing my husband, Mr. John Mcintosh, should be justly translated into the Spanish 
language ; that such translation, with the original, should be annexed to the pro- 
ceedings against him ; also that I should be furnished with a copy of said trans- 
lation and petition, which was granted ; but whether anything more has been 
done in the business, I have not been able to learn. This is, therefore, with all 
imaginable respect and due submission, to petition the favour of your Excellency 
to order that the charges (if any there are) against my husband, with the proofs 
annexed in his vindication, should be transmitted to your Excellency, that he 
may the more speedily be brought to trial. 

By those papers you will be able to judge of the character and connections of 
my unfortunate husband. Is it then reasonable or probable to suppose that a man 
who for forty years has pursued a life of the strictest honour and most undeviat- 
ing rectitude, should in a moment descend from every sentiment that was ho- 
nourable and just, to unite with a set of desperate and unprincipled men, who 
had nothing to hazard, and whose only views could have been to enrich them- 
selves by the property of others ? One who had been for upwards of fourteen 
months previous to his captivity labouring under a consumptive habit, whose life 
had been several times during that period despaired of by his friends and physi- 
cians, with a wife who, I may without vanity say, he most affectionately loved, 
deprived of sight, and who still is under the influence of the same painfully dis- 
tressing complaint, added to all which, the loss of a lovely infant, hisonly daughter, 
on whom he doted. Can it, indeed, as I have before observed, be reasonable to be- 
lieve that a man of such character, in such circumstances and situation, could 
have designs inimical to a government under which he enjoyed perfect peace 
and tranquillity, his happiness being only disturbed by the afflictions with which 
it had pleased the hand of God to visit himself and his family ? 

"What I have advanced is literally true, and what I can prove readily by my 
neighbours. To your Excellency's humanity and justice I submit my cause. 
Justice is all I ask ; all I require. Justice from your humane hands I have not a 
doubt I shall receive ; and justice will, I trust, restore my dear partner to his (at 
present) wretched and disconsolate family. Suffer, sir ! my miserable situa- 
tion to touch your generous and noble breast with pity and compassion. Allow 
your imagination to paint my distress in the most lively colours. Imagine you 
behold before you an unhappy female, deprived of sight, labouring under a con- 
tinual series of bodily pain, unused hitherto to experience the iron hand of want, 
whose mental anguish is far the most poignant, with six small children around 



552 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

her, the eldest of whom does not exceed twelve years, with a very slender pro- 
perty to support them, and that daily diminishing for want of its head to. direct 
and manage it to the best advantage. Let me, sir ! for pity's sake, for jus- 
tice, sake, and for God's sake, entreat you in the most earnest manner to take 
into consideration my most unhappy case, and as you find no cause for longer de- 
tention, restore to liberty your innocent and suffering prisoner, and thereby add 
new lustre to a character already dignified by acts of liberality, justice and 
humanity. And what is still more, your generous heart will exult in the 
pleasing reflection, that you have snatched from misery and ruin an unhappy 
family, who will to their latest breath feel the highest sense of gratitude for your 
goodness. 

I should be wanting in gratitude to the best of husbands, who ever since our 
union has reposed the most unbounded confidence in me, did I not declare, that 
since his residence in this Province, he has been a warm friend, and upwards of 
two years a faithful servant of the Spanish government, which he served in the 
office in which he was placed without reward or emolument, to the apparent sa- 
tisfaction of his superiors, and all others with whom concerned in business. I 
have further to petition that your Excellency will permit my husband to write to 
me by every opportunity that may offer, and allow him to receive my letters. 
Resting in the fullest confidence of your justice and goodness, 
With the highest respect, I have the honour to be, 
Your Excellency's most obedient, 

And very humble servant, 

Sarah S. McIntosh. 

Bellevue, East Florida, October 24th, 1794. 
Your favours, my dear Mr. Mcintosh, of the 6th of July and 2d of August, were 
handed to me two days ago. Nothing, in my present situation, could have given 
me so much real pleasure as I experienced in observing your resignation to the 
will of Providence, and that you had again recovered your health, for which I 
am truly thankful ; although I must confess I am still fearful respecting your con- 
sumptive complaint — pray be more particular in your next. I shall most un- 
doubtedly call on Colonel Howard with your letter, and apply to him for a certi- 
ficate, as you requested, knowing he has it fully in his power to give it, having 
myself delivered him a letter in March last, from Major Berrien, containing some 
information (with his newspapers) interesting to this Province, which letter the 
Major read to myself, and then intrusted to my care. I should make no delay 
in calling on Colonel Howard, but at present he is on a visit at the Battery be- 
low; but on his return shall pay my respects to him, after which you shall hear 
from me, as I expect another conveyance will offer in a few days. I am very 
happy to find you have received my letters of the 19th and 25th of May, which 
I feared had miscarried, having written also by the same opportunity to his Ex- 
cellency the Captain-General, stating facts, and petitioning for justice from his 
humane hands. I also inclosed him a Spanish translation of the papers that I 
received from Georgia, likewise entreating that his Excellency would have the 
goodness to order to Havana the accusations against you, (if any there are,) 
with the proofs annexed in your favour, those papers being collected by me, in 



m'intosh county. 553 

consequence of being informed by some of my friends in St. Augustine that 
there was some suspicion of your having views inimical to this government. 
The charges against you, with the proofs annexed in your favour, were, I am told, 
sent on by the Governor in the month of August; but not hearing from his Ex- 
cellency the Captain-General, and being impatient of such long delay, which is 
indeed the severest punishment both on yourself and your unfortunate family, 
and this punishment, too, without a crime to merit it, has at length determined 
me to apply to the King, and by a memorial in my own name, entreat a redress 
of those grievances under which we have too long laboured. For this purpose, 
therefore, when I was last in town, from whence I returned about three weeks 
ago, I made application for a power of attorney, to be drawn out in the name of 
the American Ambassador at the Court of Madrid, empowering him to author- 
ize another to act, under his direction, in your business. This power I found 
great difficulty in obtaining, nor should I ever have received it but through the 
dint of perseverance and resolution ; for after being amused with frequent pro- 
mises for near three weeks, and becoming more impatient and solicitous, (having 
no other business in town,) I received the categorical answer, that as the power 
was desired in favour of a foreigner, it could not be granted. Roused with re- 
sentment at so flagrant a violation of law and justice, I, without loss of time, me- 
morialized his Excellency the Governor, to direct that I should be furnished with 
the above-mentioned power, which was finally done ; although I can assure you, 
T met with many obstacles before my point was gained. My memorial and 
power of attorney go to Court well supported, my friends being no less power- 
ful than willing to serve me. 

I have also the promise of our friend Major Berrien, to write respecting your 
business to his Excellency, Don Diego de Gardoquie, one of his Majesty's Minis- 
ters of State, formerly Ambassador from Spain to the United States, with whom 
the Major had the honour of a personal acquaintance when in New-York. When 
I memorialized the Governor, I requested he would return your papers as well as 
my own, which had been seized on your imprisonment. This was likewise 
granted, except your agreement with Mr. Wagnon, to bring in your cattle from 
Georgia, and four letters from Colonel Samuel Hammond, which he (the Gover- 
nor) informed me he had forwarded to the Captain-General. This intelligence 
was far from being unpleasant, knowing full well the contents of all the letters 
you ever received either from him or any other friend since you left Georgia ; one 
of his being written years ago, and containing nothing more than might naturally 
be expected from an old acquaintance and brother officer; and although it has 
been represented by some mischievous character, that he had long ago joined 
General Clarke, who has possessed himself of the Yazoo land, it can easily be 
proved that this very man is still pursuing his own private business in Savannah. 
However, be that as it may, Colonel Hammond's letters will speak for them- 
selves, and I rejoice they are placed in the Captain-General's hands, who, if he 
does not fully understand the English language himself, has, I hope, a better in- 
terpreter than some of the Spanish Provinces can boast of. 

You flatter me, my dear husband, in saying I would make a good lawyer. I 
claim no merit; shining abilities are not very necessary to plead well in a good 
cause ; but I must truly acknowledge, it requires brightness of genius to trans- 



554 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

form a bad cause into a good one. Your letters inclosed to Dr. Traverse have never 
reached ray hands; that dated the 10th May I received and answered. I am 
much surprised at your hearing so seldom from me, this being the ninth letter 
I have written to you since our painful separation, which, God grant, may not be 
of much longer continuance. I am sorry you missed your morning-gown. I 
shall send you another by Captain Dominic, by whom this also will be forwarded. 
I hope to hear from you by his return. I feel the deepest sense of gratitude and 
obligation to the Captain-General, for his humanity in permitting you to write 
to me, and to receive my letters, which I shall, in future, send under cover, as 
directed. May the Supreme Disposer of all human events reward him for every 
mark of indulgence he is pleased to bestow on his innocent but suffering prisoner. 
Don Sanctos Roderique, the Commissary at the Bluff, goes in a few days to Ha- 
vana. I shall furnish him with money to purchase your tobacco. Agreeably to 
your desire, I have sent our son William with Si 00 to his uncle, and requested 
he should be sent on to New-York. My eyes are considerably mended, but as I 
think Dr. Baron may still be serviceable, I shall, with the Governor's permission, 
go to Charleston in the course of a fortnight; my stay there I do not expect 
will exceed more than two months. ..... 

I trust, in the goodness of God, the justice of the law, and the humanity of his 
Excellency the Captain-General, to restore you again shortly to your unhappy 
family, who all unite in an affectionate remembrance to you. 

Adieu, my dear husband, and may the Guardian of innocence protect and re- 
store you to liberty again, is the sincere and daily prayer of your truly affection- 
ate wife, Sarah S. McIntosh. 

N. B. — Your passport is undoubtedly in the Captain-General's hands. We are 
all well — adieu. 

REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENT. 

We copy the following paper from the Colonial records, to which 
access was granted us by a resolution of the Legislature of the State 

of Georgia : — 

January 12, 1775. 

In the Darien Committee. — When the most valuable privileges of a people are 
invaded, not only by open violence, but by every kind of fraud, sophistry, and 
cunning, it behooves every individual to be upon his guard, and every member 
of society, like beacons in a country surrounded by enemies, to give the alarm, 
not only when their liberties in general are attacked, but separately, lest a pre- 
cedent in one may affect the whole; and to enable the collective wisdom of such 
people to judge of its consequences, and how far their respective grievances con- 
cern all, or should be opposed to preserve their necessary union. 

Every laudable attempt of this kind, by the good people of this colony, in a 
constitutional manner, hath been hitherto frustrated by the influence and autho- 
rity of men in office, and their numerous dependents. 

We, therefore, the representatives of the extensive district in the Colony of 
Georgia, being now assembled in Congress, by the authority and free choice of 
the inhabitants of the same district, now freed from their fetters, do resolve ! 

Signed by Lach. McIntosh, Geo. Threadcraft, Charles McDonald, John 



M INTOSH COUNTY. 555 

McIntosh, Raymond Demere, Jiles Moore, Samuel McCleland, Richard 
Cooper, Seth McCollugh, Isaac Hall, Thomas King, John Roland, P. 
Shuttleworth, Joseph Slobe, James Newson, A. D. Cuthbert, John Hall, 
Jno. McCullugh, Sen., Peter Sallers, Jun., James Clark, Jno. Witherspoon, 
Jun'r, Jno. Witherspoon, Jno. Fulton, Samuel Fulton, Isaac Cuthbert, Jno. 
McCollugh, Jun'r, Wm. McCollugh, R. Shuttleworth, John McCleland, 
members of the Association. 

The following- resolutions were adopted : — 

First, That the unparalleled moderation, the decent, but firm and manly con- 
duct of the loyal and brave people of Boston and Massachusetts Bay, to preserve 
their liberty, deserve not only the applause and thanks of all Americans, but 
also the imitation of all mankind. But to avoid needless repetition, we acqui- 
esce and join in all the resolutions passed by the Grand American Congress 
in Philadelphia, last October. We thank them for their sage counsel and advice, 
and most heartily and cheerfully accede to the association entered into by them, 
as the wisest and most moderate measure that could be adopted in our present 
circumstances to reconcile and firmly unite Great Britain and the colonies, so 
indispensably necessary to each other, by the surest and best basis, mutual 
interest. But as the wisest counsels upon earth are liable to the errors of 
humanity, and notwithstanding our reverence and partiality for that august 
Assembly, we beg leave to differ from them in opinion, charging the unjust 
measures of the present and preceding ministry to a person qualified rather for 
a private than a public station; and as the resentment of his countrymen on a 
former occasion was raised by the illiberal and unjust abuse of them indiscrimi- 
nately, for the faults of that man, we humbly presume the renewing it at this 
time, on so little foundation, at least impolitic, being confident that every mem- 
ber of that late wise, patriotic, and truly honourable Congress, from a principle of 
candour and justice, will rather commend than blame our honest and well-meant 
freedom. 

Second, That in shutting up our land offices, with the intention of raising our 
quit-rents, and setting up our lands at public sale, representations of the Crown 
tract have not been duly considered and attended to in all its consequences to 
this vast continent ; that it is a principal part of the unjust system of politics 
adopted by the present ministry to subject and enslave us, and evidently pro- 
ceeds from an ungenerous jealousy of the colonies, to prevent as much as pos- 
sible the population of America, and the relief of the poor and distressed in 
Great Britain, and elsewhere, for whom a kind Providence has opened a new 
world from the merciless oppressors, when the old is overcome with such mon- 
sters. 

That monopolizing our lands into few hands, is forming and encouraging petty 
tyrants to lord it over us, or to reside in any other part of the world in extrava- 
gance, luxury, and folly, by the fruit of our labour and industry. Such oppressors 
neither we nor our fathers were able to bear, and it drove us to the wilderness, 
and that all encouragement should be given to the poor of every nation by every 
generous American. 

Third, That ministerial mandates, under the name of instructions, preventing 



556 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the legal representatives of the people to enact laws suiting their own respective 
situations and circumstances, are a general grievance, and more especially to 
this young colon)', where our internal police is not yet well settled ; and as a 
proof of the intention of these restrictions, when time and opportunity offer, we 
point out particularly, amongst many others of like nature, the not suffering us 
to limit the term of our Assembly, or passing a quit-rent law to ascertain and fix 
the most valuable part of our property. 

Fourth, That an over proportion of officers for the number of inhabitants, and 
paying the salaries from Britain, so much cast up to us by Court parasites, and 
for which we are so often charged with ingratitude, are, in truth, real and great 
grievances, rendering them insolent and regardless of their conduct, being inde- 
pendent of the people, who should support them according to their usefulness 
and behaviour, and for whose benefit and conveniency alone they were originally 
intended. That besides these exorbitant salaries, which enable them all to act by 
deputies, whilst they wallow in luxury themselves, their combining to raise their 
exorbitant and illegal fees and perquisites by various acts upon the subject to an 
alarming height, are more dangerous to our liberties than a regular army, having 
the means of corruption so much in their power, the danger of which is exem- 
plified in the present unhappy state of our brethren and fellow-subjects in Great 
Britain. To prevent, therefore, as much as in us lies, these direful effects, we do 
resolve never to choose any person in public office, his deputy, deputies, or any 
expectant, to represent us in Assembly, or in any other public place in our elec- 
tion, hoping the example will be followed throughout this colony, and in all 
America. 

Fifth. [This resolution is omitted by the compiler.] 

Sixth, That we do hereby choose Messrs. to represent us for this district 

in the Provincial Congress at Savannah, the 18th instant, or at any other time 
and place appointed hereafter, for the space of one year from this day, and that 
a copy of these resolutions be given them, as expressing the sense of this dis- 
trict of public grievances, which will serve for their direction and instructions ; 
and it is further our desire that our said deputies shall use their endeavours to 
send two delegates to the General Continental Congress, to be held at Phila- 
delphia next May. 



MERIWETHER COUNTY. 

JLaid out from Troup, and organized in 1827. Length, 26 m. ; 
breadth, 17m.; area square miles, 442. Named after General David 
Meriwether. 

Flint River is the principal stream. 

The surface of the country is undulating-. The Pine Mountains 
rise in this county W. of the Flint River, and afford a variety of pic- 
turesque scenery. 

Good lands are found, particularly on Flint River, and Red and 
White Oak creeks. 




- 



YzJT^zXsr- 



MERIWETHER COUNTY. 557 

The climate is temperate, but subject to frequent changes. 

Greeneville, named in honour of Major-General Nathaniel Greene, 
is the seat of justice. It is located nearly in the centre of the county, 
on a high ridge, on the waters of Walnut Creek, 108 miles west of 
Milledgeville. 

Sandtown is ten miles south of Greeneville. 

Flat Shoals is twelve miles east of Greeneville. The water-power 
is unimproved, although it presents inducements for manufacturing 
purposes unsurpassed by any in Georgia. 

This county is celebrated for its valuable medicinal springs. 

The Chalybeate Springs are 1,600 feet above the level of the sea. 
The waters are highly spoken of, and the accommodations for visitors 
are excellent. 

The Warm Springs are situated on a spur of the Pine Mountain, 
36 miles from Columbus. A fountain, gushing forth 1,400 gallons of 
water per minute, of 90 degrees temperature, is among the greatest 
wonders in Georgia. The bathing-houses are fine, and every ar- 
rangement is made to accommodate visitors. 

The Cold Spring is three-quarters of a mile from the hotel, afford- 
ing 4,000 gallons of water per minute. 

There are some other springs in the county. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,428; families, 
1,428; white males, 4,269; white females, 4,212; 1 free coloured 
male ; 1 free coloured female. Total free population, 8,483 ; slaves, 
7,993. Deaths, 210. Farms, 824. Value of real estate, $2,125,747 ; 
value of personal estate, $4,241,421. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Colonel Wellborn, 
Marshall Martin, David Williams, Dr. Andrew Park, Abner 
Dunham, Freeman W. Blount, W. D. Alexander, William Harris, 
Henry Harris, Sen., Isaac Thrash, Allen Rowe, George C. 
Heard, Wm. Gill, Lewis Pyrom, John P. Thompson, J. Hodnet, 
E. Peavy, Simeon Petit, John Jones, Charles B. Harris, C. 
Campbell, Major Kendall, John H. Jones, E. Bradley. 



Hon. Hiram Warner. — This gentleman was born in the State of 
Massachusetts, on the 29th of October, 1802. When about seventeen 
years of age, he came to Georgia, and after visiting the upper parts of 
the State, was employed as an assistant teacher in the academy at 
Sparta, in Hancock County. Fears were entertained that his youth 
and inexperience would disqualify him from discharging his duties ; 
but during his entire connection with the academy, he was able to 
give general satisfaction. 

Having determined to make the profession of the law his business, 
as soon as he could qualifv himself to enter upon its duties, he occu- 



558 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

pied the time not spent in school in legal studies. In the fall of the 
year 1824, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Georgia, and 
shortly afterwards settled at Knoxville, Crawford County. By un- 
remitting attention to his duties, he very soon secured an extensive 
practice. 

In 1828 he w r as elected a representative to the State Legislature 
from Crawford County, and continued to be its representative until 
1831. Judge Warner's course as a legislator was always independent 
and liberal, and although generally acting with his political friends, 
his kind behaviour to his opponents commanded their respect and 
good feeling. Whilst a member of the Legislature, he introduced a 
bill to alter the Constitution, so as to abolish the property qualifica- 
tion of Senators and Representatives, contending, in a speech which 
he made in support of the measure, " that a man's capacity for making 
laws ought not to be estimated according to the amount of property 
he might possess." The bill, however, was lost, but at a subsequent 
session was passed, and is now a law of the land. 

We have heard of an incident connected with this gentleman's poli- 
tical career which reflects great credit upon him, and which, we hazard 
nothing in saying, is not common at the present day with candidates 
for public favour. 

When a candidate before the people, he was opposed on the ground 
that he had refused to pledge himself to vote for some public officer, 
who was to be elected by the Legislature, and whom a majority of 
his constituents, it was thought, preferred. His opponent had pledged 
himself, if elected, to vote for the officer, and on the Saturday before 
the election, at a regimental muster in the county, whilst Judge War- 
ner was making a speech, the question was put to him, " whether he was 
willing to make a similar pledge ?" To which he indignantly replied : — 
" I may or I may not vote for that officer, but I will not degrade my- 
self so much, nor those whose suffrages I seek, as to make a pledge 
in advance as to what I may or may not do as their representative. 
If the people whose suffrages I seek have not, from their knowledge of 
my general character, sufficient confidence to believe that I will honestly 
and faithfully represent their wishes and interests, then vote against 
me ; but if they have such confidence, I should be extremely happy 
for them to manifest it at the ballot-box on Monday next." This no- 
ble answer was appreciated by the people, for they elected him by an 
increased majority. 

During the nullification controversy, Mr. Warner was directly op- 
posed to that movement, not believing it to be either a peaceable or 
constitutional remedy for the alleged grievances, and was a delegate 
from the County of Crawford to the Anti-tariff Convention, which as- 
sembled at Milledgeville in 1832, and was one of the seceders from 
that body, with the late John Forsyth and others. 

During the session of the Legislature of the year 1833, a new cir- 
cuit was formed, called the Coweta Circuit, and of which he was 
elected judge. In 1836 he was re-elected by nearly a unanimous 
vote, and continued to discharge its duties until 1840, when he was 



MERIWETHER COUNTY. 559 

removed, for no other reason, it is supposed, but that he did not 
vote the Harrison ticket. He then returned to the practice of law 
with his usual energy, and it is affirmed that he realized at least ten 
thousand dollars by his practice for the year 1841. In December, 
1845, the Supreme Court of Georgia was organized, and he was 
elected one of the judges for the term of four years ; and in 1849, was 
re-elected for the term of six years, by almost a unanimous vote. He 
resides upon his plantation, in Meriwether County, near Greeneville. 
To agricultural pursuits he is much devoted, and, unlike most pro- 
fessional men, makes good crops. 

Of Judge Warner it may be truly said, that he has been the 
architect of his own fortune, and that is the only aristocracy which 
ought to be acknowledged in a republican government. He has 
always been remarkable for great energy and perseverance. In 
1849, he stated to a gentleman, that during the seven years he was on 
the bench of the Superior Court, he never failed to hold a court at 
the time prescribed by law, either in his own circuit or for some judge 
with whom he exchanged circuits, and that during the five years from 
1840 to 1845, he was never absent from any term of the court, both re- 
gular and adjourned, which was held in the circuit ; that during the 
four years he had been on the bench of the Supreme Court, he always 
presented himself at every term which had been held in the State, 
making, in the aggregate, a period of sixteen years, within which 
time he was punctual in his attendance upon every term of the courts 
to which business called him. 

There are some incidents connected with Judge Warner's adminis- 
tration of the laws that have not generally been known, and a re- 
cital of which we believe will be interesting to our readers. 

Soon after the organization of Murray County, there were two par- 
ties, called the Bishop and the Anti-Bishop parties, among which 
there was great excitement. Owing to some prejudice that existed, 
Bishop and his friends were unwilling that the then presiding judge 
of the Cherokee Circuit should hold the court for the trial of the 
causes in which they were interested, and therefore the judge of that 
circuit proposed to exchange courts with Judge Warner, so that the 
latter might preside at the trials in Murray. An eye-witness says : 
" Judge Warner arrived at Spring Place, the county site, early in the 
morning of the day the court was to be held, and found the little vil- 
lage nearly surrounded by a company of United States soldiers. The 
judge, having ordered breakfast, was shaving, when a communication 
in writing was handed to him by the late General Steelman. Upon 
opening the letter, he found it to be from Captain Buffington, of the 
army, informing him that, by order of Colonel Lindsey, of the United 
States Army, stationed in Tennessee, he had repaired to Spring Place, 
for the purpose of enabling the Judge of the Superior Court to execute 
the laws of Georgia, and tendering him his own services and that of 
his command. The judge, immediately calling for pen, ink, and paper, 
replied to Captain Bufnngton's communication ; assuring him, that 
however highly he might appreciate the motives which induced Colo- 



560 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

nel Lindsey to order Captain Buffington and his command to that 
place, to enable the Judge of the Superior Court to execute the laws 
of Georgia, he was not aware there existed any necessity for his 
services, or that of his command ; that Georgia was abundantly able 
to execute her own laws ; and that so far as that duty devolved upon 
him, on that occasion he expected to have no difficulty in doing it," 
without his assistance. In less than thirty minutes after the receipt 
of the communication the soldiers' tents were struck, and Captain 
Buffington and his command were on their march to their quarters in 
Tennessee. Several of the Anti-Bishop party implored the judge not 
to send the soldiers away ; the women cried, and said they would all 
be killed, the court could not be held, &c. 

When the time arrived for opening the court, the Sheriff was re- 
luctant to go to the court-house, saying that he was certain he would 
be killed before the trials were over. The judge assured him that he 
should be protected — took him by the arm, walked to the court 
house, opened court, and during the term tried Bishop and other im 
portant criminal causes, growing out of the Murray difficulties, with- 
out the least disturbance. Judge Warner's conduct on this occasion 
was the theme of admiration. 

Of the legal qualifications of this gentleman it is scarcely necessary 
to speak, as the evidences of their high order have been already 
exhibited in the positions to which he has been so repeatedly eleva- 
ted. The characteristic feature of his mind is its remarkable logical 
force. His efforts at the bar and his decisions on the bench alike 
disclose this feature. His style is free from ornament, and with an 
unusual directness, he approaches and discusses the question controll- 
ing every case — not one redundant word, not one of repetition, and 
yet complete. His language, with perfect accuracy, conveys pre- 
cisely the idea intended. 



MONROE COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1821, and apart set off to Butts, 1825, 
and named after James Monroe, President of the United States. 
Length, 21 m. ; breadth, 16m.; area square miles, 336. 

The Ocmulgee forms the eastern boundary. The Towaliga emp- 
ties into the Ocmulgee. There are several creeks, viz., Tobesofkee, 
Crooked, Shoal, &c. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,194; families, 
1,194; white males, 3,472; white females, 3,338; free coloured 
males, 2; free coloured females, 3. Total free population, 6,815: 
slaves, 10,170. Deaths, 210. Farms, 746 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 2. Value of real estate, $2,580,103 ; value of personal estate, 
$5,684,909. 



MONROE COUNTY. 561 

The soil is various, combining the best and the worst. The lands 
on the water-courses arc rich, dark, chocolate soil, well timbered, and 
admirably adapted to the cultivation of cotton. The mulatto and 
gray lands are tolerably productive. 

Forsyth is the county town, situated on a ridge dividing the wa- 
ters of Rum and Tobesofkce creeks, 50 miles W.'N. W. of Milledge- 
ville. 

At this place is located the Forsyth Female Collegiate Institute. 
The wealthy and intelligent citizens of Forsyth, and Monroe County 
generally, having felt for some years the inconvenience and impolicy 
of sending their daughters far from home to obtain a suitable educa- 
tion, determined to change their course, and throw themselves upon 
their own resources. 

Accordingly, the citizens of the county and village determined to 
establish a female school of high order. An act, incorporating a 
college seminary at Forsyth, passed the State Legislature in 1849, 
which was at once carried into effect by the friends of the enterprise. 
The brick building known as the Monroe Railroad Bank, owned by the 
Masonic Fraternity, was repaired, and enlarged with a third story, 
at a cost of several thousand dollars, so as to accommodate a school 
of seventy or eighty pupils. 

The Board of Trustees chose the Rev. E. J. C. Thomas Principal 
during the year 1850. He was succeeded by the Rev. William C. 
Wilkes, who entered upon his duties with a determination to elevate 
the institution to a rank equal to any in the South. He well knew 
the difficulties to be encountered ; but with prudence, energy, and a 
full board of efficient assistants, the College was soon placed in a po- 
sition to secure confidence and command "extensive patronage. The 
annual increase of pupils has been over twenty-five per cent. 

In two years, under its present organization, the increase of pupils 
Was so great, and the audiences which attended the commencement 
occasions were so large, that the Trustees were convinced other and 
more extensive arrangements should be made to meet the wants of tho 
institution. 

The old Southern Botanic College building, a large and imposing 
edifice in an unfinished condition, was purchased and completed for a 
sum little less than $10,000, and is now an ornament to the town, 
and well suited to the purposes contemplated. 

The principal and nearly all his assistants reside in the College. 
Connected with it are a good library, a well-selected chemical, philo- 
sophical, and astronomical apparatus, and a mineralogical cabinet, 
with some of the rarest and finest specimens. 

Culloden is a quiet and pleasant village, 32 miles west of Macon. 
It was selected by gentlemen of wealth having large families to edu- 
cate, on account of its healthiness. It is named after Mr. William 
Culloden, one of the first settlers of the county. At this place there 
has been for several years an excellent seminary for young ladies. 

36 



362 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Gulletsville, or New Market, is twelve miles north of Forsyth. 
Russellville is eight miles northeast of Culloden. 
Prattsville is nine miles from Forsyth. 





TOWALICA FALLS. 



On the Towaliga River are the falls known as the Towaliga Falls. 
Tn the " Illustrations of Georgia," by William C. Richards, Esq., 
they are thus described : — " The pleasing impressions first received 
were continually enhanced by successive and varied views, which may 
be obtained at will. Indeed, so fine is the view afforded from many 
points, that it is difficult to decide which is the most attractive ; and 
passing from rock to rock, the beholder is ever delighted with new 
Features. This variety is the greatest charm of the scene. The river 
above the falls is about three hundred feet wide, flowing swiftly over 
a rockv shoal. At its first descent it is divided by a ledge of rock, and 
forms two precipitous falls for a distance of fifty feet. The falls are 
much broken by the uneven surface over which the water flows, and 
on reaching their rocky basin are shivered into foam and spray." 

Georgia Episcopal Institute. — The Episcopal Church is chiefly 
indebted to the liberality of G. B. Lamar, Esq>., formerly of the city 
of Savannah, now of the city of New-York, for this invaluable sem- 
inary. It is located at Montpelier, in this county, about seventeen 
miles from Macon, fourteen from Forsyth, and six from the Macon 
and Western Railroad. Its advantages are not surpassed by those 
of any school in the United Slates. Until the property was purchased 
by Mr. Lamar, it was a favourite resort for invalids, who were at- 
\racted by its medicinal springs, healthful climate, and delightful tern- 



MONROE COUNTY. 563 

perature. Its natural beauties, which are rarely equalled, have been 
improved with the finest taste. The visitor needs only to see its 
extensive lawn, majestic groves, shady walks, beautiful gardens, and 
spacious buildings, to be in love with the spot. The course of instruc- 
tion is thorough and complete, embracing every item that can contri- 
bute to fit a lady for the first stations in society. Its teachers are per- 
sons of high character and first-rate abilities. It may be truly said 
that in this school true religion, useful learning, and polished refine- 
ment, are inseparably united. 

Among the early settlers were, O. Woodward, B. Rogers, P. Lacy, 
Rev. O. Rogers, Job Taylor, T. Harpue, A. Ponder, Mr. Lester, 
Williamson Mims, John Brown, E. Brown, A. Chapman, A. Lock- 
itt, A. Redding, Thomas Holland, Simon Brooks, Tiios. Dew- 
berry, Josiaii Horton, A. Davis, Joseph Dunn, Moses Dumas, 
Benj. Dumas, D. Ponder, Thos. Battle, E. Jackson, A. Chapell, 
W. P. Henry, Wilkins Hunt, Andrew West, Rev. G. Christian, 
Dr. Brown, Dr. E. W. Jones, David McDade, Dr. Law, Geo. W. 
Gordon. 

The following instances of remarkable longevity have come to our 
knowledge : — 

Jesse Powell, 81 ; Mrs. Sarah Woodward died at 84 ; Mrs. 
Brooks died between 80 and 90; John Chapell at 80; John King, 
84; Mrs. Blount, 80; Eden Taylor, between 80 and 90; W. A. 
Wheeler, over 83; John Watson, 86; Aaron Jordon, 82; Ben- 
jamin Haygood, 83. Three years ago there were living, Rev. Rich- 
ard Holmes, aged 80; Mrs. Richard Holmes, 80; Mrs. Joiner, 80; 
Philemon Lacy, 80; Simon Brooks, 90; Major Sullivan, 80; Mr. 
Harpue, 90. 

Mrs. Haygood, aged 93, recently died in this county. " She was 
born on Christmas, married on Christmas, and baptized on Christ- 
mas." She was 69 years a member of the Baptist Church. 

Anderson Redding died on the 9th of February, 1843, in the 
80th year of his age. No sooner had he arrived at the vigour and 
elasticity of manhood, than. he was enrolled among those of the New- 
World who determined to be free, and contended against the tyranny of 
British oppression. He served under his country's banner with a pa- 
triot's zeal and devotion. He was present at the consummation of 
American liberty, the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. 
The recollections of that glorious day lingered long in his memory, 
a rehearsal of which often caused him to feel as though the ardour 
and buoyancy of earlier days were yet fresh upon him, while a big- 
round tear would fall and moisten the old man's cheek 

Rev. Isaac Smith died in this county in 1834, aged 76 years. 
He was a soldier in the Revolution under Washington, and was 



564 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

present at most of the principal actions which were fought by his dis- 
tinguished leader, and although his term of service expired before the 
close of the war, yet he was present as a volunteer at the capturing 
of Cornwallis at Yorktown; alter which he retired from military life, 
and was soon after, under the preaching of the Methodists, awakened 
and converted, and called of God to preach deliverance to the cap- 
tives and the opening of the prison doors to those that were bound by 
the fetters of sin. 

Meteoric Stone. — On the 8th of May, 1828, a meteoric stone fell 
near Forsyth. About four o'clock a black cloud appeared south 
from Forsyth, from which two distinct explosions were heard in im- 
mediate succession, followed by a tremendous rumbling or whizzing 
noise, passing through the air, which lasted about four minutes. This 
uncommon noise was on the same evening accounted for by Mr. 
Sparks and Captain Postian, who were informed by some negroes 
working in a field one mile south of Forsyth, that they had seen a 
large stone descending through the air, weighing, as it was after- 
wards ascertained, thirty-six pounds. This stone was in the course 
of the evening, or very early the next morning, recovered from the 
spot where it fell. It had penetrated the earth two feet and a half. 
The outside wore the appearance as if it had been in a furnace. It 
was covered about the thickness of a common knife-blade with a 
black substance, somewhat like lava that had been melted. On 
breaking the stone, it had a strong sulphureous smell, and exhibited a 
metallic substance resembling silver. A fine specimen of this aerolite 
may be seen in the cabinet of Franklin University. 

The first Superior Court in Monroe County was held on the 3d 
day of June, 1822, at the house of H. H. Lumpkin, Esq., nine miles 
northwest of Forsyth, by the Hon. C. B. Strong and A. G. Saffold, 
Esq., Judge and Solicitor-General of the Ocmulgee Circuit. 

grand jurors. 

George Cabaniss, David Dumas, 

Isaac Welch, Koland Parham, 

Abner Lockett, William Saunders, 

-James D. Lester, John Hamil, 

Hugh W. Ector, James Slattings, 

, Lemuel Gresham, Joseph Youngblood, 

Henry Wimberly, William D. Wright, 

John C. Willis, William Bell, 

Thomas Wynn, Jesse Evans. 
Wood Moreland, 



MORGAN COUNTY. 565 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

Laid out from Washington in 1793 ; part set off to Tattnall, 1801 ; 
part added to Laurens, 1811; parts taken from Telfair and Tattnall, 
1811; part set off to Emanuel, 1812 ; part taken from Tattnall, 1814 ; 
parts from Telfair, 1820 and 1833. Named after General Richard 
Montgomery, an early martyr to the cause of American liberty. 
Length, 26 m. ; breadth, 24 m. ; area square miles, 624. 

The Little Ocmulgee, or Auchee Hachee, and the Oconee, are the 
chief streams. 

The creeks are Lott's, Limestone, Flat, Cypress, Red Bluff, Alli- 
gator, Tiger, Little, Okewalkee, Pendleton, and Swift. 

Mount Vernon is the county site, one mile from the Oconee River. 
It is 87 miles from Milledgeville ; 40 from Jacksonville ; 40 from 
Reidsville ; 38 from Swainsborough ; 33 from Dublin ; 100 from Sa- 
vannah, and 110 from Augusta. 

Colquitt and Boxville are small places. 

The face of the country is level, the soil sandy, and in some places 
fertile. The productions are cotton, sugar-cane, corn, wheat, oats, 
&c. Between 500 and 600 bales of cotton are annually produced. 
Land sells at from 25 cts. to $3 per acre. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 236; families, 236 
white males, 819 ; white females, 722. Total free population, 1,541 
slaves, 613. Deaths, 22. Farms, 168. Value of real estate, $120,693 
value of personal estate, $384,008. 

Among the first settlers were, the Connors, Alstons, McMillans, 
McCranies, McLeods, McIntyres, Adamses, Walls, &c. 



MORGAN COUNTY. 

This section lies within the primary formation, and was laid out 
from Baldwin in 1807. Length, 17 m. ; breadth, 16 m. ; area square 
miles, 272. It was named after General Daniel Morgan. 

The face of the country is undulating. The lands of the best 
kind are embraced in a section of country commencing a few miles 
below Madison, and extending across the county, from east to west, 
on the waters of Little Oconee and Appalachee rivers, and Indian 
and Sugar creeks. 

Cotton, corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, &c, are the principal pro- 
ductions. Orchards do not appear to thrive. From 12,000 to 14,000 
bags of cotton are produced in one vear 



566 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

This was formerly regarded an unhealthy county ; hut it has very 
much improved within a few years, and the hills of mortality will com- 
pare with those of any section in the same latitude. 

The Appalachce and Little rivers are the chief streams. The 
creeks are, Indian, Sugar, Sandy, &c. 

•Madison is the county town, situated on a ridge surrounded by a 
fertile country. It is 43 miles N. N. W. of Milledgeville. It was 
incorporated and made the county site in 1809. 

Here is located the Madison Female College, an institution of a 
recent date, numbering, according to the last catalogue, 171 pupils. 
It is well supplied with philosophical and chemical instruments. 
Board, including fuel, washing, and lights, may be had in private 
families at from $10 to $12 per month. The course of study em- 
braces every useful and ornamental branch. 

The Georgia Female College is also situated in Madison, numbei- 
ing, according to the last catalogue, 156 pupils. The trustees have 
authorized the formation of a Normal class, for the benefit of those 
graduates who may desire to receive instruction in the theory and 
practice of teaching. No charge is made for their tuition. The 
apparatus is of the most recent and approved construction. Board 
from $10 to $12 per month. 

Madison Steam Mill Company. — This mill is located at Madi- 
son. The Company have a capital of $69,280 ; number of spindles, 
2,016; looms, 26; operatives, 75; number of yards of cloth made 
per day, 1,040; amount of cotton used per day, 1,600 pounds. 
This establishment manufactures stripes, tickings, rope, &c, and 
has in the course of erection machinery to spin wool and make 
kerseys. Attention is paid to the religious instruction of the opera- 
tives, and the proprietors speak highly of their conduct. 

Winship's Cotton Gin Factory is situated ten mlies south of Madi- 
son ; machinery moved by water-power ; capital, $20,000 ; from fifteen 
to twenty hands employed. 

High Shoals Factory, on Appalachee River, manufactures domes- 
tics and yarns. 

Wellington, Rehobothville, and Buck Head are small places. 

According to the census of 1850, there were in the county 621 
dwelling-houses; 621 families; 1,862 white males; 1,772 white 
females; 11 free coloured males; 5 free coloured females. Total 
free population, 3,650; slaves, 7,094; 216 deaths; 336 farms; 31 
manufacturing establishments. Value of personal estate, $3,930,583 ; 
value of real estate, $1,648,414. 

Among the early settlers were, Henry Carlton, Bedney Frank- 
lin, William Brown, Jesse and Charles Matthews, Dr. William 
Johnson, Lancelot Johnson, Adam G. Saffold, Re uben Mann , Dr, 
John Wingfield, D. W. Porter, Isham and Jeptha Tanning. 



MURRAY COUNTY. 567 



MURRAY COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee, and organized in 1832. Part set off to 
Walker, lb33 ; part added to Cass, 1834. Named after the Hon. 
Thomas \Y. Murray. 

The, principal river is the Connasauga. 

The lands of this county are generally very fertile, producing all 
the comforts of life. 

Spring Place is the county town, situated a mile and a half E. of 
Connasauga River, 230 miles N. W. of Milledgeville. The scenery 
around this village is beautiful, the Cohuttah Mountains being in full 
view. It was formerly a missionary station for the Cherokees. 

The Moravian .Missions were commenced at Spring Place in 
May, 1801, by the Rev. Messrs. Abraham Steiner and G. Byhan, 
although the former, in 1799, was sent out by the Society of United 
Brethren, to ask permission to establish a school among the Chero- 
kees. He pressed the subject with great zeal in the National 
Council, backed by the officers of government, but was utterly refused. 

In 1800 he came out again, renewed his application, and was again 
refused ; but before the close of the Council, two influential chiefs 
agreed to patronize the school independently of the National Council, 
and offered a place near the residence of one of them, on land which 
he had cleared. The other chiefs did not after this press their op- 
position, and shortly after, the mission at Spring Place was commenced. 

The Rev. Jacob Wohlfahrt was employed in the mission from 
1803 to lb05. The Rev. John Gambold and lady joined the 
mission in October, 1805, and his brother about four years after. 
The first converts of the Moravians were a woman and Charles R. 
Hicks. Mr. Gambold cultivated a farm of thirty-five acres. 

In 1817, Mr. Kingsbury commenced the first mission of the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions among the 
Cherokees. At first, food was purchased in Tennessee, and trans- 
ported some forty or fifty miles to the mission. To obviate this in- 
convenience, and to teach the people the arts and habits of civilized 
life, a farm was purchased on the Chickamauga Creek. Mr. 
Kingsbury laboured alone, until the arrival of Messrs. Moody Hall 
and Loring S. Williams. On the 30th of June, they had twenty-six 
Cherokee pupils boarding with them, and Mr. Kingsbury preached by 
an interpreter to a congregation of more than one hundred. The 
Rev. Mr. Cornelius visited the mission in this year. Under his 
preaching much good was done. Among the converts was Cathe- 
rine Brown, the daughter of half-breed parents. The Rev. Mr. Hoyt 
and Rev. Daniel S. Butrick joined the mission this year. 

In 1818, the labours of the missionaries were eminently successful. 
Many of the Cherokees were baptized and received into the church. 
In 1819, the mission was strengthened by the arrival of two 
missionaries. In 1820, the labours of the mission went on prosper- 



568 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ously, and schools were established at different points. In 1821, 
the mission suffered much from the sickness of its members. 
Subsequently, Messrs. Potter, Butler, Ellsworth, and Parker were 
added to it. In 1825, several new stations were commenced. 

Mr. Steiner told the missionaries that the chief on whose land the 
mission was established, built the first wagon, for which he was se- 
verely censured by the Council, and forbidden the use of such a 
vehicle. But he did not regard their mandate. The objection was, 
"If you have a wagon, there must be wagon roads; and if wagon 
roads, the whites will be among us."* 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 2,047 ; families, 2,047. 
White males, 6,604; white females, 5,888 ; free coloured males, 3 ; 
free coloured females, 8. Total free population, 12,503; slaves, 1,930. 
Deaths, 67. Farms, 1,034; manufacturing establishments, 25. Value 
of real estate, $1,660,705; value of personal estate, $1,268,406. 

Cohuttah Springs are 10 miles from Spring Place, on the waters of 
Sumac Creek. The water is said to be strongly impregnated with 
medicinal properties, and the place is beginning to attract the notice 
of the public. Arrangements are being made to accommodate visitors. 

There are fine springs in almost every section of the county. 

On the Cohuttah Mountains are the remains of an ancient fort, but 
when and for what purpose constructed, we are unable to say. 



MUSCOGEE COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1826. Part set off to Harris, Talbot and Marion, in 
1827. Part taken from Marion and Harris in 1829. Length, 23 m. ; 
breadth, 18m.; area square miles, 414. 

No country is more highly favoured with extensive water facilities 
than Muscogee County. The principal stream is the Chattahoochee, 
affording to the inhabitants a steamboat navigation to the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

The smaller streams, all of which enter into the Chattahoochee, 
are Upatoi, West Upatoi, or Randall's, Nocheefaloochee, Bull, Stand- 
ing Boy, and West End creeks. 

The nature of the soil is various, from the richest vegetable mould 
to the poorest sand. 

Columbus is the seat of justice, situated at the foot of the falls, on 
the east bank of the Chattahoochee River, 128 miles W. S. W\ from 
Milledgeville. It was laid out in 1828, and is the third city in the 
State. Immediately before the town rugged and large rocks rise over 
the whole bed of the river, and convert it into a succession of rapids. 

There are several fine public buildings in Columbus, among which 
are the Court-Ilouse, Odd Fellows' Hall, and Methodist Church. 

* Report of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions for 1820. 



MUSCOGEE COUNTY. 569 

Many of the private houses are large and beautiful, inclosed by 
grounds adorned with shrubbery and trees. 

There are generally about sixteen steamboats plying between Co- 
lumbus and the Apalachicola Bay. 

There is a handsome bridge over the river, belonging to the cor- 
poration, which cost $40,000, and yields an annual income of 
$10,000. No place in the United States possesses greater advan- 
tages for manufacturing purposes than Columbus. Captain Basil 
Hall, of England, during his visit to this town, observed that the va- 
lue of its water power could not be estimated. 

Columbus has a number of benevolent institutions, among them 
the Female Asylum, a description of which has been furnished us 
by a lady : — 

In the spring of 1840, a few ladies of the Methodist Church in the city of Co- 
lumbus, in mutual conference projected an Association, educational and benevo- 
lent in its scope. The design of the Society, as its name and title obviously im- 
port, was two-fold. The Society was extremely fortunate in the selection of its 
beneficiaries, but was greatly embarrassed in the educational branch of its ope- 
rations, by the constant drain upon its limited resources, and diversion of a large 
share of its funds to cases of physical suffering. These demands were so mul- 
tiplied, and the cases presented so worthy of relief, that the funds of the Society 
were mainly appropriated in the way of charitable donations, leaving, after these 
contributions, but a scanty pittance for educational purposes. This exigency 
suggested a change in the plan of operations, and upon consultation it was de- 
termined to petition the Legislature for a charter, incorporating the Society, under 
the name and title of "The Columbus Female Asylum."" The charter was 
promptly granted, and a neat brick edifice, at the cost of a thousand dollars, 
was immediately erected upon a portion of the Commons, generously donated by 
the City Council. The building was completed in the spring of 1845, and was 
dedicated to Christian benevolence the 7th of April, by Dr. L. Pierce and Rev. 
J. E. Evans. Thankful and exultant hearts united on that memorable day, 
with the ministers of God, in prayer for blessings upon the four little orphans and 
the matron, (who nobly gave her services,) the first inmates of the Asylum. 

The necessary funds, in the outset of the enterprise, were raised in part by the 
needle, and an annual collation prepared by the members. This method of sup- 
ply was so precarious, and the remuneration for work actually done was so in- 
sufficient, that it was abandoned in 1848, and annual subscriptions substituted, 
as more certain and reliable. 

This Christian enterprise was projected by members of the Methodist Church, 
and by them supported until the year 184S, when, upon invitation, a limited number 
from the other denominations of the city cheerfully united, and now co-operate 
in the good work with Christian zeal. The Society has at this period, 1852, 
twenty children under its care, and from the success of the past, is devoutly 
thankful to God, and, in looking to the future, is hopeful and confident. 

During' the past year the Society received the very liberal donation of five 
hundred dollars. With this sum two comfortable rooms (much needed) have 
been added to the building. The donor is unknown. 



570 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Statistics from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,884; families, 
1,981 ; white males, 5,279 ; white females, 5,081 ; free coloured males, 
29 ; free coloured females, 33. Total free population, 10,422 ; slaves, 
8,156. Deaths, 187. Farms, 581 ; manufacturing establishments, 30. 
Value of real estate, $4,339,582 ; value of personal estate, $4,465,400. 

The Cotton Gin Manufactory of E. T. Taylor & Co. is situated in 
Columbus. Capital, $60,000; hands employed, 50, who are gener- 
ally boarded in a large house belonging to the establishment. Num- 
ber of gins manufactured every year, 1,000. Machinery capable of 
manufacturing 1,500 per annum. Principal building, 100 by 48 feet, 
three stories high, with a wing 30 by 50. 

The Columbus Variety Works have two saw-mills, and machinery for 
manufacturing tubs, buckets, churns, &c. ; also a planing machine 
capable of planing, tonguing, and grooving 7,000 feet of lumber 
per day. Employs 45 hands. Capital, $35,000. 

Columbus Factory, three miles from Columbus. Capital, $50,000. 

Coweta Falls Factory, situated in Columbus. Capital, $80,000. 

The Howard Manufacturing Company is located in Columbus. 
Capital, $85,000. 






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EAGLE MILLS, COLUMBUS. 

The Eagle Mills were erected in 1851. The main building is of 
brick, 150 by 50 feet, four stories and a basement. Steam is used for 
all purposes for which heat is required. The machinery is adapted 
to the manufacture of all the various styles of cotton and woollen 
fabrics. Capital, $140,000. Hands employed, 240; consumption of 
cotton, 1,500 bales per annum ; consumption of wool, 100,000 pounds 
per annum ; spermaceti oil used. 1,000 gallons per annum ; lard, 500 
per annum ; cords of wood, per annum, 200 ; barrels of flour for 
sizing, 350 per annum. Average pay of females, $10 per month; 
average pay of males, $20 per month. 



MUSCOGEE COUNTY. 



571 



Winter's Merchant Mill is eight stories high, and cost $30,000. 

The Rock Island Paper Mill is situated on the Chattahoochee 
River, 2j miles above Columbus; partly in Georgia, and partly in 
Alabama. Capital, $50,000. The machinery is prepare*! for making 
all kinds of writing, printing, and wrapping paper; capable of manu- 
facturing 2,500 pounds of paper per day; consuming 3,000 pounds of 
raffs daily. 




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THE LOVER S LEAP. 



The following description of the " Lover's Leap" is extracted from 
Richards' " Georgia Illustrated." 

This romantic locale is a high and ragged cliff, which terminates an ascending 
knoll of dark rocks, and projects boldly into the Chattahoochee River.- Its summit 
commands one of the most magnificent displays of river scenery which Nature 
could present, or which Art could picture. On the left the river pursues its down- 
ward course to Columbus, in a straight line. Its flow is rapid and wild, broken 
by rocks, over which the water frets and foams in angry surges. The bed of the 
stream is that of a deep ravine, its walls lofty and irregular cliffs, covered to their 
verge with majestic forest growth. From this point the city of Columbus is but 
partially visible. At the "Leap," the river makes a sudden turn, and forms an 
angle with its course below, flowing in a narrow channel so regularly lined with 
rocks on both sides, and of such uniform width, as to resemble a canal. A. short 
distance above it makes another right angle, and resumes its old course. 

Legend of the Lover's Leap.— In the early part of the present century, this 
region was inhabited by two powerful tribes of Indians. Rivals were they, and, 
with numbers equal, and alike proud names, well they vied with each other. 
There was no tribe, amonsr all the powerful nation of the Creeks, who boasted of 



572 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

their prowess before a Cusseta or a Coweta. Yet they were not friends; for who 
of those proud red men would bend before the acknowledged superiority of 
the other'? It may have been a small matter from which their jealousy sprung, 
but the tiny thing had been cherished, till a serpent-like hatred hissed at the 
sound of the other's name. 

The proud Chief of the Cussetas was now become an old man. and much was 
he venerated by all who rallied at his battle-cry. The boldest heart in all his 
tribe quailed before his angry eye, and the proudest did him reverence. The old 
man had outlived his own sons. One by one had the Great Spirit called them 
from their hunting-grounds, and in the flush of their manhood they had gone to 
the spirit-land. Yet he was not alone. The youngest of his children, the dark- 
eyed Mohina, was still sheltered in his bosom, and all his love for the beautiful 
in life was bestowed upon her: — ah, and rightly too, for the young maiden ri- 
valled in grace the bounding fawn, and the young warriors said of her that the 
smile of the Great Spirit was not so beautiful. While yet a child, she was be- 
trothed to the Young Eagle of the Cowetas, the proud scion of their warrior 
Chief. But stern hatred had stifled kindly feelings in the hearts of all save these 
two young creatures, and the pledged word was broken when the smoke of the 
calumet was extinguished. Mohina no longer dared to meet the young Chief 
openly, and death faced them when they sat in a lone, wild trysting-place, 'neath 
the starry blazonry of midnight's dark robe. Still they were undaunted, for pure 
love dwelt in their hearts, and base fear crouched low before it, and went afar 
from them to hide in grosser souls. Think not the boy-god changes his arrows 
when he seeks the heart of the red man. Nay, rather with truer aim and finer 
point does the winged thing speed from his bow, and deeply the subtle poison 
sinks in the young heart, while the dark cheek glows with love's proper hue. 
The deer bounded gladly by when the lovers met, and felt he was free, while 
the bright-eyed maiden leaned upon the bosom of the Young Eagle. Their 
youthful hearts hoped in the future, though all in vain, for Time served but to 
render more fierce that hostile rivalry, more rank than deadly hatred, which ex- 
isted between the tribes. Skirmishes were frequent amid their hunters, and open 
hostilities seemed inevitable. 

And now it was told by some who had peered through the tangled underwood 
and matted foliage of those dim woods, that the Coweta had pressed the maiden 
to his heart in those lone places, and that strange words and passionate were even 
now breathed by him to her ear. Then the hunters of the Cussetas sprang from 
their couches, and made earnest haste to the dark glen. With savage yell and 
impetuous rush they bounded before the lovers. They fled, and love and terror 
added wings to their flight. For a while they distanced their pursuers. But the 
strength of Mohina failed her in a perilous moment, and had not the Young Eagle 
snatched her to his fast-beating heart, the raging enemy had made sure their 
fate. He rushed onward up the narrow defile before him. It led he forgot 
whither. In a few moments he stood on the verge of this fearful height. Wildly 
the maiden clung to him, and even then, in that strange moment of life, his 
heart throbbed proudly beneath his burden. The bold future alone was before 
him; there was no return. Already the breath of one of the pursuers, a hated 
rival, came quick upon his cheek, and the bright-gleaming tomahawk shone 



MUSCOGEE COUNTY. 573 

before him. One moment he gazed on him, and triumph flashed in the eye of 
the young Chief, and then without a shudder he sprang into the seething waters 
below. Still the young maiden clung to him, nor yet did the death-struggle part 
them. The mad waves dashed fearfully over them, and their loud wail was a 
fitting requiem to their departing spirits. The horror-stricken Warriors gazed 
wildly into the foaming torrent, then dashed with reckless haste down the de- 
clivity, to bear the sad tidings to the old Chief. He heard their tale in silence. 
But sorrow was on his spirit, and it was broken. Henceforth his seat was un- 
filled by the council-fire, and its red light gleamed fitfully upon his grave. 



The name of Muscogee is given to this division of the State to per- 
petuate the name of a tribe of the Creek Nation. 

Le Clerc Milfort, a highly educated French gentleman, came to 
America in 1775, and after making a tour through the New-England 
States, he visited the Creek Nation. At Coweta, two miles below 
Columbus, he formed the acquaintance of Colonel McGillivray, the 
great Chief of the Creeks. Pleased with the Colonel, he deter- 
mined to take up his residence in the nation. In a short time he 
married McGillivray's sister, was elected Grand Chief of War, 
and in this capacity conducted many expeditions against Georgia. 
Much of his time was devoted to the writing of a history of the 
Creeks, which he afterwards published in France. Mr. Pickett, in 
his History of Alabama, has extracted from this work the following 
particulars in relation to the Muscogees : — 

Hernando Cortez, with some Spanish troops, landed at Vera Cruz in 1519. He 
fought his way thence to the city of Mexico. At that time the Muscogees then 
formed a separate republic on the northwest of Mexico. Hitherto invincible in 
war, they now rallied to the aid of Montezuma, engaging in the defence of that 
greatest of aboriginal cities. At length Cortez was successful. Montezuma was 
killed, his government overthrown, and thousands of his subjects put to the sword. 
Having lost many of their own waniors, the Muscogees determined to seek some 
other land. The whole tribe directed their course eastward until they came to 
the banks of the lied River, where they laid out a town, and remained there 
several years. In 1527 they abandoned their town, and after various battles with 
the Alabamas, settled upon the banks of the Wabash. How long they remained 
here is not known, but they finally crossed the Ohio and Tennessee, and settled 
upon the Yazoo. Learning what a fine country was occupied by the Alabamas, 
they broke up their establishments upon the Yazoo, took possession of the lands 
upon the Alabama, Coosa, and Tallapoosa, and advanced to the Ocmulgee, 
Oconee, and Ogeechee. Pushing on their conquests, they reduced a warlike 
tribe called the Uchees, upon the Savannah River. Some time after these con- 
quests, the French established themselves at. Mobile, by whose instrumentality 
a peace was made between the Alabamas and Muscogees. The Alabamas and 
Tookabatchas became members of the Muscogee confederacy, and in the course 
of time many other tribes joined them. When the English began to explore 
their country, and to transport goods in all parts of it, they gave all the inhabit- 



574 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



ants collectively the name of the Creeks, on account of the many beautiful rivers 
and streams which flowed through their extensive dominion. This union gave 
them much influence. In 1786 the whole number amounted to 17,280, of whom 
5.860 were fighting men. 



NEWTON COUNTY. 

Laid out from Jasper, Walton, and Henry, in 1821 ; part added to 
Jasper, 1822; part to De Kalb, 1826, and a part to Jasper, 1834. 
Named after Sergeant John Newton, of Revolutionary celebrity. 
Length, 22 m. ; breadth, 15 m. ; area square miles, 330. 

The rivers are. Yellow, Ulcofauhachee, and South. 

Covington is the county site, 67 miles from Milledgeville. 




SOUTHERN MASONIC FEMALE COLLEGE. 



The Southern Masonic Female College is located in Covington. 
This institution was adopted by the Grand Lodge of the State of 
Georgia at its last annual communication. The College edifice is a 
chaste, beautiful, and durable brick building, flanked in front by two 
elevated quadrangular towers, with an open portico or verandah 
between, and situated in a retired grove. It is well supplied with 
philosophical and chemical apparatus. Confidence is felt that this 
College will command the patronage of the public. 

Oxford is three miles from Covington, and is the seat of Emory 
College. Its first President was the Rev. Ignatius A. Few, LL. D. 



NEWTON COUNTY. 575 

This gentleman resigned the presidency on account of ill health, and 
was succeeded by the Rev. Augustus B. Longstreet, LL. D., who 
continued to preside over the College until July, 1848, a period of 
more than ten years. The Rev. George F. Pierce, D. D., is now the 
President. 

Sandtown is twelve miles from Covington. 

Oak Hill is ten miles from Covington. 

Extract from tlie Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,374; families, 
1,374; white males, 4,099 ; white females, 3,980; free coloured males, 
17; free coloured females, 13» Total free population, 8,109 ; slaves, 
5,187. Deaths, 95. Farms, 812; manufacturing establishments, 
23. Value of real estate, $2,163,078; value of personal estate, 
$3,645,938. 

The climate is healthy. A few years ago Mr. Richmond Terrell 
was living, aged 89; Mr. Weathers died over 90; Mrs. Bowery, 
94; Mrs. Shell, 90; Mrs. Bass, 90; Thomas McClean, over 100; 
Mr. Tretwell, 100. 

^Cedar Shoals Factory is on Yellow River, three miles from Coving- 
ton. Capital invested, $10,000. 

Newton Factory manufactures cotton goods. 



Rev. James Osgood Andrew, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, South. — This gentleman resides in this county. We are 
sure that his numerous friends in Georgia, as well as in oilier sec- 
tions of our country, will be pleased to learn some particulars of 
his history, and we feel glad that it is in our power to gratify 
them. We wish we had space sufficient to allow an extended history 
of this eminently good man, who for more than thirty years has be< n 
engaged in preaching the Gospel. Our limits will only permit us to 
give a brief sketch of his life. We have known him a longtime, and 
could say much. 

Mr. Andrew was born near the town of Washington, Wilkes 
County, in this State, on the 3d of May, 1794. His father was a 
native of Liberty County, and was a member of the Med way 
Church, of which the Rev. Mr. Osgood was then pastor. As a 
mark of the high regard he entertained for this reverend gentleman, 
he named his son after him. In common with many of his fellow- 
citizens, he took up arms in defence of his country, and was in 
several engagements under Sumter and Screven. Having lost the 
greater part of his property in the Revolutionary struggle, he re- 
moved to that portion of the State now called Columbia County, 
and shortly afterwards became a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and subsequently a minister, be,ing, probably, the first 
native Georgian who entered the itinerant ministry of that church. 
The mother of Mr. Andrew was one among the first converts to 
Methodism in Georgia. All the recollections of his childhood are 
associated with his father's farm in Elbert County, not far from 



576 historical Collections of Georgia. 

Webb's Ferry, to which place he had removed. The country was 
then almost a wilderness, affording' the young very few means of 
obtaining an education. He went to a common school, kept by a 

Mr. C , who made it a practice to give his pupil one or two 

whippings every day, not for improper conduct, but because he 
did not hold his pen to please him, or write such a hand as suited him. 
From his father, who was an excellent English teacher, he derived 
many advantages ; " but being the mill-boy of the family, and the 
main dependence for doing jobs at home," his attendance upon his 
father's school was very irregular, but still a fondness for reading was 
awakened in his bosom. We cannot state precisely when his 
thoughts were first directed to religious subjects, but he was licensed 
as a preacher in 1812; and at the session of the South Carolina Con- 
ference, held at Charleston in the winter of this year, was received 
into the itinerancy, being then only nineteen years of age. From the 
time he first entered the ministry, he has been actively engaged in 
discharging the onerous duties peculiar to a minister of the Methodist 
Church. The denomination of which he is so bright an ornament can- 
not point to one who has served it with more fidelity, or laboured 
more successfully. Thousands in South Carolina and Georgia retain 
a grateful recollection of his valuable services. At the General Con- 
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held at Philadelphia in 
1832, he was elected and ordained Bishop. In 1844, the General 
Conference, held at New- York, regarded it as a very grave offence 
that Bishop Andrew had become the owner of a few slaves, and 
passed resolutions deposing him from his office, unless he would 
abandon his connection with what they were pleased to call " the 
great evil.''' 1 

The facts were these: — Many years since, an old lady of Augusta, 
Georgia, had bequeathed to the Bishop a mulatto girl in trust, 
that he should take care of her until she should be nineteen years of 
age ; that provided she was willing, she should then be sent to Libe- 
ria, and that otherwise he should keep her, and make her as free as 
the laws of Georgia would permit. When the time arrived, the girl 
refused to go to Liberia, and of her own choice remained legally his 
slave, although he derived no pecuniary benefit from her. She con- 
tinued to live in her own house, and was at liberty to go to a free 
State whenever she thought proper. The. mother of Bishop Andrew's 
first wife left to her a negro boy, and she dying without a will, 
he became, by the laws of Georgia, the Bishop's property. In Ja- 
nuary, 1844, Mr. Andrew married a lady possessed of slaves, but 
secured them to her by a deed of trust. 

This case occupied the attention of the General Conference for 
several days, but finally was settled by the adoption of the following 
preamble and resolution : — 

''■ Whereas, The discipline of our Church forbids the doing anything calcula 
to destroy our itinerant general superintendency ; and whereas Bishop And 
has become connected with slavery, by marriage and otherwise ; and this 



NEWTON COUNTY. 577 

having drawn after it circumstances which, in the estimation of the General 
Conference, will greatly embarrass the exercise of his office, as an itinerant ge- 
neral superintendent, if not in some places entirely prevent it: — therefore, 

" Resolved, That it is the sense of this General Conference that he desist from 
the exercise of his office, so long as this impediment remains." 

For this resolution 110 members voted ; against it, 68. A few days 
after, the Rev. A. B. Longstreet, in behalf of the delegations from 
the Southern and Southwestern Conferences, presented the following 
declaration to the General Conference : — 

''The delegates of the Conferences in the slaveholding States take leave to 
declare to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, that the 
continued agitation of the subject of slavery and abolition in a portion of the 
Church, the frequent action on that subject in the General Conference, and es- 
pecially the extra-judicial proceedings against Bishop Andrew, which resulted on 
Saturday last in the virtual suspension of him from his office as Superintendent, 
must produce a state of things in the South which renders a continuance of the 
jurisdiction of this Conference over these Conferences inconsistent with the suc- 
cess of the ministry in the slaveholding States." 

A protest, also, of the minority of the General Conference, against 
the action of that body in the case of Bishop Andrew, was read. 

The substance of it was this — that the General Conference had no 
power to suspend or depose a Bishop without the presentation of 
charges ; that the act of the General Conference was an attempt to 
place in jeopardy the general superintendency of the Church, by 
subjecting any Bishop to the will and caprice of a majority of the 
General Conference, not only without law, but in defiance of the re- 
straints and provisions of the law ; that to request Bishop Andrew 
to resign is, in the judgment of the minority, to punish and degrade 
him, and they maintain that the whole movement was without autho- 
rity of law, and is null and void, and therefore not binding upon 
Bishop Andrew, or the minority protesting against it. To this pro- 
test there was a reply. 

In view of the existing state of things, it w r as finally agreed 
upon by the General Conference that there should be a dis- 
tinct ecclesiastical connection, composed of the Conferences of the 
slaveholding States. The meeting of the delegates from the 
slaveholding States was held in the city of New-York on the day af- 
ter the adjournment of the General Conference, which, among other 
things, recommended a convention of delegates from the several An- 
nual Conferences to be held at Louisville, Kentucky, on the 1st of 
May, 1845, and also published an address to the ministers and mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the slaveholding States 
and Territories. The Kentucky, the Missouri, the Holston, the Mem- 
phis, the Mississippi, the Arkansas, &c, some fifteen or sixteen South- 
ern Conferences, passed resolutions, condemning the action of the Ge- 
neral Conference in reference to Bishop Andrew, and recommending 
the formation of a Southern organization of the Church. 

37 



578 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 

The Convention met at Louisville, upon the day designated, when 
it was resolved that a distinct church be formed, to be known by the 
style and title of " The Methodist Episcopal Church, South." At this 
meeting it was also resolved that Bishops Soule and Andrew be cor- 
dially requested to become regular and constitutional Bishops of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which invitation both of the 
reverend gentlemen accepted. 

A full knowledge of the causes which led to a Southern organiza- 
tion of the Methodist Church, South may be obtained by referring 
to a pamphlet published in 1851, entitled " The Methodist Church 
Property Case." In writing a sketch of Bishop Andrew, we felt it 
to be a duty to allude to these subjects, because we believed that it 
was the action of the General Conference in relation to him which 
mainly contributed to a division in the. Methodist Church. 



3$ is nil rnu n us. 

The first Court for this county was held April 15, 1822. 
first grand jurors. 

Solomon Graves, Wm. Fannin, 

L. Dunn, F. H. Trammell, 

W. Whatley, Junius Bloodworth, 

C. A. Carter, II. Lane, 

R. Q. Lane, David Hodge, 

H. Jones, Robert Leake, 

James Johnson, John Stephens, 

Wm. Jackson, G. B. Turner, 

Thos. Jones, Geo. Cunningham, 

John Storks, John F. Piper, 

S. D. Echols, James Hodge, Sen. 

About 1810, the father of Bishop Andrew died, leaving his wife and several chil- 
dren, without property, and dependent upon the exertions of his widow for their sup- 
port. One of his sons, Herbert Andrewf had this dependence increased, by an at- 
tack of disease, which made him a deformed cripple for life. His feet and legs were 
so contracted, as to rest upon his body, instead of the ground. When other children 
would have been running about, he was confined to his mother's side. Whilst 
thus seated, receiving her instruction how to read, he heard from that fond, de- 
voted, pious mother, how the best and holiest of all had suffered meekly, and 
without resistance, ignominy and death, because it was the will of his Heavenly 
Father ; until there came upon the spirit of the deformed boy the desire to imi- 
tate that example so strong, that its control was beyond all human strength. 

This noble youth struggled to do whatever was possible in aid of his mother, 
in her hard labour to support her family, and effected more than most imagined 
possible. When he had learned what his mother could teach him, he went to 
school, moving upon his hands instead of his feet, not being able to walk up-' 
light. By his mother's assistance, some little schooling, and his own untiring 

* Died last year. 



OGLETHORPE COUNTY. 579 

exertions, he qualified himself for teaching others. He has now been teaching 
nearly twenty years. His energy and ceaseless industry have secured him the 
greatest success. Whilst keeping school, he has acquired, by his own unassisted 
exertions, such knowledge of the various departments of learning, that his 
scholars are now admirably qualified for entrance into college. 

His pure life, the strength of his determination in overcoming difficulties, and 
the energy of his efforts in doing good, made such an impression upon the people 
of Newton County, among whom he lived, that they resolved to give him some 
assistance. They elected him tax-collector. He performed the duties of the 
office with unsurpassed faithfulness.* 



OGLETHORPE COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1793. Part taken from Greene, 1794. Parts of Ogle- 
thorpe added to Greene, and parts of Greene added to Oglethorpe, 
1799. Part set off to Madison, 1811 ; a portion taken from Clarke, 
1813; a part set off to Taliaferro, 1825; a part added to Madison, 
1831. Named after General Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia. 
Length, 28 m. ; breadth, 16m.; area square miles, 448. 

The face of the country is hilly : the western part is red land, the 
central gray, and the eastern partakes of several varieties. The lands 
upon Goose Pond have long been noted for their fertility. 

Broad River separates the county from Elbert, and the Oconee 
forms part of its western boundary. 

Lexington is the county town, 64 miles N. N. E. of Milledffeville, 
distinguished alike for the hospitality and intelligence of its inhabit- 
ants. 

Bowling Green, Bairdstown and "Woodstock, are pleasant villages. 

The climate is mild. We insert a few instances of longevity. 
Mr. Clifford Woodruff died over 104 years of age; Mrs. Tay- 
lor over 80; Charles Strong, 84; Mrs. Strong, 80; General 
Stewart, 70, a soldier of the Revolution; Charles Carter, 8S; 
Jacob Eberhart, 83; Samuel Ward, 85. 

Education has always been appreciated by the citizens of this 
county. 

Extract from the Census of 1850.— Dwellings, 819 ; families, 820 ; 
white males, 2,228; white females, 2,154; free coloured males, 2; 
1 free coloured female. Total free population, 4,385 ; slaves, 7,874. 
Deaths, 175. Farms, 555 ; manufacturing establishments, 13. Value 
of real estate, $2,163,078 ; value of personal estate, $4,235,515. 

* Extract from Governor Gilmer's Address before the Alumni of the State University. 



580 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Oglethorpe boasts of having furnished a number of distinguished 
men, the history of many of whom is given in this work. 

Hon. Stephen Upson, an eminent lawyer, long resided in this county. 
At the time of his death, in 1824, he was esteemed one of the first , 
men in Georgia. *\{? 

The Hon. William Harris Crawford resided in this county. His 
history shows how much may be done by study, industry, and honesty. 
He was born in Amherst County, Virginia, on the 24th of February, 1772. 
Mr. Crawford's family were from Scotland. His father came from 
Virginia in 1779, and settled in Edgefield District, South Carolina; 
and in 1783 he removed to Columbia County, Georgia, where he died 
five years afterwards. W. H. Crawford was a lad during the Revo- 
lution, and was raised with the hardihood of those scuffling times. 
After the death of his father, Mr. Crawford, in order to aid in the 
support of his mother's family, devoted himself to the business of in- 
struction, for several years, until Dr. Moses Waddel opened a classi- 
cal school in Columbia County ; when, feeling the importance of a 
knowledge of the languages, he resolved to avail himself of this ex- 
cellent opportunity of obtaining an acquaintance with the classics, 
and accordingly became a student in Dr. Waddel's academy, where 
his progress was so great, that he was soon employed as an assistant. 
After remaining in this academy two years, he came to Augusta, and 
formed a connection with Charles, afterwards Judge Tait, in the ma- 
nagement of the Richmond Academy. In 1799 he removed to Lex- 
ington, and commenced the practice of law ; and it was not long 
before his talents and great attention to business placed him at the 
head of his profession. 

At the period when Mr. Crawford first commenced practice, 
the upper counties of Georgia were monopolized by a clique en- 
gaged in legislative speculations. Efforts were made to secure his 
co-operation in these iniquitous proceedings, but with no success. 
For four years he represented Oglethorpe County in the Legislature 
of Georgia. In 1806, he was elected to the United States Senate, 
and in 1811 re-elected without opposition. In this body he occupied 
a pre-eminent station; and upon many important and exciting ques- 
tions, evinced a judgment unsurpassed by that of any member of the 
Senate. In 1813, President Madison offered him the appointment of 
Secretary of War, which he declined. He was then sent Minister to 
Paris, where he remained two years, during which time he not only 
showed himself to be a fearless advocate of his country's rights, but 
gained the favour of Parisian society by his open manners and in- 
structive conversation. When he returned to the United States he 
was appointed to the War Department, but in which he served only 
for a brief period. In October following, he was appointed Secretary 
of the Treasury, and continued to discharge the duties of this import- 
ant office until 1825, with an ability which men of all parties acknow- 
ledged. In 1825 he received a flattering vote for the office of Presi- 
dent of the United States. In 1827, upon the death of Judge Dooly, 



OGLETHORPE COUNTY. 581 

Mr. Crawford was appointed judge of the Northern Circuit, which 
office he held until his death, which occurred in Elbert County, Sep- 
tember 15, 1834, aged sixty-two years. His remains lie at Wood- 
lawn, his seat in Oglethorpe County. 



fflisniUnf no. 

first grand jury. 
John Lumpkin. Robert McCord. 

John Marks. Jael Hurt. 

Andrew Bell. Jesse Clay. 

Charles Hay. John Collier. 

RlCnARD GoLDSBY. ISAAC COLLIER. 

John Garrett. John Shields. 

Robert Beavers. Presley Thornton. 

Jeffrey Early. Humphrey Edmonson. 

William Patts. Jas. Northington. 

The annals of this county afford some interesting incidents. From 
an address delivered by the Hon. George R. Gilmer, at Athens, we 
make the following extracts : — 

Miles Jinnings was a leather stocking old man, who lived, when the Yazoo 
Act passed, in the county of Oglethorpe, at the place now known as the Crab- 
tree. He had been, before he moved to Georgia, an Indian-fighter on the fron- 
tiers of Virginia and North Carolina. He retained during life the gun with 
which he fought at the great battle of the Point, where the Indians of the West, 
under Logan, did not yield the victory until after they had fought the whites 
hand to hand, from sunrise until dark. 

On the morning of the day of the first general meeting of the people of Ogle- 
thorpe, after the passage of the Yazoo Act, a neighbour, who lived on the other 
side of the Crab-tree, stopped at the gate, whilst Miles Jinnings made ready to 
accompany him. Jinnings put a rope in his pocket before he left home. He 
was a silent man, and said nothing about his purpose. Upon being asked by 
his neighbour what he intended doing with the rope, he replied, "Hang Mus- 
grove." When they arrived at the Court-house from their distant part of the 
county, all the people had assembled. Miles Jinnings hitched his horse, went 
into the crowd, pulled from his pocket the rope, and holding it up at arm's 
length, cried out, " Neighbours, this rope is to hang Musgrove, who sold the peo- 
ple's land for a bribe." The lashing of the surge upon the shore, when the ocean 
is driven by the most furious storm, was not louder than the noise of the people, 
excited into tumult by Jinnings's words, and the sight of the elevated rope. 
No human power could have saved Musgrove from hanging, if Jinnings's neigh- 
bour had not given him notice to make his escape. 

There was no school in the Goose-Pond neighbourhood, on Broad River, from 
its first settlement in 1784 until 1796. The first teacher was a deserter from the 



582 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

British navy, whose only qualification was, that, he could write. He whipped 
according to navy practice. On cold mornings, when fire could not be conve- 
niently had, he made the children join hands and run round and round, whilst he 
hastened their speed by the free application of the switch. He was knowing in 
all sorts of rascality. Observing the son of a very poor man eating mutton for 
his twelve o'clock meal, he inquired of him where his mutton came from. The 
little boy answered, that " daddy had caught a stray sheep in the brier-patch." 
He forced the locks of several of his employers, in search of money, was detected, 
and punished at the public whipping-post. 



PAULDING COUNTY. 

This county has Cass on the N., Campbell on the S., Cobb on the 
E., and Polk on the W. It was laid out from Cherokee, and or- 
ganized in 1832. Named after John Paulding, one of the captors of 
Andre. 

The Tallapoosa has its source in this county. The creeks are 
Sweet Water, Pumpkin Vine, &c. 

There are some fine bodies of land in the county. 

At a place called Burnt Hickory, considerable quantities of gold 
have been found. 

Dallas is the county town. This is a place of recent date. It 
has a handsome court-house, several stores, &c. Near the public 
square is an excellent freestone spring. 

Vanwert was formerly the county site. 

Among the first settlers were, Whitmael A. Adair, William 
Adair, Mitchell S. Adair, Thomas Reynolds, George Lawrence, 
Garnett Gray, Mr. Forsyth, Lewis M. Matthews. 

The climate is salubrious. It is not in our power to name any re- 
markable instances of longevity. 



The Hon. John Jones has long been a resident of this county. 
Whatever may be the character of party differences, we believe it 
may be affirmed, without the fear of contradiction, that Mr. Jones is 
a warm-hearted Georgian, an able lawyer, and an honest man. 



PIKE COUNTY. 583 



PIKE COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1822, and received its name in honour of General 
Zebulon M. Pike. It lies within the granite formation. 

The Flint River is the principal stream. The creeks are Big Po- 
tato, Elkins, Birch, &c. 

There are some rich lands on the Flint River. The productions 
are cotton, corn, &c. 

Zebulon is the county town, distant from Milledgeville 77 miles 
W., 27 from Fayetteville, 10 from Flint River, 17 from Thomaston, 
25 from Forsyth, 50 from Macon, and 12 from Griffin. The court- 
house is built of brick, and cost $8,000. The jail is a plain build- 
ing, constructed of wood. A considerable amount of business is done 
at this place. The seat of justice was formerly Newnan, but in 1825 
it was removed to Zebulon. 

Barnes ville, situated on the Macon and Western Railroad, is a 
thriving village. More business is transacted in Barnesville than one 
would suppose, and the population will not suffer by a comparison 
with any in Georgia. 

Milner, on the railroad, is 12 miles below Griffin. 

Liberty Hill is 13 miles S. E. of Griffin. 

The Pine Mountains are in the southern part of the county. 

The climate is mild and healthy. The instances of longevity are 
numerous. Mr. Adam Cooper was living a few years ago, aged 
nearly 100 — a very remarkable old man, having had his coffin made 
for eight years previous to the time the compiler saw him, as well as 
his shroud, both of which he was in the habit of keeping under his 
bed. Mrs. Crawford, 105 years old. Mr. Harper died at 90. 
Mrs. Lushin, 90. Mr. Wm. Nelson died a few years ago, at the 
age of 100; and there is a church in the county called Century 
Nelson, in memory of the fact that he had numbered 100 years. 

Extract from the Census o/"1850. — White males, 4,477; white fe- 
males, 4,209; free coloured males, 28; free coloured females, 33. 
Total free population, 8,747; slaves, 5,558. Deaths, 150. Farms, 
807; manufacturing establishments, 21. Value of real estate, 
$1,921,987; value of personal estate, $3,128,778.* 

Early Settlers. — John Marshall, Isaac Cooper, Benjamin 
Jordin, Jacob Gilder, S. Stephens, Thos. Mathews, Elbert 
Phillips, Binford Groce, Joseph Weaver, William Mobbley, 
Ephraim Mabry, William Amos, Eli Walker, William Taylor, 
John Farley, Jabez Gilbert, James Johnson, Richard Myrack, 
John Moore, General Daniell, James Neal, J. B. Read, J B. Wil- 

* Since the last census a portion of Pike has been added to Spalding. The above 
statistics must therefore be considered as embracing both counties. 



584 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA 

liamson, H. G. Johnson, W. E. Mangum, Gideon Barnes, Willis 
J. Milner, Wm. Ellis, B. Orr, John Neal. 

Rev. John Milner, Jun., was a useful minister, who died in this 
county. The following notice of him is condensed from a sketch in 
the Georgia Baptist. He was born in 1775. His education was 
limited to the ordinary branches of English. In 1812, he was bap- 
tized by the Rev. Jesse Mercer, and ordained in 1825. His preach- 
ing was well received wherever he went. On one of his preaching 
tours, he fell in with a gentleman, (as he believed, providentially,) 
from whom he purchased the tract of land upon which Barnesville 
now stands. His oldest son made a settlement upon it, in visiting 
whom, from time to time, Mr. Milner found a few persons scattered 
about in the wilderness, the country being then quite new. These he 
gathered into the church, now known as Sardis, near Barnesville. 
This little band at first consisted of less than a dozen members. At 
the period of Mr. Milner's death, 1841, it had increased to near one 
hundred and twenty. In 1827 he left Jones County, and settled near 
this church. Here again his zeal impelled him to press into the sur- 
rounding neighbourhood, holding forth the lamp of life. Other 
churches were soon gathered, to which he ministered. As his bodily 
strength declined, his sphere of usefulness continued to enlarge ; and, 
as his end drew near, his way was " as the path of the just, which 
shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Mr. Milner lived to 
a good old age, having died in his sixty-sixth year. 



% i s r 1 1 1 a it i n u s . 

Austin Dabney, a remarkable free man of colour, died at Zebulon. 
His remains repose, we understand, near those of his friend Harris. 
The following account of Dabney, as given by Governor Gilmer, may 
be interesting : — 

In the beginning of the Revolutionary conflict, a man by the name of Aycock 
removed to Wilkes County, having in his possession a mulatto boy, who 
passed for and was treated as his slave. The boy had been called Austin, to 
which the Captain to whose company he was attached added Dabney. 

Dabney proved himself a good soldier. In many a skirmish with the British 
and Tories, he acted a conspicuous part. He was with Colonel Elijah Clarke in 
the battle at Kettle Creek, and was severely wounded by a rifle-ball passing 
through his thigh, by which he was made a cripple for life. He w r as unable to 
do further military duty, and was without means to procure due attention to his 
wound, which threatened his life. In this suffering condition he was taken into 
the house of a Mr. Harris, where he was kindly cared for until he recovered. 
He afterwards laboured for Harris and his family more faithfully than any slave 
could have been made to do. 

After the close of the war, when prosperous times came, Austin Dabney ac- 
quired property. In the year 18 — , he removed to Madison County, carrying 
with him his benefactor and family. Here he became noted for his great fond- 



PIKE COUNTY. 585 

ness for horses and the turf. He attended all the races in the neighbouring 
counties, and betted to the extent of his means. His courteous behaviour and 
good temper always secured him gentlemen backers. His means were aided by 
a pension which he received from the United States. 

In the distribution of the public lands by lottery among the people of Georgia, 
the Legislature gave to Dabney a lot of land in the county of Walton. The Hon. 
Mr. Upson, then a representative from Oglethorpe, was the member who moved 
the passage of the law, giving him the lot of land. 

At the election for members of the Legislature the year after, the County of 
Madison was distracted by the animosity and strife of an Austin Dabney and an 
Anti-Austin Dabney party. Many of the people were highly incensed that a 
mulatto negro should receive a gift of the land which belonged to the freemen 
of Georgia. Dabney soon after removed to the land given him by the State, and 
carried with him the family of Harris, and continued to labour for them, and ap- 
propriated whatever he made for their support, except what was necessary for 
his coarse clothing and food. Upon his death, he left them all his property. 
The eldest son of his benefactor he sent to Franklin College, and afterwards sup- 
ported him whilst he studied law with Mr. Upson, in Lexington. When Harris 
was undergoing his examination, Austin was standing outside of the bar, exhi- 
biting great anxiety in his countenance; and when his young protege was sworn 
in, he burst into a flood of tears. He understood his situation very well, and 
never was guilty of impertinence. He was one of the best chroniclers of the 
events of the Revolutionary War, in Georgia. Judge Dooly thought much of 
him, for he had served under his father, Colonel Dooly. It was Dabney's custom 
to be at the public house in Madison, where the judge stopped during court, and 
he took much pains in seeing his horse well attended to. He frequently came 
into the room where the judges and lawyers were assembled on the evening be- 
fore the court, and seated himself upon a stool or some low place, where he would 
commence a parley with any one who chose to talk with him. 

He drew his pension in Savannah, where he went once a year for this pur- 
pose. On one occasion he went to Savannah in company with his neighbour, 
Colonel Wyley Pope. They travelled together on the most familiar terms, until 
they arrived in the streets of the town. Then the Colonel observed to Austin 
that he was a man of sense, and knew that it was not suitable for him to be seen 
riding side by side with a coloured man through the streets of Savannah ; to 
which Austin replied that he understood that matter very well. Accordingly, 
when they came to the principal street, Austin checked his horse and fell behind. 
They had not gone very far before Colonel Pope passed by the house of General 
James Jackson, who was then Governor of the State. Upon looking back, he 
saw the Governor run out of the house, seize Austin's hand, shake it as if he had 
been his long absent brother, draw him off his horse, and carry him into his 
house, where he stayed whilst in town. Colonel Pope used to tell this anecdote 
with much glee, adding that he felt chagrined when he ascertained that whilst 
he passed his time at a tavern, unknown and uncared for, Austin was the hon- 
oured guest of the Governor. 



586 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



POLK COUNTY. 

This is a new county, laid out in 1851. It is bounded E. by 
Paulding, W. by the State of Alabama, S. by Carroll, and N. by 
Flovd and Cass'. Length, 24 m. ; breadth, 20 m. Named after the 
late James K. Polk, President of the United States. 

The streams are, Pumpkin Pile, Euharlee, Cedar, &c. 

In some parts the lands are of excellent quality, yielding cotton, 
corn, wheat, rye, &c. 

Cedar Town, in Cedar Valley, is the capital, handsomely located, 18 
miles from Rome, 25 from Dallas, and 9 from Cave Springs. 




LIMESTONE SPRING. 



At Cedar Town is one of the finest limestone springs in the State. 
It is surrounded by a beautiful natural growth of cedar. The spring 
affords water sufficient to move machinery of several horse-power. 
It is proposed to supply the town with water by means of a hydraulic 



ram. 



We feel peculiar pleasure in stating that the citizens of this coun- 
ty take a deep interest in the subject of education. At Cedar Town 



PULASKI COUNTY. 58" 

there is an excellent school, called the Woodland Seminary, under the 
direction of the Rev. Mr. Wood, a gentleman of very superior qua- 
lifications. The institution is yet in its incipiency, but we feel confi- 
dent that it will soon occupy a high rank among the many resorts of 
learning of which Georgia may justly be proud. 

The following are the names of some of the persons living in the 
county at the time of its organization, viz.: Thomas H. Sparks, 
Dr. E. H. Richardson, Wm. Peek, Asa Prior, Colonel Springer, 
R. C. Gibson, Wm. F. Janes, W. E. West, G. W. West, Jas. 0. 
Griggs, B. F. Bigelow, W. O. B. Whatley, B. Crabb. 

The first Superior Court in this county was held on the second Mon 
day of September, 1852. 



PULASKI COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Laurens, in 1808. Length, 32 
m. ; breadth, 17 m. ; area square miles, 544. 

The Ocmulgee is the principal river. 

There are several creeks. 

The lower part of the county is generally level. The upper part 
is rolling. 

The lands on the east side of the Ocmulgee are fertile, producing 
cotton, corn, &c. 

The climate is hot. 

Hawkinsville is the county town, situated on the west side of 
the Ocmulgee River, 61 miles from Milledgeville. 

Hartford is opposite to Hawkinsville, formerly a thriving place. 

To the geologist, this county presents an inviting field. The 
rotten limestone formation prevails, filled, with fossils of almost every 
variety. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Joseph Reeves, 
Edmund Hogan, S. Colson, George Walker, Wm. Hathorn, 
J. M. Taylor, E. Blackshear, Mark Mason. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 701 ; families, 
701 ; white males, 1,896 ; white females, 1,888 ; free coloured 
males, 20; free coloured females, 19. Total free population, 3,823; 
slaves, 2,804. Deaths, 87. Farms, 371 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 2. Value of real estate, $760,980 ; value of personal estate 
$1,651,033. 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



PUTNAM COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1807. Part added to Jones, 1810. Length, 20 m. ; 
breadth, 18 m. ; square miles, 360. Named after General Israel 
Putnam. 

The Oconee and Little rivers are the chief streams. The soil, 
although much worn, is still productive. 

The climate is the same as that which prevails in Middle Georgia. 

Eatonton is the county town, 22 miles from Milledgeville. 

Stanfordville, Rockville, and Glade Cross Roads are small vil- 
lages. 

The Eatonton Cotton Factory is situated on Little River, three 
miles west of Eatonton. Capital, $70,000. Spindles, 1,836 ; looms, 
36; bundles of yarn per day, 100; yards of osnaburgs per day, 1,000; 
number of hands employed, 97; wages of operatives, from $12 to 
$20 per month; annual expense of hands, $7,000. About 100 yards 
of bagging per day are made from waste and inferior cotton. In ad- 
dition to the above, a quantity of rope is also made. Proper attention 
is paid to the instruction of the children of the operatives. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 609 ; families, 609 : 
white males, 1,681 ; white females, 1,619; free coloured males, 1] ; 
free coloured females, 15. Total free population, 3,326; slaves, 
7,468. Deaths, 160. Farms, 351 ; manufacturing establishments, 
32. Value of real estate, $1,137,791 ; value of personal estate, 
$3,546,720. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Wm. Wilkins, Ben- 
jamin Williamson, John Lamar, John Buckner, Eli S. Shorter, 
Stephen Marshall, John McBride, Capt. Vesey, James High- 
tower, John Trippe, Isaac Moreland, John White, Benjamin 
Whitfield, Joseph Cooper, Josiah Flournoy, M. Pounds, Ward 
Hill, Rev. Richard Pace, Rev. John Collinsworth, Jesse Bled- 
soe, Wm. Turner, Willis Roberts, Mark Jackson> Peter F. 
Flournoy, Thomas Park, Raleigh Holt, A. Richardson, Tarply 
Holt, James Kendrick, Reuben Herndon, T. Wooldridge, Joseph 
Turner, Warren Jackson, Edward Trayler, Samuel M. Echols, 
James Echols, E. Abercrombie, Matthew Gage, Thos. Napier, 
Wm. Jackson. 

Six miles S. W. of Eatonton is a mound composed of quartz rock, 
of different varieties. Upon it there is a vestige of an ancient wall 
nearly circular. The inclosure embraces 110 feet. 



Putnam has produced her share of distinguished men. Among 
these may be mentioned the late Judge James Meriwether, a gen- 



RABUN COUNTY. 589 

tleman of fine legal attainments. He was Judge of the Superior 
Court, a member of Congress, and Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives of Georgia. 

Dr. Henry Branham was the first physician who settled in Put- 
nam, and his reputation for skill in his profession is equal to that of 
any practitioner in Georgia. 

Judge Eli S. Shorter was a man of first-rate talents. He was 
esteemed a most excellent judge. 

Rev. William Arnold has, for a long term of years, been a zealous 
preacher of the Gospel. 

Rev. Mr. Cox was one of the first settlers. His life is a commen- 
tary upon the principles which he believes. 



RABUN C OUNTY. 

Laid out in 1819. Part taken from Habersham, 1828. Length, 
20 m. ; breadth, 20 m. ; area square miles, 400. Named after Go- 
vernor William Rabun. 

The Tennessee, Chattooga, Tallulah, and Ulufta rivers, are the 
principal streams. 

The creeks are, Gumekeloke, War Woman, Stekoa, Tiger Tail, 
Wild Cat, Persimmon and Mud. 

Clayton is the seat of justice, and is situated near the centre of the 
county, at the foot of the Blue Ridge. It is 156 miles N. of Mil- 
ledgeville. It was first named Claytonville, after Judge Augustus 
S. Clayton, but in 1823 the name was changed to that of Clayton. 

A few fine bodies of land are in the county, principally on the 
water-courses. 

Granite abounds, as well as iron, carbonate of iron, alum, &c. 
Gold has been found in several localities, particularly on Persimmon 
Creek. 

The climate is quite cold in winter, but decidedly pleasant and bra- 
cing in summer. The diseases are such as usually occur in mount- 
ainous districts. 

Rabun is a county of mountains. In whatever direction the eye is 
turned, it beholds ridges of mountains, one behind the other, " like a 
dark blue sea of giant billows, instantly stricken solid by nature's 
magic wand." The valleys are Tennessee, War Woman, Persim- 
mon, Tiger Tail, and Simpson's Creek. 

In the county are several caves, but none particularly celebrated. 
Ten miles N. E. of Clayton is a beautiful fall, called Eastatoah, and 



590 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

about four miles from Clayton are the Stekoa Falls, which many per- 
sons think superior in beauty to the far-famed Toccoa Falls. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 385 ; families, 
385; white males, 1,210; white females, 1,128. Total free popu- 
lation, 2,338; slaves, 110. Deaths, 12. Farms, 282. Value of 
real estate, $156,395; value of personal estate, $128,698. 

Among the original settlers of this county were, General Coffee, 
Henry Cannon, Tillman Powell, E. Powell, General Andrew 
Millar, James and John Dillard, Jesse Carter, Charles Gates, 
Chesley McKenzie, James Kell, James Allen, Drury Wall, 
Joseph Jones, David Moseley, Jo_ hn Kell y, Wm. Jones, Cleve- 
land Coffee, Joel Coffee, John Patterson, Wm. Price, E. Den 
ton, Wm. Grantham, Wm. Godfrey, Elijah Crane. 



RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Laid out from Lee, 1828. Part set off to Stewart, 1830. Length, 
40 m. ; breadth, 27 m. ; area square miles, 1,080. Named after 
John Randolph, of Virginia. 

The Chattahoochee separates the county from Alabama. Pataula, 
Ocetahnee, Tobenanee, and Cemochechobbee creeks, flow into the 
Chattahoochee ; Pachitla and Fushachee flow south, and empty into 
the Ichawaynochaway, which discharges itself into the Flint River. 

There are excellent lands in the county. 

Cuthbert is the capital, 150 miles from Milledgeville. It has im- 
proved very much w T ithin a few years. 

Georgetown is on the Chattahoochee. 

The Baptist Female College of Southwestern Georgia is located 
at Villa Nova, near Cuthbert. It commenced operations on the 17th 
of February, 1852, and on the 31st of May, 1853, it had 130 pupils. 
An edifice is now erecting at a cost of $10,000. Provision is made 
for instruction in all the branches of a useful and polite education. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,408; families, 
1,408; white males, 4,067; white females, 3,790 ; I free coloured 
male ; free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 7,860 ; 
slaves, 5,008. Deaths, 130. Farms, 930 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 38. 

The climate is mild. There are but few diseases, and it may be 
called a healthy county. Mr. Love died a few years since at the 
advanced age of ] 17. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was 
an active man, though blind for thirty years before his death. Mrs. 
Darby was living a few vears ago, aged 105. 



RANDOLPH COUNTY. 59i 

Among the early settlers of this county were — Samuel A. Greer, 
James P. Sharp, James Martin, Jacob Hawk, Wiley Strickland, 
Thomas Coram, Lewis Rivers, Ben./. Davis, Allen Moye, Martin 
Brown, Abel Bass, John Roe, Edward McDonald, Z. Bailey, 
Joseph Sands, Dav/d Rumph, Dr. Jones, Colonel Alexander, Rev. 
Mr. Swain, George Wood. 

Pataula Falls, on Pataula Creek, are 12 miles N. W. of Fort Gaines. 
The creek runs through a bed of blue argillaceous marl containing a 
profusion of sea-shelis, some of a very large size. Imbedded in the 
rocks are balls the size of a 12-pound shot, of compact blue lime- 
stone Factories to any extent could be established at these falls. 



BATTLE OF ECHOWANOTCHAWAY SWAMP. 

On the 25th of July, 1836, at the Echowanotchaway Swamp, Major Jernigan 
had a sharp contest with the Indians. The enemy having the advantage of 
ground, and being superior in numbers, Major Jernigan ordered a retreat of one 
hundred and fifty yards, bearing his wounded before him, expecting that the 
Indians would renew the attack, which, however, they did not. The wounded 
were carried to Captain Stapleton's house. The loss in the skirmish was three 
killed, and seven wounded. The battle lasted fifty minutes. The number of 
the enemy was estimated to be from two to three hundred. 

On the 26th, Major Jernigan pursued them until sunset, when he was rein- 
forced by a company from Lanahassee. commanded by Captain Galba Matthews, 
by Guilford's Company, a part of Captain Snellgrove's Company, Colonel Wood, 
Major Wills, and Captain Smith, together with others, making his force amount 
to three hundred men. A council of officers was called, who requested Major 
Jernigan to take the whole command, to which he consented. 

On the 27th, at sunrise, the line was formed, and the troops quickly put in mo- 
tion. The trail was soon discovered, and about three miles below the camp, 
Major Jernigan's advance-guard, under Captain Moye, heard the savages 
crossing Turkey Creek, at its confluence with the main branch of the Echowa- 
notchaway. The troops were marched to this spot, and preparations made for 
battle. The advance-guard was ordered to proceed, and in crossing Turkey 
Creek, the Indians fired several scattering guns from thick cane-brakes, and ap- 
peared to be moving forward. The commands of Captains Matthews, Guilford, and 
Snellgrove were detached to a place on the eastern side of trie main creek, and 
below Chnmba and Turkev Creeks. Captain Clifton's Company was stationed 
on the trail which entered the swamp. The companies of Captains Still and Ball 
were marched across the creek. 

Major Jernigan having thus arranged his force, and knowing that the In- 
dians were below him, dispatched Captain Ball to inform the troops on the east- 
ern side of the main creek that they would be required to approach the swamp; 
and as it was not probable that the Indians would attempt to escape at the point 
covered by Captain Ball's company, he was directed to blow the horn before he 
countermarched, to induce the enemy to believe that a station was kept there. 



592 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

In the mean time, the companies of Captains Ball and Clifton were united, and 
from each a guard was detailed. Captain Ball returned, and gave informa- 
tion of the arrival of General William Wellborn, of Irwinton. The General, on 
his march to join Major Jernigan's eastern division, was hooted at by the Indians 
in the cane-brake. He, however, reached the station without being fired on, 
and by consent and request of the captains, commanded and led that division. 
As the time for action approached, signals were given to enter the swamp, which 
was accordingly done by a part of Captains Ball and Clifton's company. Pre- 
cisely at eleven o'clock, signal-guns were fired for the whole body to be put in 
motion, and the march was immediately commenced. It was evident that the 
Indians were well prepared for battle, and would vigilantly guard their trail ; 
and it being considered more than probable, from what had passed between 
them and General Wellborn, that spies would be placed on the eastern force, it 
was determined, if possible, to take the enemy by surprise. The troops marched 
through Turkey and Chumba creeks, leaving the Indian trail on their right. 
After marching about three hundred yards through mud and water, thickly set 
with cane, a man was ordered to ascend a tree, for the purpose of making dis- 
coveries, who reported the camp at the distance of three hundred yards, pointed 
out a noted forked pine as a land-mark, and also stated that he could discern 
spies watching their trail, and others keeping a look-out on General Wellborn's 
division. Captains Ball and Clifton were directed to move forward, inclining 
to the left, in order to give them an attack broadside. The march was conti- 
nued until the Indians could be heard talking. A halt was ordered by giving 
signs, and Colonel Wood dispatched, with others, to gain the rear of General 
Wellborn, and inform him where Major Jernigan was situated, the position of 
the Indians, &c. The messengers had not been absent two minutes before a 
brisk firing took place between General Wellborn and the savages. A charge 
was ordered with the sound of the horn, and in thirty seconds from the tire 
of the first gun, the two companies gained the hammock, and covered the 
entire line of the enemy. The firing from all quarters was heavy arid ani- 
mated. The Indians fought with more desperation, and gave up the ground with 
more reluctance, than in any battle previously had with them. The engage- 
ment lasted forty-five minutes, and ended about half past one o'clock. 

After forcing them from their strong positions, two infant children were heard 
to cry in the cane-brake. They were brought to the battle-ground. Major Jer- 
nigan's loss was three killed — Mr. Carter, of Irwinton, Ala, David Sutlev, of 
Randolph, and John Crocker, Jun., of Lumpkin. Thirteen were wounded. A 
part of those whose wounds were slight returned to their homes. The follow- 
ing is a list of the wounded: — E. Butler, Frith. Thomas Shepherd, Willis 

Barton, William Hughes, Colonel Wood and William Hilborne, of Randolph; 
Lewis Williams, Richard Cannady, Captain Green, and B. Ball, of Stewart; Cap- 
tain Jenkins and Patterson, of Irwinton, Ala. The loss of the Indians was 

not ascertained. Eighteen were found dead, some of them three miles from the 
battle-ground. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 



593 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 

This county was originally St. Paul's Parish. In 1777 it was 
made the County of Richmond, receiving its name from the Duke of 
Richmond, a warm friend of American liberty. In 1790 a part was 
set off to Columbia. Length, 27 m. : breadth, 25 m. ; area square 
miles, 675. 

The Savannah River divides the county from South Carolina. 

Augusta, named by General Oglethorpe in honour of one of the 
royal princesses, is the capital, situated on the southwest bank of 
the Savannah River, 92 miles from Milledgeville. 

It was laid out in 1735 by the Trustees of Georgia, and garrisoned 
in 1736. Several warehouses were built and furnished with goods 
for the Indian trade. Boats were used for transportation, which made 
four or five voyages annually to Charleston. 

Few cities have improved more rapidly than Augusta. It is well 
built, mostly of brick, and very favourably situated for trade, being 
in the centre of a thickly populated and wealthy country. The city 
is governed by a Mayor and Aldermen, called the City Council. 
The police is excellent, and there is no city where better order exists. 

Augusta has a number of elegant public buildings. 




CITY HALL. 



The City Hall is an ornament to the city. It is built of brick 
three stories high, with a cupola surmounted by the figure of justice 
It was built at a cost of $100,000. 

38 



594 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



The Medical College was finished in 1835. 

The Masonic Hall is a showy edifice, fronting Broad-street. It 
was erected in 1826, and cost $30,000. 

The jail is constructed of brick, and cost $28,000. 

The city is supplied with water brought from a spring three miles 
distant. 

There is an excellent bridge over the Savannah River, owned by the 
corporation. 

In Augusta there are five or six banks, besides several insurance 
agencies. 

The Augusta Canal is a splendid monument of the enterprise of 
the citizens. 

The warehouses have always challenged the admiration of travel- 
lers. There are ten or twelve of these structures, capable of holding 
70,000 bales of cotton, which were erected at a cost of more than 
120,000 dollars. 

In 1796 there was a bridge over the river opposite Centre-street, 
built by the late Colonel Wade Hampton, of South Carolina, which 
was carried away by the great freshet of that year, known as the 
Yazoo freshet. On the 28th of May, 1840, the river rose 37 feet 
above low- water mark, by which a large portion of the city was inun- 
dated, and much injury done to property. In March, 1841, there 
was another freshet, the river rising- 33 feet. 




- . , _ . .. ■■■■vt f ?«ii' s *l">-:' ' 




FREIGHT DEPOT. 



The premises belonging to the Georgia Railroad and Banking 
Company are worthy the attention of visitors. The above is a 
view of the interior of the Freight Depot. It is 280 feet long, and 
80 feet wide. The roof projects 1 1 feet beyond the walls on each 
side. Cars for receiving the goods stand under the projecting roof 
upon one side, and the loaded drays drive into all parts of the build- 
ing through the doors of the opposite side. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 



595 




CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT. 



There are nine churches in Augusta. The Church of the Atonement, 
of which a view is given above, is probably one of the most unique 
buildings in the State. It was erected at the expense of one family. 




ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 



St. Paul's Parish was established some years prior to the Revolu- 
tion. From 1750 to 1770 it was served at intervals by the following 
clergymen, as missionaries of the Society of the Church of England 



596 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, viz. : — Rev. Jon- 
athan Copp, from 1750 to 1756 ; Rev. Samuel Frink, from 1764 to 
1767; Rev. Wm. Ellington, from 1767 to 1770. 

The original house of worship was built opposite one of the cur- 
tains of the fort, known during the Revolution as Fort Cornwallis. 
This building was succeeded by another, a plain wooden structure. 
The corner-stone of the present building was laid in the spring of 
1819, and was first occupied in March, 1820, and in 1821 was conse- 
crated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bowen, of South Carolina. The 
church is built of brick ; length, 94 feet ; breadth, 62. It contains 
124 pews on the ground floor, and 14 in the organ gallery, there 
being no side galleries. The pitch of the ceiling is 25 feet ; it is of 
the Grecian Doric order, and is generally admired for its chasteness 
and simplicity. The design was furnished by Mr. John Land, the 
architect, by whom it was built, at a cost of upwards of 25,000 
dollars. The Rev. Hugh Smith, at that time Rector of St. Ann's 
Church. Brooklyn, L. I., was elected to the Rectorship in 1819. He 
resigned in the spring of 1832, and in May of that year was succeed- 
ed by the present Rector, the Rev. Dr. Ford. 




PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



The Presbyterian Church is a neat edifice, located in a pleasant 
part of the city, surrounded by a beautiful grove of oaks. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 597 

Mount Enon is 15 miles S. of Augusta. 

Brotherville is 13 miles from Augusta. 

Belair is on the Georgia Railroad, 10 miles from Augusta. 

Bath is in the southern part of the county. 

Summerville is three miles from Augusta. 

The lands on the river are excellent, and command a high price. 
The productions are cotton and the various grains. 

The institutions for the education of youth are numerous and re- 
spectable. 

The climate is healthy. Fevers are the most prevalent diseases. 

The instances of longevity are the following :— Mrs. Priscilla 
Tully died at 101 ; Mr. John Martin, at 103; Mrs. Dawson, over 
91 ; Mrs. Griffin, over 90 ; Mr. D'Antignac, at 89 ; Mr. James 
Gardner, 83 ; Mr. N. Murphy, 80 ; Mrs. Rowell, over 80 ; Mrs. 
Tinley, nearly 103 ; E. Taver, 82; Mrs. Crawford, 80; Mrs. La- 
cy, 82 ; Mr. Conrad Liverman, 80. He was a native of Hesse 
Cassel, and first came to this country among the mercenaries of the 
British army, during the Revolutionary War ; but in Savannah he 
deserted the British, and ever afterwards fought manfully for the 
United States. Mr. Nicholas De Laigle died at 87. He was a 
gentleman of great industry, and of the highest integrity. 

In 1789 a gentleman and his wife resided in this county, from whom, 
in fifty-five years, the following generations descended :— 

1 The father, 76 years old. 

1 The mother, 72 do. 
14 Children. 
40 Grandchildren. 
42 Great-grandchildren. 

98 

In 1826, an African, known by the name of Old Qua, died at the 
advanced age of 96. 

Old Amy, as she was familiarly called, died at the extreme ag-e of 
140 years. 5 

Jack Wright, a negro, died at the age of 109. He had been a 
servant to Lord Anson when stationed at Charleston, prior to his 
voyage round the world. 

Extract from the Census of 1850.— Dwellings, 1,556 ; families 
1,556 ; white males, 4,140 ; white females, 4,012 ; free coloured males' 
126; free coloured females, 156. Total free population, 8 434* 
Slaves, 7,812. Deaths, 291. Farms, 272. Manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 56. Value of real estate, $4,392,325 ; value of personal 
estate, $4,019,160. l 

Various minerals are found in this county, among which are burr 
stone, porcelain clay, novaculite, wacke, steatite, micaceous sand- 
stone, mica slate, granite, and sienite. 



598 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Considerable attention is paid to manufactures in Richmond. 

The Augusta Manufacturing Company have two mills. Mill No. 1 
contains 8,160 spindles and 312 looms, for cotton goods. Mill No. 2 
has 6,280 spindles and 200 looms, for the manufacture both of cotton 
and woollen goods. The production of the two mills, when in full 
operation, will be over 125,000 yards per week. 




CUNNINGHAMS FLOUR MILLS. 



Cunningham's Flour Mills are in Augusta. The main building is 
60 feet by 40 ; five stories high. It has six run of stones, with all 
the necessarv fixtures. The whole machinery is driven by two over- 
shot wheels, eleven feet in diameter. 




GOODRICH'S MANUFACTORY. 



This extensive establishment is owned by Mr. William H. Good- 
rich, a gentleman of great enterprise. Doors, blinds, sashes, and in- 
deed almost all descriptions of carpentry, are manufactured. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 



599 



Richmond Factory is situated on Spirit Creek, 10 miles S. of Au- 
gusta. Capital, $35,000 ; spindles, 1,500; looms, 40. 

Belleville Factory is seven or eight miles from Augusta, owned by 
Mr. George Schley. 

Warren & Colman's Mill is at Augusta. It is built of granite, 
and is three stories high. 

American [ron Foundry, situated m Augusta, Osmond & Gray, 
proprietors. At this establishment iron and brass castings, railroad 
car and engine wheels, mill and gin gearing, ploughs, water-pipes, 
&c, are manufactured. 

There is a Machine Factory on Butler's Creek, seven miles from 
Augusta. 







MONUMENT TO LYMAN HALL AND GEORGE WALTON. 



This monument is erected in Greene-street, opposite to the Citj 
Hall. It is 50 feet high. 



600 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



DOCUMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF 

AUGUSTA. 

A List of such Traders, Men and Horses, as come from other parts, and only 
pass through or by Augusta in their way to the Creek Nation. 

Men. Horses 
Messrs. Wood & Brown, from South Carolina 
Daniel Clark, from Ditto 

Archibald McGillivray, from Ditto 

George Cossons, from Ditto 

Jeremiah Knott, from Ditto 

Spencer, from Mount Pleasant 
Gilmore, from Ditto 

j Barnett. from Ditto 



Messrs. 



Messrs. 



Ladson, from Ditto 

James Cossons, from South Carolina . 
George Galphin, from Ditto 
William Sluthers, from Ditto 

— 49 314 

A List of Traders, Men and Horses, employed from Augusta in the Chickasaw 

and Creek Trade. 



8 


60 


4 


20 


3 


18 


4 


30 


4 


30 


3 


16 


4 


20 


3 


20 


3 


20 


5 


30 


4 


25 


4 


25 



George Mackay 

Henry Elsey 

Messrs. Facey and Macqueen .... 

John Wright 

John Gardner 

William Calahern 

Thomas Andrews, in Creek and Chickasaw Nations 

Thomas Daval 

John Cammell 

Paul Rundall 

Nicholas Chinery 

William Newberry 



Men. 


Horses. 


4 


20 


3 


20 


6 


40 


4 


20 


3 


20 


3 


15 


8 


70 


3 


20 


3 


20 


3 


20 


3 


20 


3 


20 


46 


305 


John Gardner 



Savannah, July 14, 1741. 

In 1756, Governor Reynolds laid before his Council the following 
letters from Augusta : — 

Augusta, Saturday, 10 of the Clock in the | 
Morning, \2ih September, 1756. j 

May it please tour Excellency: — We have, as in duty bound, sent this ex- 
press on purpose, with the inclosed informations, by which you will understand 
that Indian blood has been spilt, and consequently an Indian war is almost inevi 
table— the only thing, in all probability, that can prevent it, is the having of the 
murderers secured for to make him satisfaction ; for which reason, we issued hut 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 601 

and crys everywhere to apprehend them; and in case they come by the way of 
Savannah, we hope care will be taken to secure them. We are afraid we cannot 
hold this place long without speedy assistance, which we hope your Excellency 
will take into serious consideration. All the settlements on the Ogeechee are 
abandoned. The fort cannot contain all the inhabitants, so that we shall be 
obliged to fortify some other places. We beg your Excellency would send us in- 
structions how to act as you shall think proper. There are some head-men of 
the Creeks in Charlestown, or on their way thither, on whom we have had great 
dependence, as we designed to assure them that we will take and do justice on 
the murderers, and give them all the satisfaction they required. We wish we 
could hear from your Excellency before they went from this place, for which 
reason, we hope your Excellency will dispatch the express with all haste possi- 
ble. There is no match in the fort. Mr. begs if there is any such thing in 

Savannah, that you will send him some. And we are, with the greatest respect, 
your Excellency's most humble, most obedient servants, 

Da. Douglass, 
John Rae, 
Martin Campbell. 

Representation or Petition of the Inhabitants of Augusta, and places 
adjacent, setting forth their danger from the Indians, and their pre- 
sent defenceless state. 

Augusta, 30th of August, 175b". 

To his Excellency John Reynolds, Esq., Captain-General and Commander-in- 
Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of Georgia, and Vice- Admiral of the 
same. 

The humble representation and petition of the inhabitants of Augusta and the 
places adjacent, showeth, — 

That your petitioners, by their vicinity and connection with Indians and In- 
dian affairs, have had the opportunity to behold with concern the great progress 
the French have made for some time past in seducing the Creek Indians, and 
drawing them over to their interest. These people are indefatigable in per- 
suading and spurring on the Indians to a rupture with us, and had, within those 
few months, according to the best intelligence we could get, and from the be- 
haviour of the Indians in general, very nearly succeeded, and even with the 
concurrence of a part of the Cherokees. 

That although we believe they have miscarried just at this present juncture, 
yet we have good reason to think if some effectual methods are not taken to pre- 
vent it, they will very soon bring their designs to bear. That Augusta and the 
places adjacent being not only frontiers, but places where the stores and trading 
goods for all the Chickasaws, Creeks, and a part of the Cherokees, are kept, are of 
the greatest consequence, for in all probability they would, for the sake of the stores, 
be the first that would be attacked, as they, the Indians, would thereby be enabled, 
with a little assistance from the French, to carry on a war with the English for a con- 
siderable time. That in our present helpless, defenceless condition, these places 
and stores, we are morally certain, would fall too easy a prey to them. That it is 
well known that Fort Augusta was erected here for the sake of the Indian trade, and 



602 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

protection of those who should carry it on, and might also be a protection to the 
inhabitants that might afterwards come and settle in the northwest division of the 
Province, by being an asylum for the women and children, and a place of se- 
curity for their effects in case of danger. That that fort at present cannot answer 
any of those wise and salutary ends, being in every part of it in a ruinous con- 
dition, for the truth of which we can appeal to your Excellency, who had ocular 
demonstration thereof when your Excellency was up here ; but ever since that 
time it is much decayed, and would have fallen to the ground had it not been 
supported by the care of the commanding officer. That was the fort in proper 
repair, it would not answer the ends proposed ■ the few soldiers that had been for 
a long time at that station, which, by repeated detachments to South Carolina 
and elsewhere, are now rendered fewer, being insufficient for its defence in case 
of aii attack. That if this place was destroyed, the destruction of the whole Pro- 
vince would, in all probability, soon follow ; for, as we hinted before, the Indians 
would get arms and ammunition, and other necessaries here, enough to enable 
them to carry on the war when and how long they pleased. That although we 
have been informed that your Excellency hath before now laid before his Ma- 
jesty the defenceless state of this Province, and the ruinous condition of the forti- 
fications in it, and we are sensible no person could take more pains to know it 
than your Excellency; yet we hope this representation of our particular situa- 
tion, especially in time of war with France, and. as we have good reason to 
think, of immediate danger, will not be taken amiss. That we also, with sub- 
mission, beg leave to observe to your Excellency that we sincerely wish there 
had been no settlement made on Ogeechee as yet, for if ever the Creeks should 
break out a war with us, whatever reasons they in their own minds might have 
for it. we are assured they will make that settlement one pretence, for they are 
continually exclaiming against it, and more so this summer than ever. We wish 
there could be a method taken of withdrawing the settlement by degrees, so it 
might not look like a public concession of these lands. The Indians would then 
at least want that pretence of quarrelling. We therefore hope your Excellency 
will take this our representation and petition into your serious consideration, and 
we cannot doubt your Excellency will do everything in your power to remedy 
these evils, and to render our safety and protection more effectual ; but if nothing 
can be done here for the public security of these parts, we humbly beseech your 
Excellency to represent our situation to his Majesty, from whose fatherly care we 
may yet, before it is too late, receive the assistance necessarily required. And 
your Excellency^ petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 
(Signed,) 

Patrick Clarke, Martin Campbell, 

John Rae, Lachlan McGillivray, 

Isaac Barksdale, John Williams, 

Wm. Bonar, John Spencer, 

Daniel Clark, William Little, 

Edward Barnard, James McHenry, 
William Clement, George Galphin, 
Richard Johnson, Robert Dixon, 
Da. Douglass, Moses Numes. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 603 

We have sent you the inclosed representation, that your Excellency may see 
the sentiments of the people of this place before this unlucky affair happened. 

I have, as in duty bound, sent you the inclosed information, by which, in all 
appearances, an Indian war is inevitable. There is nothing, in all human pro- 
bability, can prevent it but having those people who did the injury to make a reta- 
liation for the murdered Indians, and we have accordingly issued hue and cry. 
sent out parties to apprehend them, and we have alarmed all the country both on 
the Carolina and Georgia side. The head-men of the Chickasavvs are now with 
me. They declare they will live and die with the white people, provided we 
will get them a place for their wives and children. The fort is too small, neither 
is it in a condition to hold the people of this place, so I think it will be better to 
have one or two fortifications or intrenchments as near to the fort as possible, 
where the women and children may be secured, while we scout out and fight the 
enemy. I am afraid we cannot keep this place without assistance, and the loss 
of this will be an immense destruction to both provinces, as there is no people in 
this Province to spare to send to our assistance. I hope your Excellency will im- 
mediately apply to the Government of South Carolina, who are equally concern- 
ed, to send an immediate supply of men or otherwise, as you think most proper, 
as I only hint my hasty thoughts, which if not right, 1 beg your Excellency 
would excuse. I hope your Excellency will by this express give me what power 
and instructions you think needful. If possible, we will immediately send to the 
Creek Nation, to assure the Indians those people who did injury will be taken 
and secured for their satisfaction. We are afraid the blow will be struck in the 
nation. 

(Signed,) 

Da. Douglass. 



REVOLUTIONARY DOCUMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY 
OF RICHMOND COUNTY. 

Wednesday, October 12th, 1774. 

A Protest or Declaration of Dissent of the Inhabitants of St. Paul's 
Parish, against any Resolutions expressive of Disloyalty to our Most 
Gracious King, and the Lords and Commons of Great Britain. 

We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the Parish of St. Paul, having understood 
that certain persons have attempted, and are now attempting to prevail on the 
good-meaning and well-disposed people of this Province, to enter into resolutions 
similar to those made in the Province of South Carolina, in order to counteract 
and render ineffectual some late acts of the British Parliament intended to reduce 
the people of Boston to a sense of their duty : — 

We do hereby, for ourselves and others, protest against any. and declare our 
dissent to any such resolutions, or proceedings in any wise tending to express 
disloyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, and the Lords and Commons of Great 
Britain, for the following reasons, viz. : — 

First. Because we apprehend this mode of assembling and entering into re- 
solutions that arraign the conduct of the King and Parliament, is illegal, and 



604 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

tends only to alienate the affection, and forfeit the favour and protection of a most 
gracious Sovereign, and to draw upon this colony the displeasure of the Lords and 
Commons of Great Britain. 

Secondly, Because, if we have real grievances to complain of, the only legal and 
constitutional method of seeking redress is, we apprehend, to instruct our repre- 
sentatives in Assembly to move for and promote a decent and proper application 
to his Majesty and the Parliament for relief. 

Thirdly, That as the inhabitants of this Province have had no hand in destroy- 
ing any teas, the property of the East India Company, and, therefore, are not in- 
volved in the same guilt with those of Boston, they can have no business to 
make themselves partakers of the ill consequences resulting from such a con- 
duct. 

Thirdly, Because we understand that the Council and Assembly of this Pro- 
vince have lately applied to his Majesty for assistance in case of an Indian 
war; and should we enter into any such resolutions, we could not in justice ex- 
pect any such assistance, but would be counteracting what they have done, and 
exposing the Province to imminent danger. 

Fourthly, Because the persons who are most active on this occasion, are 
chiefly those whose property lies in or near Savannah, and, therefore, are not 
immediately exposed to the bad effects of an Indian war; whereas, the back 
settlements of this Province, and our parish in particular, would most certainly 
be laid waste and depopulated, unless we receive such powerful aid and assist- 
ance as none but Great Britain can give. For these and many other reasons, we 
declare our dissent to all resolutions by which his Majesty's favour and protec- 
tion might be forfeited. 

Signed, James Grierson, William Goodgeon, Robert Bonner, John Anderson, 
Edward Barnard, Andrew McLean, John D. Hammerer, John Dooly, James Hill,"^ 
Barnard Heard, Amos Stapler, Charles Walker, John McDuffie, Giles Tillett, 
James Seymour, Thomas Pace, Richard Basley, Samuel Tullett, Wm. Redman, 
Joel Cloud, Wm. Millar, Zechariah Lamar, Sen., Jacob Dennis, Littleberry Bos- 
ticke, Basil Lamar, James Few, Benjamin Webster, Robert Honey, Job Smith, 
Wm. Barnard, Wm. Mangum, John Chapman, Patrick Jarvis, Joseph, Mjidn^ock, 
Jonathan Sell, Robert Mackay, Wm. Candler, Devereaux Jarratt, Sherwood 
Bugg, Isaac Low, Peter Parris, John Henderson, Thomas Grierson, John 
McDonald, Francis Hancock. 

Aucust 5, 1774. 

To Thomas Shruder, TnoMAS Netherclift, and JonN Hume, Esqrs., Members of 
Assembly for the Parish of St. Paul's. 

Georgia, ) 

Parish of St. Paul $ 

We, inhabitants of the town -and district of Augustine,* think it incumbent 
upon us, in this public manner, to declare our dissent from, and disapprobation 
of, certain resolutions published in this gazette, of the 17th instant, entered into 
on Wednesday, the 10th day of August, as it is there said, '< At a general meet- 
ing of the inhabitants of this Province," though, we are credibly informed, that 

* We think this was intended for Augusta. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 605 

the said meeting, so far from being general, was not even numerous, and that 
one of our representatives, whom we had provided with a protest, and our rea- 
sons at large, why we could not agree to any resolutions expressive of disaffec- 
tion or disrespect to our most Gracious King, or the Lords and Commons of 
Great Britain, thought it improper to deliver said protest to a few people met 
privately at a tavern, having also been told by some gentlemen coming from*the 
place of meeting, that they had been refused admittance. 

We entirely dissent from the aforesaid resolutions, because we apprehend upon 
this occasion our silence would be construed into consent; and a partial act of, 
and resolutions entered into by, some individuals, might be considered as the 
general sense of the Province. 

We. therefore, in duty to our King and country, and ourselves, do hereby 
solemnly protest against any of the proceedings of the aforesaid meeting, and 
declare our entire dissent from the resolutions entered into at the same, as 
witness our hands at Augusta, this 30th day of August, 1774. 

Robert Mackay, Andrew Johnstone, Edward Barnard, Wm. Goodgeon, James 
Gordon, James Grierson, Francis Begbee, Thomas Graham, Francis Pringle, 
Donald Cameron, John Francis, Daniel Waiscoat, George Barnard, Charles 
Walker, John Pratt, William Matthews, Robert Bonner, Benjamin Webster, 
Martin Weatherford, Abraham Spear. John Lamar, John Francis Williams, 
Peter Parris, John Bacon, Sherwood Bugir, Wm. Johnston, Charles Clarke, 
Moody Butt, SamuelClerk. John Howell, John Dooly, Thomas Grierson, Robert 
Grierson, Spencer Kelly, John Leslie. 

Georgia, Parish of St. Paul. 

We, the inhabitants of Kyokee and Broad River settlements, do in this public 
manner think proper to declare our dissent and disapprobation to a certain paper 
or handbill published and dispensed throughout the Province, entitled and called, 
"Resolutions entered into at Savannah, on Wednesday, the \0th day of August, 1774, 

at a general meeting, (as therein set forth,) of the inhabitants of this Province, to 

consider of the state of the Colonies in America." 

For the following reasons : — 

First, Because we look upon the said paper as a very improper treatment of the 
inhabitants of the Province, and of this Parish in particular, for that we have been 
well informed that the said meeting was not a public one, as before advertised, 
it being held at the house of Mr. Tondee, in Savannah, and that many respecta- 
ble persons were refused admittance. 

Secondly, That the meeting was by no means a numerous one ; for where a 
question of the most serious concern was put, there were only twenty-six persons 
that gave their voices. 

Thirdly, Because we from the beginning entirely disapproved of the said 
meeting, and in consequence of our disapprobation, we sent to Savannah a pro- 
test and reasons at large, which would have been presented at said meeting, on 
Wednesday, the 10th inst., had not a number of gentlemen of honour and probity 
in Savannah been refused admittance; and it is denied by a number that there 
were any deputies from the Parish of Christ Church legally appointed. 

Fourthly, Because we had no voice in said meeting, and because we think that 



606 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

the said paper carries with it unnecessary and unjust reflections on the honour 
and justice of King, Lords and Commons. 

For these and other reasons, we do solemnly protest against the proceedings 
had on the 10th inst., and do entirely dissent from them. 

James McFarland, J. P., Saunders Walker, Daniel Marshall, John Griffin, An- 
drew Paull, Aaron Sinquefield, Edward Seed. William Lama r. Charles Jor- 
dan, William Love, James Cox, James Young. Charles Hurd, James Hill, Johu 
Hill, Joshua Hill, Sojomon Barfield, John Kelly, Giles Tillett, John Truman, 
Moses Powell, William Wildefi, Henry Brewster, Solomon Vickers, William Few, 
Niel Jackson, George Cowin, Daniel Walker, John Buchanan, David Sidwell, 
Thomas Mills, Charles Lea, John Brady, John Matthas, D. Wright, Robert Story, 
Henry Golden, John Howard, John Anderson, John Johnson, Nicholas Mercer. 
William Handley, Frederick Stump, William Wright, Samuel Blair, Samuel 
Smith, Thomas Jackson, E. Smith, Samuel Morton, William Halliday, John 
Smith, William Barnard, F. Ashmore, John Lloyd, Jacob Jones, Jacob Winfred, 
R. Balaman, George Bagby, N. Barnet, Mark^ Jones, John Mitchell, John Fuller, 
Sen., John Fuller, Jr., R. Howard, 2L Lamar, Sem, M. Custino. R. Gil- 
gore, James Aycock, George Ne'als, Sen., Moses Perkins, Jeremiah Cloud ; 
Noah_Cloud, Thos. Hooper, Thomas Waters, George Simson, Andrew Brown, 
Wm. Dicks, William Thomas, Samuel Whitaker, Jacob Bowes, A. Williams, E. 
Wilmore, Benjamin Browne. 

August 24. 1774. 



REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENT. 
We extract the following from the Georgia Gazette, of 1774 : — 

This day a respectable body of the Sons of Liberty marched from this place to 
New Richmond, in South Carolina, in order to pay a visit to Thomas Browne 
and William Thompson, Esqs., two young gentlemen lately from England, for 
their having publicly and otherwise expressed themselves enemies to the mea- 
sures now adopted for the support of American liberty, and signing an associa- 
tion to that effect; besides their using their utmost endeavours to inflame the 
minds of the people and to persuade them to associate and be of their opinion. 
Bat upon their arrival they found the said Thompson, like a traitor, had run away ; 
and the said Thomas Browne being requested in civil terms to come to Augusta, 
to try to clear himself of such accusations, daringly repeated that he was not, nor 
would be answerable to them or any other of them for his conduct, whereupon 
they politely escorted him into Augusta, where they presented him with a genteel 
and fashionable suit of tar and feathers, and afterwards had him exhibited in a cait 
fromthe head of Augusta to Mr.Weatherford's, where outof humanity they had him 
taken proper care of for that night; and on the next morning, he, the said Thomas 
Browne, having publicly declared upon his honour and consented voluntarily to 
swear that he repented for his past conduct, and that he would for the future, at 
the hazard of his life and fortune, protect and support the rights and liberties of 
America, and saying that the said Thompson had misled him, and that therefore 
he would use his utmost endeavours to have his name taken from the association 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 607 

he had signed as aforesaid ; and further, that he would do all in his power to dis- 
countenance the proceedings of a set of men in the Ninety-sixth District in South 
Carolina, called Fletc hall's Party; upon which the said Browne was then discharged, 
and complimented with a horse and chair to ride home. But the said Thomas 
Browne that time having publicly forfeited his honour, and violated the oath vol- 
untarily taken as aforesaid, is therefore not to be considered for the future in the 
light of a gentleman, and they, the said Thomas Browne and William Thompson, 
are hereby published as persons inimical to the rights and liberties of America: 
and it is hoped all good men will treat them accordingly. 

N. B. — The said Thomas Browne is now a little remarkable ; he wears his hair 
very short, and a handkerchief tied around his head, in order that his intellects 
this cold weather may not, be affected. 

Augusta, Mh August, 1775. 
William Davis, for publicly declaring himself a foe to the Sons of Liberty, was 
by order of this Committee drummed round the liberty tree three times, and is 
also published as a person inimical to the rights and liberties of America. 
By order of Committee. 

John Willson, Secretary. 

UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO RETAKE AUGUSTA. 

In January, 1779, Augusta was taken by Colonel Campbell, but 
evacuated by him on the 28th of February. It was again taken pos- 
session of by Colonel Thomas Browne, and an attempt to retake it 
was made by Colonel Elijah Clarke, in September, 1780. The de- 
tails of the engagement that occurred on that occasion are given by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, in his Memoirs of the War in the .Southern 
Department of the United States, and by McCall, in his History of 
Georgia, from both of which we have drawn freely in the preparation 
of the following article : — 

When Georgia came into the hands of the enemy, many of her 
bravest patriots found it necessary to retreat into other States. Among 
these was Colonel Elijah Clarke, who for a long time had been parti- 
cularly anxious to expel Browne from Augusta, and retake the town. 
His arrangements had been made so suddenly and unexpectedly, that he 
reached Augusta unobserved, and found the enemy unprepared for an 
attack. Clarke halted before the town on the 14th of September, 1 780, 
with his command formed into three divisions — the right commanded 
by Lieutenant-Colonel McCall, the left by Major Samuel Taylor, and 
the centre by Clarke himself. The centre advanced towards the town 
by the middle road, and the right and left by the lower and upper 
roads. Near Hawks' Creek, Taylor fell in with a body of Indians, 
who, after keeping up a desultory fire, retreated towards their allies. 
He pressed on, however, to get possession of what was called the 
White House, one mile and a half west from the town. At this house 
Captain Johnson commanded a company of the King's Rangers, with 
which a body of Indians was joined. The first intimation which 
Browne had of the advance of Clarke was his attack upon the camp. 



608 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Colonel Grierson was ordered to render assistance to Johnson, and 
Browne advanced to the scene of action, in person, with the main 
body. The garrisons of the enemy's forts were completely surprised 
by Clarke's and McCall's divisions, and seventy prisoners, with the 
Indian presents, fell into the hands of the Americans. In the mean- 
time, Browne joined Johnson at the White House. Clarke made 
several unsuccessful efforts to dislodge the enemy. A fire was kept 
up from eleven o'clock until daylight, and strong guards were posted 
to keep the enemy in check. During the night, Browne strengthened 
his position by throwing up works around the house. The next day 
two pieces of artillery were placed in a position to bear upon the house, 
but they proved to be of little service. Captain Martin, the only ar- 
tillerist attached to Clarke's division, was killed soon after the pieces 
were prepared. A firing continued during the day. On the night of 
the 15th, Browne was reinforced by fifty Cherokee Indians. On the 
17th, Clarke summoned Browne to surrender, but his summons was 
rejected. In the afternoon the same demand was made, and refused. 

Browne, immediately after Clarke's arrival at Augusta, had commu- 
nicated his situation to Colonel Cruger, who lost no time in advancing 
to his relief. Clarke persevered in his attempts to bring the enemy 
to submission, but Browne continued to defend his post with obsti- 
nacy, notwithstanding the difficulties of his position. He himself had 
been shot through both thighs. The wounded were suffering for want 
of medical aid, and were destitute of water, Clarke having succeeded 
in depriving the garrison of a supply. 

Lee says of the emergency : " To remedy this menacing evil, Colo- 
nel Browne ordered all the earthen vessels in the store to be taken, in 
which the urine was preserved ; and when cold, it was -served out 
with much economy to the troops, himself taking the first draught. 
Disregarding the torture of a wound in his leg, which had become much 
swollen by exertion, he continued booted at the head of his small, gal- 
lant band, directing his defence." He supported himself for four days, 
when, the forces under Colonel Cruger having appeared on the oppo- 
site side of the river, Colonel Clarke withdrew, from a belief that all 
further efforts to retake Augusta would be useless. 

McCall says, in relation to this affair, that the weakness occa- 
sioned by the loss of men during the siege, and by the desertion 
of those who preferred plunder to the honour and interest of their 
country, compelled the Americans to raise the siege. The loss of 
Clarke was sixty killed and wounded. Among the killed were Cap- 
tains Jourdine, William Martin, William Luckie, and Major Carter, 
adjutant to Colonel Clarke, (father of Parish Carter, Esq.,) of Bald- 
win County. He was killed, whilst endeavouring to prevent the 
enemy gaining possession of the White House. Clarke remarked of 
him, "that a man of more bravery than Major Carter never occupied 
a space between heaven and earth." 

Those of the Americans whose wounds would not allow them to be 
removed, were left in the town. Captain Ashy, with twenty-eight oth- 
ers, fell into the hands of the enemy. He and twelve of the wounded 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 609 

prisoners were hanged on the staircase of the White House. Henry 
Duke, John Burgamy, Scott Reeden, Jordan Ricketson, and others, 
were also hanged. All this was mercy, compared to what others suffer- 
ed. They were delivered to the Indians, who formed a circle, and placed 
the prisoners in the centre. Some were thrown into the fires, and others 
roasted to death. Notwithstanding the assurances of Browne, con- 
tained in his letter on page 614, we are compelled to believe McCall, 
who says, " that at the time he wrote, the record of these transactions 
was before him, from the pens of British officers who were present, 
who exultingly communicated it to their friends in Savannah, Charles- 
ton, and London." 

SIEGE AND SURRENDER OF AUGUSTA. 

The compiler has met with several descriptions of the siege of 
Augusta, but upon the whole, he thinks the one prepared by Lee, in 
his Memoirs, is much the best, and, therefore, presents the reader 
with an abridgment of it. 

Upon the arrival of General Henry Lee in the vicinity of Augusta, 
in 1781, he learned that there had been recently received, at Fort 
Galphin, the annual royal presents for the Indians, consisting of 
powder, ball, small arms, salt, blankets, &c, articles very much 
wanted by the army, which he determined, if possible, to secure. 
Leaving Major Eaton behind with his battalion, he advanced to Fort 
Galphin, and, assisted by Captain Rudolph, took possession of the 
fort, with the Indian presents, having lost but one man, from the heat 
of the weather. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee resting his troops for a few 
hours, detached Major Egleston with his horse, to pass the river below 
Augusta, with instructions, after acquainting himself with Browne's 
situation, to demand a surrender. With these orders Egleston com- 
plied, but to his demand made to Browne no reply was made. 

In the evening, Lee joined Egleston, Pickens, and Clarke in the 
woods west of Augusta. In the centre of the town stood Fort 
Cornwallis. On the northwestern border of a lagoon, half a mile up 
the river, was Fort Grierson. The first attempt, upon the part of 
the Americans, was to drive Grierson out of his fort, and to destroy 
or intercept him in his retreat to Fort Cornwallis. The arrange- 
ments for this being made, the several commanders proceeded to the 
points assigned them. Grierson's resistance was soon overpowered, 
himself, with his Major, and many of his garrison, killed, and several 
taken prisoners. 

Grierson was killed after his surrender, and although a large re- 
ward was offered to detect the murderers, no discovery could be 
made. Colonel Browne then applied himself to strengthening his 
position. In the skirmish against Fort Grierson, Major Eaton was 
killed. On the banks of the Savannah River, south of the lagoon, 
there was a large brick building belonging to one who had joined 
Browne. Here Colonel Lee took post. General Pickens occupied, 
the woods on the left of the enemy. 

39 



610 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Fort Cornwallis was not far from the Savannah River, the shelter 
of whose banks afforded a safe route to the American troops, and it 
was determined to commence works in that quarter towards the left 
and rear of the enemy. These works had advanced to the desired 
state, but as the surrounding ground offered no swell or hill which 
would enable the Americans to bring their six-pounders to bear upon 
the enemy, it was determined to erect a Mayham Tower. Perceiving 
that his enemy's works were progressing rapidly, Browne fell upon 
them on the night of the 28th of May with such vigour, that he 
drove the guard before him, but was compelled afterwards to take 
shelter in his fort, Captain Handy coming up with his support. On 
the next night, Browne renewed his attempt, and for a long time the 
struggle was violent, but Captain Rudolph, by the bayonet, drove him 
within the fort. 

On the 30th, at evening, the erection of the Mayham Tow T er was 
commenced, and in the course of the night and ensuing day it was 
brought nearly on a level with the enemy's parapet, the adjacent 
works in the meantime being vigorously pushed on. Pickens and 
Lee knowing that Browne would endeavour to destroy this tower, 
doubly manned the lines in that quarter, and drew up Handy's division 
of infantry, to support the militia. To the defence of the tower one 
company of musketry was exclusively applied. Not more than a 
third of the night had passed when Browne renewed his attempt 
upon the river quarter, but meeting a gallant reception from 
Rudolph, he fell upon the American works in the rear. Here the 
militia of Pickens contended with vigour, but at last, at the point of 
the bayonet, were forced out of the trenches. Handy coming up with 
his main body, turned upon the victors, and drove them into their 
fort. Upon this occasion the loss on both sides exceeded all which 
had occurred during the siege. 

Colonel Browne now determined on resorting to stratagem. There 
was contiguous an old wooden house, under cover of which the tower 
had been commenced, and which the besiegers had omitted to pull 
down. Browne resolved, if possible, to burn this house, with a 
hope that the fire would communicate to the tower, and consume 
that also. A deserter was sent to Colonel Lee by Colonel Browne, 
and upon being questioned upon many subjects, he replied that the 
tower gave the Americans such an advantage, that if improved, it 
would force Browne to surrender. The deserter suggested that the 
effect # of Lee's cannonade could be increased by directing it to the 
spot in the fort where all the powder was deposited. The suggestion 
was considered a good one, and the deserter, upon the assurance of 
a large reward, promised to give his aid in execution of it. 

Reflecting, however, in the course of the night, upon the statement 
of the deserter, Lee became uneasy, and finally ordered him to be re- 
moved from the tower, where he had been placed. In the morning 
it was observed that three or four deserted houses which stood be- 
tween Lee's quarters and the fort, and from the upper stories of 
which riflemen might be employed with effect, had been burnt by 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 611 

Browne. Orders were given to make the assault against the enemy; 
and the American commanders wishing, if possible, to save the effu- 
sion of blood, dispatched a flag on the 3d of June, demanding a sur- 
render, but Colonel Browne repeated his determination to defend his 
post. He, however, the next day offered to surrender, after dis- 
cussing the conditions for twenty-four hours, and at eight o'clock on 
the morning of the 5th of June, the British garrison marched out, 
Colonel Browne being placed under the special care of Captain 
Armstrong. During a short interview which Browne had with Lee, 
he informed him that the soldier who had proposed to aid in the 
direction of his cannon was no deserter ; that he had been sent ex- 
pressly to burn the tower. 

Gardner, in his Anecdotes, says, " I have often heard the gallant 
Armstrong declare that he never had, in his own opinion, encountered 
equal peril with that he experienced on this trying occasion. At 
every turn preparation was made for death. In every individual who 
approached, was seen the eager wish to destroy. Resentment was ex- 
cited to the highest pitch, and called aloud to be appeased by blood." 



The following is the correspondence between the American com- 
manders at Augusta and Colonel Browne, arranging the preliminaries 
of a surrender : — 

Brigadier Pickens and Lieutenant- Colonel Lee to Lieutenant- Colonel 

Browne. 

Augusta, May 31, 1781. 

Sir : — The usage of war renders it necessary that we present you with an op- 
portunity of avoiding the destruction which impends your garrison. 

We have deferred our summons to this late date, to preclude the necessity of 
much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the invading 
forces, the progress of our works ; and you may inform yourself of the situation of 
the two armies by inquiries from Captain Armstrong, of the Legion, who has the 
honour to bear this. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne in answer to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : — What progress you have made in your works I am no stranger 
to. It is my duty and inclination to defend this place to the last extremity. 

Pickens and Lee to Lieutenant- Colonel Browne. 

Augusta, June 3, 1781. 

Sir : — It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate. To prevent the effu- 
sion of blood, which must follow perseverance in your fruitless resistance, we 
inform you we are willing, though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terms as 
a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant. 

Your determination will be considered as conclusive, and will regulate our con- 
duct. 



612 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne to Pickens and Lee. 

Fort Cornwallis, June 3, 1781. 
Gentlemen: — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your summons 
of this day, and to assure you, that as it is my duty, it is likewise my inclination 
to defend the post to the last extremity. 

Pickens and Lee to Lieutenant- Colonel Browne. 

Headquarters, June 4, 1781. 
Sir : — We beg leave to propose that the prisoners in your possession may be 
sent out of the fort, and that they may be considered yours or ours as the siege 
may terminate. 

Confident that you cannot refuse the dictate of humanity and custom of war, 
we have only to say ; that any request from you of a similar nature will meet our 
assent. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : — Though motives of humanity, and a feeling for the distresses o( 
individuals, incline me to accede to what you have proposed concerning the pri- 
soners witli us, yet many reasons to which you cannot be strangers forbid my 
complying with this requisition. 

Such attention as I can show, consistenly with good policy and my duty, shall 
be shown to them. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : — In your summons of the 3d instant, no particular conditions were 
specified : I postponed the consideration of it to this day. 

From a desire to lessen the distresses of war to individuals, I am inclined to 
propose to you my acceptance of the inclosed terms, which, being pretty similar 
to those granted to the commanding officers of the American troops and garrison 
in Charleston, I imagine will be honourable to both parties. 

Pickens and Lee to Lieutenant- Colonel Browne. 

June 5, 1781. 
Sir : — There was a time when your proposals of this day ought to have been ac- 
cepted. That period is now passed. You had every notice from us, and must 
have known the futility of your further opposition. 

Although we would be justified by the military law of both armies to demand 
unconditional submission, our sympathy for the unfortunate and gallant of our pro- 
fession has induced us to grant the honourable terms which we herewith transmit. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : — Your proposition relative to the officers of the King's troops and 
militia being admitted to their paroles, and the exclusion of the men, is a matter 
I cannot accede to. The conditions I have to propose to you are, that such of the 
different classes of men who compose this garrison be permitted to march to Savan- 
nah, or continue in the country, as to them may be most eligible, until exchanged. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. <J13 

Pickens and Lee to Lieutenant- Colonel Browne. 

June 5, 1781. 
Sir :— In our answer of this morning, we granted the most generous terms in 
our power to give, which we beg leave to refer to as final on our part. 

Lieutenant- Colonel Browne to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : — As some of the articles proposed by you are generally ex - 
pressed, I have taken the liberty of deputing three gentlemen to wait upon you 
for a particular explanation of the respective articles. 

Articles of Capitulation proposed by Lieutenant- Colonel Thomas Browne, 
and answered by General Pickens and Lieutenant- Colonel Lee. 

Article 1. That all acts of hostilities and works shall cease between the be- 
siegers and the besieged until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed to. 

Answer. Hostilities shall cease for one hour; other operations to continue. 

Article 2. That the fort shall be surrendered to the commanding officer of the 
American troops, such as it now stands. That the King's troops, three days after 
signing the articles of capitulation, shall be conducted to Savannah, with their 
baggage, where they will remain prisoners of war until they are exchanged. 
That proper conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of the 
American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient quantity of good and 
wholesome provisions, till their arrival at Savannah. 

Answer. Inadmissible. The prisoners to surrender field prisoners of war ; the 
officers to be indulged with their paroles ; the soldiers to be conducted to such 
place as the Commander-in-Chief shall direct. 

Article 3. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their 
respective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties. 

Ansioer. Answered by the second article, the militia making part of the gar- 
rison. 

Article 4. The sick and wounded shall be under the care of their own sur- 
geons, and be supplied with such medicines and necessaries as are allowed to 
the British hospitals. 

Answer.- Agreed. 

Article 5. The officers of the garrison, and citizens who have borne arms 
during the siege, shall keep their side-arms, pistols, and baggage, which shall not 
be searched, and retain their servants. 

Answer. The officers and citizens who have borne arms during the siege shall 
be permitted their side-arms, private baggage, and servants ; their side-arms 
not to be worn, and the baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that 
purpose. 

Article 6. The garrison, at an hour appointed, shall march out with 
shouldered arms, and drums beating, to a place agreed on, where they will pile 
their arms. 

Answer. Agreed. The judicious and gallant defence made by the garrison en- 
titles them to every mark of military respect. The fort to be delivered 'up to 



614 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Captain Rudolph, at twelve o'clock, who will take possession with a detachment 
of the Legion Infantry. 

Article 7. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and properties. 

Answer. Inadmissible. 

Article 8. That twelve months shall be allowed to all such as do not choose 
to reside in this country, to dispose of their effects, real and personal, in this 
Province, without any molestation whatever, or to remove to any part thereof, 
as they may choose, as well themselves as families. 

Answer. Inadmissible. 

Article 9. That the Indian families now in garrison shall accompany the 
King's troops to Savannah, where they will remain prisoners of war until ex- 
changed for an equal number of prisoners in the Creek or Cherokee nations. 

Answer. Answered in the second article. 

Article 10. That an express be permitted to go to Savannah with the com- 
manding officer's dispatches, which are not to be opened. 

Answer. Agreed. 

Article 11. (Additional.) The particular attention of Colonel Browne is ex- 
pected towards the just delivery of all public stores, moneys, &c, and that no 
loans be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article. 

Signed, at Headquarters, Augusta, June 5, 1781, by 

Andrew Pickens, Brig. Militia. 
Henry Lee, Lieut.-Colonel, Commander V. L. 
Thomas Browne, 
Lieut.-Colonel, Commander of the King's Troops at Augusta. 



The following letter was addressed to Dr. David Ramsey by Colo- 
nel Browne, and presented by the daughters of the former to the 
Charleston Library. We give it insertion that our readers may have 
a fair example of the specious manner in which Colonel Browne at- 
tempted to justify himself for his cruelties : — 

Sir : — The publication of an extract from your History of the Revolution of 
South Carolina, highly injurious to my reputation as an officer and a man of hu- 
manity, induces me to address this letter to you. 

Having professed yourself " an advocate for truth, uninfluenced by passion, pre- 
judice, or party spirit," you declare that, embracing every opportunity of obtain 
ing genuine information, you ' : have asserted nothing but what you believed to be 
fact." 

If I am to credit these professions, I must believe, sir, that no party motive 
would tempt you to defame the reputation of an individual, or advance the repu- 
tation of your country at the expense of your own. 

The scandalous imputations, therefore, thrown upon my humanity, must be im- 
puted to the malignity of some wretch as devoid of honour as of truth, who attempts 
to acquire fame by ruining that of others. Conscious of the rectitude of my in- 
tentions, although I may have erred in judgment, the censure or praise of an un- 
principled person, who has wilfully misrepresented facts, and wantonly departed 
from truth, ought to be indifferent to me ; yet the duty I owe to the officers and 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 615 

men serving under me, and a reverence for the opinion of the world, which often 
judges from caprice or common report, prompt me to state to you an account of 
the material transactions on which these charges are founded, lest my silence 
might be imputed to a consciousness of merited reproach. A civil war being 
one of the greatest evils incident to human society, the history of every contest 
presents us with instances of wanton cruelty and barbarity. Men whose passions 
are inflamed by mutual injuries, exasperated with personal animosity against 
each other, and eager to gratify revenge, often violate the laws of war and prin- 
ciples of humanity. 

The American war exhibits many dreadful examples of wanton outrages, com- 
mitted by both parties, disgraceful to human nature. From the commencement 
of the war, in the limited sphere in which I acted, it was my duty, and the first 
wish of my heart, to carry it on agreeably to the rules which humanity formed to 
alleviate its attendant calamities. The criminal excesses of individuals were 
never warranted by authority, nor ever obtained the sanction of my approbation. 

Could violations of humanity be justified by example, the cruelties exercised 
on my person by a lawless Committee, in the wanton abuse of power, might have 
justified the severest vengeance; but, esteeming it more honourable to forgive 
than to revenge an injury to those men who had treated me with the most merci- 
less cruelty, I granted protection and safeguards to such as desired them. In the 
discharge of the duties of my profession, I can say with truth, I never deviated 
from the line of conduct the laws of war and humanity prescribed. In your His- 
tory of the Revolution of South Carolina, you have been pleased to form a different 
judgment. From what source you have obtained your information relative to 
the circumstances of General Screven's death, I cannot pretend to determine; 
but give me leave to say, not from "an advocate for truth, uninfluenced by passion, 
prejudice, or party spirit." So malicious a representation requires a brief detail 
of the truth. The frontier of East Florida being exposed to the incursions of the 
Georgia Militia, a party from the districts of Newport and Midway entered the 
Province, plundered and destroyed every house and plantation on St. Mary's 
River, and carried off all the inhabitants prisoners, without distinction of age or 
sex. The garrison of St. Augustine being reduced to great difficulties by an ex- 
treme scarcity of provisions. General Prevost was under the necessity of detach- 
ing Colonel Prevost, with a party of light troops, to collect cattle in the settle- 
ments of Midway and Newport. With this detachment I had the honour of 
serving. To enable this light corps to forage with greater effect and security, a 
party was ordered by the inland navigation, under the command of Colonel 
Fuser, to present itself before Sunbury, to divert the attention of the Americans 
from us to its security. 

After various skirmishes with the Americans near Midway, our spies brought 
intelligence that their army, said to consist of nine hundred men. under the com- 
mand of General Screven and Colonel White, was on its march to attack us. 
Colonel Fuser ordered me to reconnoitre the position and movements of the 
Americans, and if possible to harass them on their march. The country being 
full of swamps and difficult passes, I selected thirty-two men from the regiment I 
commanded, to whose spirit and activity I could trust. About a mile in front of 
our camp, the ground being particularly favourable to my purpose, an ambuscade 



616 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

was formed in a thicket. General Screven and Colonel White harangued their 
men to prepare for action. After finishing their harangue, I ordered my party to 
fire. General Screven and a Captain Struthers fell. The Americans, I pre- 
sume, mistaking this for our whole force, instantly retreated. The General (Scre- 
ven) being grievously wounded, was treated with tenderness and humanity. He 
had the character of a brave, worthy man. I sincerely felt for his misfortune, 
and ordered him to be conveyed to our camp, where every attention was paid to 
him by Colonel Prevost, and every assistance given to him by our surgeons. 
(Vol. ii., page 2.) 

With respect to the devastations you complain of, I shall decline the ungrateful 
task of justifying the loyalists on St. Mary's River retaliating on the property of 
such of the militia of Newport and Midway as had previously destroyed theirs, 
and dragged their families into captivity. I only wish to call to your remem- 
brance the generous invitation of the Governor and Council of Georgia, by the 
proclamation, " to all the friends of liberty and independence in and throughout 
the United States of America/' to come and partake of the plunder of East 
Florida ; for which purpose, they had nothing to do but to repair to the camp in 
Burke County, where provisions and ammunition would be supplied gratis, and 
from thence march, under the command of the Governor of the State, by whom 
every encouragement would be given, and all captures free plunder. 

The account you have obtained relative to the death and sufferings of McCoy 
and his confederates, in Carolina, is equally delusive. After the reduction of 
Charleston by Sir Henry Clinton, I was detached by Brigadier-General Clarke 
to Augusta. On our march, the Carolinians of the districts near Savannah River 
voluntarily took the oaths of allegiance, and received protection. Among the 
number, one McCoy, a young man of a character notoriously infamous, applied 
for protection. 

His mother, from a knowledge of the character he bore, accompanied him, 
and promised she would be responsible for his future conduct ; he received pro- 
tection, and was told if he persisted in plundering and destroying the peaceable 
inhabitants, he would receive no favour. About twelve months subsequent to 
this period, numbers of Carolinians who had received protection, formed them- 
selves into plundering parties, under the command of a Captain McCoy, robbed 
and murdered many of his Majesty's peaceable and loyal subjects, and attacked 
the guards of the public boats navigating the Savannah River, with provisions, 
ammunition, and clothing, for the garrisons of Ninety-six and Augusta. Having 
received intelligence that the King's stores had been intercepted, I dispatched 
Lieutenant Kemp, of the King's Rangers, from Augusta, with ten soldiers and 
twenty militia, to pursue the plunderers. 

He engaged one Willie as a guide, a man who had taken the oath of alle- 
giance, and received protection ; this traitor conveyed information to McCoy of 
Kemp's force, design, and intended route, and led him into an ambuscade pre- 
viously formed. The militia under the command of Kemp fled upon the first 
fire; he and the soldiers, unable to resist a very superior force, surrendered them- 
selves prisoners. Captain McCoy asked Kemp to join his party. On his refusal, 
he stripped and shot him. The same question was put to the soldiers; nine out 
of the ten refused, and shared the same fate. The other joined them to save his 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 617 

life, and in a few days afterwards made his escape, and brought me intelligence 
of the murder of Kemp and his men, and that Willie and young McCoy were the 
most active in putting them to death ; that the inhabitants in general had con- 
verted their written protections into cockades, and had joined a Colonel Harden ; 
that the King's stores taken from the boats were distributed among the plun- 
derers, and secreted in or near their houses. Apprehending a general revolt in 
that quarter of the country, I immediately marched from Augusta with one 
hundred and seventy Indians, and was joined by four hundred militia. About 
thirty miles from Black Swamp, Colonel Harden, about midnight, attacked our 
camp, and was repulsed. The militia under my command during the action 
deserted to a man, joined Colonel Harden, who, thus reinforced, at ten in the 
morning renewed the attack, but his men being totally without discipline, were 
defeated with considerable loss. Among the prisoners, Willie and young McCoy, 
and eleven of Kemp's murderers, were taken. The identity of their persons, 
and the fact being proved and confirmed by their own confession, they (Willie 
excepted) suffered on the gallows ; and the houses of the plunderers where the 
King's stores were secreted, were ordered to be burnt. Although I lamented 
the necessity of having recourse to these extremities, a necessity created by 
themselves, I am persuaded, on a similar occasion, Dr. Ramsey would have done 
the same. Willie, Kemp's guide, experienced a different fate. An Indian chief, 
a friend of Kemp, on learning from the soldiers that Willie was the man who 
had betrayed and murdered his friend, immediately killed him with his toma- 
hawk. This is the only outrage, if it ought to be called one, ever committed by 
any Indians under my command, and of which you have been pleased to give 
so truly a tragical and melancholy narrative. After so pathetic a display of 
your descriptive talents, how ample a field for your fertile genius, without a flight 
into the regions of fiction, will the Indian expedition of General Pickens afford 
you — such a scene of devastation and horror ! Thirteen villages destroyed ! 
Men, women, and children thrown into the flames, impaled alive, or butchered 
in cold blood ! How different the conduct of those you style savages ! Not an 
outrage was committed on the reduction of Fort Howe, in Georgia ; on that 
service three-fourths of that detachment consisted of Indians, and the fort was 
carried by assault; half of the officers with me killed or wounded; yet the 
Indians, less savage than their adversaries, [the MS. is here defaced, but I make 
out that they, the Indians, were touched at the sight of a defenceless enemy.] 

The account you have obtained of the events at Augusta is, I must confess, 
as well adapted to the prejudices of the weak, as the credulity of the ignorant. 
Your very honourable and genuine informer, with a truly patriotic spirit, dis- 
dains to charge his memory with transactions that might stain the reputation of 
your arms ; or it was not convenient to his purpose to remember the shameful 
violation of the capitulation of Augusta, the horrid cruelties exercised on the 
prisoners, the barbarous murder of Colonel Grierson, and others, with the bloody 
achievements of Colonels Dun,* Burnett, and Dooly, previous to the siege. In 
either case, it will not be amiss to refresh his memory with the following narra- 
tive : — The port of Augusta being invested and besieged near three months, 

* Sixty peaceable loyalists on the ceded lands were murdered in their own houses in 
the course of a week by these execrable ruffians. 



618 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

was surrendered by capitulation. From Colonel Lee, who commanded the Con- 
tinental Legion, a gentleman of the most honourable and liberal sentiments, and 
from his officers, the King's troops experienced every security and attention ; 
from the militia, under a General Pickens, every species of abuse and insult. 
Colonel Lee and his officers exerted themselves in an uncommon degree, and 
took every possible precaution to protect the prisoners from violence. The King's 
Rangers were paroled, and quartered at a gentleman's house, with a guard of 
Continental dragoons, under the command of Captain Armstrong. The militia 
prisoners were confined to a stockade fort, where General Pickens and his militia 
were quartered. After Colonel Lee marched from Augusta, Colonel Grierson, 
who had rendered himself peculiarly obnoxious to the enemy by his spirited and 
unwearied exertions in the cause of his country, was under the custody of the 
main guard, about ten paces from General Pickens' quarters. His spirit and un- 
shaken loyalty in every change of fortune, marked him out as a proper victim to 
sacrifice to their savage resentment. One of General Pickens' men, named 
James Alexander,* entered the room where he was confined with his three chil- 
dren, shot him through the body, and returned unmolested by the sentinel posted 
at the door, or the main guard. He was afterwards stripped, and his clothes di- 
vided among the soldiers, who, having exercised upon his dead body all the rage 
of the most horrid brutality, threw it into a ditch without the fort. Thus fell the 
brave, unfortunate Colonel Grierson, a man high in the estimation of his country, 
valued by his acquaintances, beloved by his friends — not by the shot of an unseen 
marksman, but under the eye of General Pickens, by the hand of a bloody, sanc- 
tioned, and protected villain, in shameful violation of a solemn capitulation. 

After the murder of Colonel Grierson, another execrable villain named Shields, 
(an unseen marksman,) the same day, in the same fort, under the eye of General 
Pickens, in the presence of his officers, without interruption from the sentries or 
guards, called Major Williams, of the Georgia Militia, to the door of the prison, 
and shot him through the body. These outrages served only as a prelude to a 
concerted plan for murdering all the prisoners. To execute this diabolical de- 
sign, a hundred of General Pickens' unseen marksmen, accompanied by three colo- 
nels, marched with drawn swords to the quarters of the King's Rangers. Cap- 
tain Armstrong being informed of their intention, threatened, and ordered his 
guards to oppose them if they advanced. Then, addressing himself to the King's 
Rangers, he told them, that if attacked, to consider themselves released from 
their paroles, and defend themselves. The determined spirit of Captain Arm- 
strong and Major Washington, who were present, struck such a terror into these 
ruffians, that, apprehending an obstinate resistance, they instantly retired. 

Enraged at the repetition of such abominable outrages by this band of assassins, 
not yet satiated with blood, I wrote to General Pickens, reproaching him with a 
violation of the articles of capitulation, in defiance of every principle of honour 

* " Tarlton Brown, a respectable inhabitant of Barnwell District," says Dr. John- 
son, in his " Traditions and Reminiscences of the American Revolution," published in 
1843, " gives the first direct information on this subject. He confirms McCall's intima- 
tion by the following words — ' Captain Alexander shooting Grierson for his villanous 
conduct in the country.' He had exposed his prisoners, among whom was the father 
of Captain James Alexander, to the fire of their relatives and friends, for the purpose of 
screening his men from the besiegers." 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 619 

and good faith, and informed him, that the officers and men, having acted by my 
orders, ought to be exempted from violence ; and if it was his determination that 
I should share the fate of Colonel Grierson. he would at least find that a man, con- 
scious of having faithfully discharged his duty to his king and country, would meet 
his fate with indifference. 

The prisoners shortly afterwards embarked for Savannah, under the charge of 
Major Washington, who, apprehending the commission of further outrages, dis- 
tributed the guards among the different boats. By this precaution, the different 
detachments from General Pickens 7 camp, who had taken post on the banks of 
the river, were prevented, after repeated attempts, from firing into the boats. 

Your account of a skirmish between General Wayne's army and a party of 
militia and dragoons, consisting of fifty men, who composed the advance of a 
small detachment I had the honour to command, I presume is taken from General 
Wayne's hyperbolical report to the Congress. As this buckram feat is altogether 
a fancy piece, it does not merit a comment. 

I have the honour to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 

Thomas Browne. 

Nassau, Bahamas, Dec. 25, 1786. 



Colonel Browne was tried for forgery, in the City of London, m 
1812, and found guilty. The following are the circumstances of 
the case : — In 1809, he represented to the British Government that 
he had a large gang of negroes, which he had nurtured with par- 
ticular care, and had succeeded in reducing them to such domestic 
habits, that they multiplied as fast as, by the course of nature, they 
would die off ; and he prayed for an allotment of the crown lands in 
the Island of St. Vincent's. It was thought he had claims upon the 
English Government, having suffered as an American loyalist ; and a 
grant was made to him of six thousand acres. It was subsequently 
discovered that a part of these lands had been granted to other occu- 
pants, who held at the will of the crown ; and as they had expended 
their money in reducing the land to a state of cultivation, it was 
thought unjust to expel them, and they therefore were allowed to 
purchase, which was done to the amount of £60,000. But in or- 
der to indemnify Colonel Browne for his disappointment, government 
gave him half of the money, £30,000, which was considered a muni- 
ficent recompense. It happened, however, shortly afterwards, in the 
year 1810, that Sir Charles Brisbane, the Governor of St. Vincent's, 
received a despatch, under the official seal of the Secretary of State's 
office, directing him to make a grant of the same quantity of land 
which had been deducted from the six thousand acres originally 
granted to Colonel Browne, which direction purported to be by order 
of the Lords of the Treasury, and was signed by Mr. Jenkinson, 
the Under Secretary of State. A discussion, however, ensuing with 
Colonel Browne's agent, the government thought proper to send home 
for instructions, when it was discovered that the whole was a forgery, 



620 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

no such orders having ever issued from the Secretary of State's 
office in England. 

How Colonel Browne got possession of the seal of the office could 
not be stated ; but it was proved that the papers were written, all but 
the signatures, in the office of Mr. Stevens, a law stationer in Chan- 
cery Lane. 



RATIFICATION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 

On the second of January, 1788, the Federal Constitution was rati- 
fied in the town of Augusta, in the words following : — 

State of Georgia, in Convention, ) 
Wednesday, Jan. 2, 1788. f 

We, the delegates of the people of the State of Georgia, in Convention met, 
having taken into our serious consideration the Federal Constitution agreed upon 
and proposed by the Deputies of the United States in General Convention, held 
ia the City of Philadelphia, on the 17th day of September, in the year of our 
Lord 1 787, have assented to, ratified, and adopted, and by these presents do, in 
virtue of the powers and authority to us given by the people of the said State for 
that purpose, for and in behalf of ourselves and our constituents, fully and entirely 
issent to, ratify, and adopt the said Constitution, which is hereunto annexed, un- 
ler the great seal of the State. 
Done in Convention, at Augusta, in the said State, on the 2d day of January, 
783, and of the Independence of the United States the 12th. 
In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

John Wereat, 
President and Delegate from the County of Richmond. 

William Stephens, ) _, , 

Chatham. 



} 

> Effingham. 



Joseph Habersham, 

Jenkin Davis, 

N. Brownson, 

Edward Telfair, i 

H. Todd, * BwrU ' 

William Few, ) 

T ., -v. /• Richmond. 

James McNeil, y 

, George Matthews. 
Florence Sullivan, \- Wilh 

John King, 

James Powell, 

John Elliott, V Liberty. 

James Maxwell, 

George Handley, 

Christopher Hillary, y Glynn 

J. Milton, 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 621 

Henry Osborne, ) 

James Seagrove, > Camden. 

Jacob Weed, ) 

Jared Irwin, ) Tir 7 • , 

_ > Washington. 

John Rutherford, > 

Robert Christmas, 1 

Thomas Daniell, >- Greene. 

R. Middleton, ) 

As the last name was signed to the ratification, a party of Colonel Armstrong's 
regiment, quartered in the town, proclaimed the joyful tidings opposite the State 
House, by thirteen discharges from two pieces of artillery. 



VISIT OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO AUGUSTA. 

On Wednesday, the 18th of May, 1791, George Washington, Presi- 
dent of the United States, arrived in Augusta. The following items 
connected with this visit are taken from the Augusta Chronicle, May 

21, 1791:— 

Government House, 

Augusta, April 25, 1791. 
general order. 
Ambrose Gordon, Esq., Major of the Richmond County regiment of militia, 
with not less than fourteen volunteers, is directed to hold himself in readiness 
to march and escort the President of the United States to this place. 

By order of the. Commander-in-Chief. 
J. Meriwether, Sect. 

Government House, 
May 9, 1791. 
GENERAL order. 
Major Gordon is directed to march without delay with the escort ordered the 
25th of April last, the nearest route to Savannah. 

By order of the Commander-in-Chief. 
J. Meriwether, Sect. 

Tuesday, May, 1791. 

Ordered, That the State officers, together with General Twiggs and the Sheriff 
of Richmond County, do assemble at the State House to-morrow morning, at 
eleven o'clock, A. M., from whence they are to proceed in the following order of 
procession, to meet the President of the United States : — 

The Sheriff of Richmond County, General Twiggs, the Secretary of the State, 
the Governor's Secretary, His Excellency the Governor, Judge Walton, the Trea- 
surer, the Solicitor-General, the Attorney-General, the Surveyor-General, Clerk 
of the House of Representatives, Secretary of the Senate. 

Ordered, That the Artillery take post at the old fort, and upon the President's 
approach to the town, to fire a salute of fifteen rounds. 

J. Meriwether, S. E. D. 



622 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

State House, i 

Augusta, May 18, 1791- $ 
The officers having assembled agreeably to the order of yesterday, at eleven 
o'clock set forward, accompanied by a numerous train of respectable citizens. 
At the distance of five miles from the town, the President of the United States 
appeared in sight, when the procession halted, at ivhich time he alighted from 
his coach, mounted his horse, and advanced with Major Jackson and the federal 
marshal. His Excellency the Governor, at the same time, attended by the Sec- 
retary of the State, moved forward, and after being announced, congratulated 
the President on his near approach to the residence of government. This.cere- 
mony being ended, the procession was resumed, and the President conducted to 
the house provided for his reception. Wm. Urquhart, S. E. D. 

State House, 
Augusta, May 20, 1791. 
To the President of the United States of America : — 

THE ADDRESS OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA. 

My warm congratulations on your arrival at the residence of government in 
this State, are presented with a peculiar pleasure, as well as a feeling sensibility; 
and I am persuaded that these emotions are perfectly congenial with those of my 
fellow-citizens. 

After the gratification felt from your presence among them, they will naturally 
contemplate the many unavoidable inconveniences arising in so arduous and 
extensive a tour with the most solicitous anxiety. Not less impressed, my cordial 
wishes shall accompany you through every stage on your return to the seat of 
government of the United States. 

Long may you remain to fill the exalted station of Chief Magistrate of the 
American Republics, as the just reward of that patriotism which marked every 
act of your life whilst engaged in the arduous struggles of a long and complicated 
war — gave tone to the liberties of your country — immortalized your name 
throughout the nations of the world, and created an unbounded confidence in 
your virtue, with the strongest attachment to your person and family, in the 
minds of American citizens. Edward Telfair. 

To which the President of the United States was pleased to make the follow- 
ing answer: — 
To his Excellency Governor Telfair: — 

g IR: _Obeying the impulse of a heartfelt gratitude, I express with particular 
pleasure my sense of the obligations which your Excellency's goodness, and the 
kind regards of your citizens, have conferred upon me. 

I shall always retain the most pleasing remembrance of the polite and hos- 
pitable attentions which I have received in my tour through Georgia, and during 
my stay at the residence of your government. 

The manner in which your Excellency is pleased to recognize my public ser- 
vices, and to regard my private felicity, excites my sensibility and claims my 
grateful acknowledgment. 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 623 

You will do justice to the sentiments which influence my wishes by believing 

that they are sincerely proffered for your personal happiness and the prosperity 

of the State in which you preside. 

Georgk Washington. 

To the house in Broad street, prepared for his reception, the President was 
conducted, under a discharge of artillery by Captain Howell. At four o'clock he 
dined with the Governor, where were present the Federal and State officers, and 
others. After dinner many toasts were given. The President's toast was, " The 
State of Georgia?' 

In the evening Mrs. Telfair gave a ball to the ladies, at which the President 
was present a short time. 

On Thursday morning the citizens voted an address to the President, and which 
is as follows: — 

THE ADDRESS OF THE CITIZENS OF AUGUSTA. 

To the President of the United States of America : — 

Sir : Your journey to the southward being extended to the frontier of the 

Union, affords a fresh proof of your indefatigable zeal in the service of your 
country, and equal attention and regard to all the people of the United States. 
With these impressions, the citizens of Augusta present their congratulations 
upon your arrival here in health, with the assurance that it will be their great- 
est pleasure, during your stay with them, to testify the sincere affection they have 
for your person, their sense of obligation for your merits and for your services, 
and their entire confidence in you as the Chief Magistrate of their country. On 
your return, and at all times, their best wishes will accompany you, while they 
retain the hope that a life of virtue, benevolence, and patriotism, may be long 
preserved for the benefit of the age and the example of posterity. 

(Signed,) George Walton, 

John Meals, 
Thomas Cumming, 
Peter Carnes, 
Seaborn Jones. 

the president's answer to the citizens of augusta. 

Gentlemen :— I receive your congratulations on my arrival in Augusta with 
great pleasure. I am much obliged by your assurances of regard, and thank you, 
with unfeigned sincerity, for the favourable sentiments you are pleased to express 
towards me. 

Entreating you to be persuaded of my gratitude, I desire to assure you that it 
will afford me the most sensible satisfaction to learn the progression of your pros- 
perity. My best wishes for your happiness, collectively and individually, are 

sincerely offered. „ 

George Washington. 

At half past four o'clock, an elegant dinner having been provided by subscrip- 
tion, the President dined with a large number of citizens at the Court-house, 



624 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

where also his Excellency the Governor was present. After dinner, the usual 
toasts were drank. 
The President's toast was, " The State of Georgia, and prosperity to Augusta." 
In the evening, he attended a ball at the large room in the Academy, at 
which was the largest number of ladies ever collected at this place. On Fri- 
day, the President honoured the examination of the students at the Academy 
with his presence, and was pleased to express himself handsomely of their per- 
formance; and in the afternoon again dined with his Excellency the Governor, 
with a select party ; and this morning crossed the river by the bridge on his 
return — under the salute of Major Gordon's horse and Captain Howell's artillery. 
At his entrance upon the bridge, his Excellency the Governor, the Federal and 
State officers, paid their compliments, and took leave. 



At Augusta, December 12, 1793, a committee was appointed by 
the Legislature, to confer with the Adjutant-General of the State, as 
to a procession in honour of the French Republicans. The follow- 
ing was the plan recommended : — 

That the volunteers of the City Artillery, a troop of cavalry, and a company 
of Infantry, do repair to the battalion muster-ground, thence to march under the 
standard of the State to the House of Representatives, and in front thereof to sa- 
lute the two branches with fifteen guns in honour of the State, thence to escort 
the Senate and Representatives to the State House in the following order, viz. : 
Four dragoons in front; next the musicians, next the infantry, and next one field- 
piece : then the Representatives ; then the Senators, marching by two, and then 
the President and Speaker ; then a field-piece ; then the troop of cavalry. 
When arrived in front thereof, they will salute the Governor with fifteen guns. 
A committee appointed for that purpose will then wait on his Excellency, and 
conduct him down to the President of the Senate, who will address him suitable 
to the day, and the Governor will reply thereto ; thence his Excellency will con- 
duct them to a table with two wings, and spread with a collation, when he w-ill 
take his seat with the President on his right and the Speaker on his left hand, the 
Major-Generals, former Governor, and Chief Justice around, and the Representa- 
tives, with the Brigadier-Generals, on the right wing, and the magistrates and 
men-at-arms on the left wing. During the repast, a general toast will be given 
in honour of the French nation, answered with fifteen guns and three rounds of 
musketry, and all loyal toasts to be answered with musketry. The procession, 
as before, will be conducted to the place of occupation, where all the legislators 
will resume their seats, and be saluted with fifteen guns. 

A. C. Geo. Elholm. 



DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

Colonel Samuel Hammond was the son of Charles Hammond, 
and was born in Richmond County, Virginia, 21st of September, 
1757. The feverish state of the times interfered with his education ; 
and the Indians being troublesome on the Western frontiers, Ham- 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 625 

mond joined an expedition against them, ordered out by Governor 
Dunmore. At the commencement of hostilities between the mother 
country and her colonies, he raised a company of minute-men, at the 
head of which he commanded at the battle of Long Bridge, near 
Norfolk. In 1779 he joined the army of General Lincoln, with the 
rank of captain. 

During Prevost's invasion, Captain Hammond was attached to the 
command of Colonels Henderson and Malmudy, and with them was 
engaged in the battle of Stono, in 1779, and several previous skir- 
mishes. 

He was also at the siege of Savannah in that year, and united 
with General Huger's command, in the gallant attack on the left 
of the British lines. After that disastrous affair, he continued with 
General Williamson's command, until the fall of Charleston, when 
Williamson took protection, with a considerable number of his fol- 
lowers. 

Young Hammond, however, who was courteously permitted to 
take part in the council which was called to decide on the terms of 
the capitulation at Charleston, (his rank and age not justifying such 
participation,) protested against the decision of the majority, and re- 
fused to take British protection. 

He withdrew from his former associates, raised a few choice spirits, 
(seventy-six in number,) and with them proceeded towards the 
North, determined to find assistance, or die with arms in their hands. 
But more than half of this number, in consequence of the discour- 
agements of the times, subsequently left Hammond's party, and in 
hiding about fell into the hands of the Tories, who now overran the 
country, and from whose cruelties they suffered vastly more than if 
they had continued with their companions in arms. 

Hammond's little band, consisting now of only thirty-three per- 
sons, proceeded as they best could to make their way towards North 
Carolina. They were, however, compelled to conceal themselves 
during the day in swamps and cane-brakes, and push on with all pos- 
sible speed at night, depending entirely on chance for subsistence. 
One night, while passing along the foot of the mountains, they came 
to the house of a good Whig, who was then absent from home, and 
learned from his wife (Mrs. Jones) that she had been ill-treated and 
plundered by a party of Tories, (seventy or eighty in number,) who 
had the day before passed her house on their way to join the British 
army. Hammond and his associates determined to pursue and 
chastise them, if possible. Guided by a lad along the trail they had 
taken, they succeeded in surprising them the next morning, at break- 
fast, and by a spirited charge routed them completely. 

On their arrival in North Carolina, they were joined by Captains,. 
McCall and Liddle, of Pickens' Regiment, and a small detachment 
of men Here, in July, 1780. they fought the battle of Cedar 
Springs, under command of Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, against a 
party of dragoons, under Dunlap, of Ferguson's Regiment, who at- 
tempted to surprise them about half an hour before day ; but owing 

40 



626 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

to timely notice, which was brought by two noble Whig ladies into 
the camp, the dragoons were repulsed and defeated. 

In the following month, (19th August, 1780,) Captain Hammond was 
engaged with Colonels Williams, Clarke, and Shelby in the battle at 
Musgrove'a Mills, on the Enoree River. Here the British were de- 
feated, their commanding officer, Colonel Innis, wounded, Major 
Fraser killed, and a number of prisoners taken. 

At Hillsborough, he received from Governor Rutledge the brevet 
commission of Major, with orders to take charge of all the refugees, 
as they were called, belonging to Colonel Le Roy Hammond's Regi- 
ment of Militia, and others who might come into service. 

In the ever-memorable battle of King's Mountain, which occurred 
on the 7th October, 1780, Major Hammond bore himself gallantly, 
and lost many of his men. 

After this battle, he was attached for a short time to the command 
of General Davidson, and acted under Colonel Davy, on the retreat of 
Lord Cornwallis from Charlotte towards Catawba ; but was soon 
transferred to the command of General Sumter, and with him took 
part in the battle at Blackstocks. 

Previous to the battle of the Cowpens, he joined General Morgan. 
In this celebrated action, Major Hammond commanded on the left 
of the front line, and rendered the most important service throughout 
the engagement. After the battle, he was detached by General 
Morgan, with a small portion of his command, to reconnoitre the 
British army, which, after their defeat, had taken position on the 
north side of Broad River, some distance below the Cowpens. This 
service he performed efficiently. 

On the arrival of Cornwallis at Ramsour's Mills, Major Hammond 
passed over to the north side of the river, and joined General Greene. 
He continued with him, however, only a few days, when he was 
again attached to General Pickens' command, with whom he passed 
to the rear of the British army. 

He was joined by Major James Jackson, of Georgia, (afterwards 
Governor Jackson.) who was charged to pass into Georgia for a similar 
purpose. They proceeded together through the district of Ninety- 
six, enlisting numbers of the people in their enterprise. 

Hammond rejoined General Pickens, and the Georgia and Caro- 
lina forces acting in concert, advanced upon Augusta, drove in the 
outposts, and commenced the siege of that place. Hammond having 
now been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, w T as ordered 
with two companies of his regiment of State troops to storm Fort 
Grierson. 

On the capitulation of the enemy at Augusta, Colonel Hammond, 
with the other troops under Pickens, marched and joined General 
Greene at the siege of Ninety-six ; but on the advance of Lord 
Rawdon, the siege was raised, and Pickens' command retreated 
westward, and thence turning northeastwardly, rejoined General 
Greene on the Congaree, below Broad River. Through the summer 
of 1781, Colonel Hammond continued actively employed as a par* 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 627 

tisan, and gave hot pursuit to the Tories in every direction. He, 
however, rejoined General Greene in the fall of the year, and was 
with him at the glorious battle of Eutaw Springs, on the 8th Sep- 
tember, 1781. 

On the 17th of the same month, he was appointed to the command 
of a regiment of cavalry by Governor Rutledge, and instructed to 
raise and equip it like that of Mayham's, for three years, or the war. 
A number of his State troops, who had long served under him as 
volunteers, now enrolled themselves in his regiment. He was also 
joined by a portion of Colonel Le Roy Hammond's militia, and with 
these he remained in service under General Greene, until the pre- 
liminaries of peace were signed and announced. Being then encamped 
with General Greene at Bacon's Bridge, near Charleston, he received 
orders to discontinue recruiting for his new regiment, and in a short 
time afterwards, the greater part of his men were discharged. 

Within a short period after the peace in 1783, Colonel Hammond 
was married, in Augusta, to Mrs. Rebecca Rae, relict of Colonel John 
Rae, of Georgia. 

During his residence at Savannah, he was several times elected to 
the State Legislature, from. Chatham County. He also for some 
time filled the office of Surveyor-General, in Georgia, and was ap- 
pointed State Commissioner, to act in conjunction with other dis- 
tinguished gentlemen in arranging treaties with the Indians. 

In 1793, he was appointed by Governor Telfair to the command of 
the first battalion of the Chatham County Militia, and immediately 
ordered to the frontier, where he rendered important service in throw- 
ing up block-houses, and in checking the depredations of the Lower 
Creeks, who were very troublesome about this period. 

In the spring of 1798, he lost his wife, and went into retirement 
for several years. 

On the 25th of May, 1802, he was again married, uniting him- 
self to Miss Eliza Amelia O'Keefe, a young and beautiful Irish lady. 
The same year he was elected to represent the State of Georgia in 
Congress, defeating Joseph Bryan, Esq., and Wm. H. Crawford, who 
was just then coming into public life. 

Colonel Hammond held an important office under the U. S. Go- 
vernment in Missouri, where he resided about twenty years, during 
which time he unfortunately fell into the habits of speculation then 
prevalent in that section of country. He bought a large amount of 
valuable property, which his public duties and advancing age pre- 
vented him from attending to properly, and which, from neglect, has 
since been lost to his family. He also became involved in a large 
debt to the United States by the failure of local banks, whose notes 
had been taken in payment of public dues. For this debt he was pro- 
secuted by the Government, and arrested in Charleston, after his re- 
turn to South Carolina, which took place in 1824. Being discharged 
on bail, he finally disposed of a large portion of his property, and paid 
up the demand to the utmost farthing. 

Some time after his return to South Carolina, the theatre of his 



628 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

early career, he settled at Varello Farm, on Horse Creek, three miles 
below Augusta. During his absence in the West, this fine estate had 
become nearly ruined, having been sold for taxes by the neglect of 
agents, and passed through several hands. He found it, however, in 
the possession of an old friend and companion in arms, Colonel Brooks, 
of Edgefield, who generously relinquished it without a contest. 

In 1827, he was elected by the Legislature of South Carolina to 
the office of Surveyor-General, and in 1831 was chosen Secretary of 
State. On that occasion, General Sumter, who had been his com- 
panion in arms, voluntarily came forward in an article strongly com- 
mending him to the Legislature, bearing testimony to his gallantry 
and usefulness during the Revolutionary struggle, and distinctly as- 
cribing the victory at Blackstocks to his great braveiy and good 
conduct. 

During Colonel Hammond's continuance in office, he resided oc- 
casionally at Charleston and Columbia until 1835, when, overcome 
by the weight of years, and the arduous labours of a protracted pub- 
lic life, he withdrew from all connection with public affairs, and re- 
tired to Varello, where he remained until his death, which occurred 
on the 11th September, 1842, in the 85th year of his age. 

Augustus Christian George Elholm died in Augusta, in 1799. 
He was a native of the Duchy of Holstein, in the dominions of Den- 
mark, came to America in the early part of the Revolutionary War, 
received a commission in Pulaski's corps, and afterwards one in 
Colonel Horry's regiment of dragoons, in both of which he behaved 
with great gallantry. He rendered important services in Georgia, 
and was one of the five men associated with Colonel John White, 
whose wonderful achievement is described on page 368 of this work. 
Under the administration of Governor Telfair, he was made Adjutant- 
General of the State of Georgia, and took an active part in planning a 
system of defence against the Indians, who at that time were very 
troublesome upon the frontiers. When George Matthews was Go- 
vernor of the State, a misunderstanding took place between him and 
Elholm. A court-martial was ordered, and the Adjutant-General was 
cashiered. He had a practice of writing and speaking in a very 
pompous manner. His record-book, now in the State Library at 
Milledgeville, is not only valuable for the amount of information 
it contains, but curious on account of the grandiloquent style in which 
he was in the habit of expressing himself. 

General Thomas Glascock died in this county, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age. He was at the siege of Savannah, as a lieutenant, 
under Count Pulaski, and exhibited great bravery and military 
genius by attacking and defeating, with a small force, a large body 
of the enemy. 

During an expedition against the Indians, who were committing 
depredations on the western frontiers of Georgia, he was appointed 
fc Colonel in the troops then ordered by the Legislature for the express 



RICHMOND COUNTY. 629 

service of the State. He was afterwards elected a General of the 
militia, and as such, Governor Irwin, though differing somewhat in 
political sentiments, yet appreciating his worth, appointed him to the 
command of that quota of militia which was designated by the Gen- 
eral Government to be furnished by this State. 

In every situation to which he was elevated, he never exhibited 
one mark of presumption, one mark of assumed authority over those 
with whom he was associated, but always exhibited that character 
with which we are mostly pleased, • the friend of mankind.' 1 '' 

General John Twiggs, a distinguished officer of the Revolution, 
lived and died in this county. 

The Hon. Richard Henry Wilde resided for many years in Au- 
gusta. He died at New-Orleans. 

General D. E. Twiggs, now of the U. S. Army, the son of General 
John Twiggs, has inherited his father's virtues. Posterity will speak 
of his deeds. 

Major Freeman Walker lived and died in Richmond. As a mem- 
ber of Congress, he assisted in the settlement of the Missouri ques- 
tion, and his speech will ever remain a monument of his genius and 
patriotism. He died September 23, 1827. 

Hon. Nicholas Ware commenced his professional career in Augusta. 
For many years he represented Richmond, and was Senator to Con- 
gress from 1821 to 1824. He died in the City of New- York, Sep- 
tember, 1824. 

Hon. Andrew J. Miller is a distinguished lawyer of Augusta. The 
high offices which he has held attest the superiority of his abilities 

The Hon. Charles J. Jenkins was born in Beaufort District, South 
Carolina, on the sixth day of January, 1805. His father removed to the 
County of Jefferson, in Georgia, in January, 1816. Mr. Jenkins re- 
ceived the rudiments of his education in different schools ; he first en- 
tered a school at Savannah, then successively the academies at Mount 
Zion and Powelton, in Hancock County, and afterwards for a few 
months the academy at Wellington, in South Carolina, under the di- 
rection of Dr. Waddel. In the year 1820 he went to Franklin Col- 
lege ; but in 1822, by the request of his father, he was regularly dis- 
missed from that institution, and soon after entered Union College, in 
the State of New- York, where he was graduated with high honours. 
He then returned to Georgia, studied law, and was admitted to prac- 
tice in 1826, and settled at Saundersville, in the County of Washing- 
ton. In 1 829 he removed to Augusta, and was elected a representa- 
tive of Richmond County, in the popular branch of the General As- 
sembly, in 1830. In 1831 he was elected Attorney-General for the 



630 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

State of Georgia. Five years afterwards, he was again returned to 
the Legislature, and was re-elected to that body every succeeding 
year, up to 1852, inclusive, with the exception of 1842, when, as well 
as in the years 1834 and 1835, he was defeated. In each of the years 
1840, 1843, 1845, and 1847, he was elected Speaker of the House of 
Representatives. 

In 1850, Mr. Jenkins was offered the post of Secretary of the Inte- 
rior of the United States, which he declined; and in the same year 
he was a member of the Convention which met at Milledgeville, and 
drew up the exposition and resolutions adopted by that body in rela- 
tion to the Compromise measures. He was a candidate for Governor 
at the last election, but was defeated by 510 votes. 



We cannot pass over in silence the character of the late Mrs. Maria 
Campbell. This lady was the daughter of General William Hull, and 
wife of Edward Fenwick Campbell, of Augusta, Georgia. She pos- 
sessed a highly cultivated mind. In all the benevolent institutions of 
the day she took a deep interest. Mrs. Campbell and a grandson of 
General Hull prepared a biography of their venerated ancestor.* She 
died in Augusta, on the 24th of May, 1845. 

* It is due alike to the truth of history as to the claims of a distinguished soldier of the 
Revolution, to say, that the justness of the decision of the court-martial, before whom 
General Hull was arraigned and convicted of the charge of cowardice, and on whom the 
sentence of death was pronounced, is at this time seriously called in question by promi- 
nent men of both political parties — of those who were zealous advocates and supporters of 
the administration of Mr. Madison, as of the opponents of that administration. 

General Hull commanded a company of volunteers from Connecticut, and joined General 
Washington at Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the commencement of the War of the Revo- 
lution, and was with him when the army was disbanded, and when he took his final leave 
as commander-in-chief, in New-York, on the 4th of December, 1783. He served during the 
whole period of the war, and was in the battles of Long Island, at the White Plains, at 
Trenton, at Princeton, at Saratoga, Bhemis' Heights, at Monmouth, at Stony Point, Mor- 
risania, and other memorable occasions. He was twice promoted for his courage and 
good conduct — once after the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and subsequently after 
the storming of Stony Point, as one of the selected officers of General Wayne, on that 
hazardous enterprise. 

As a tribute of filial affection, and in defence of the much injured reputation of her 
father from the supposed iniquitous decision of the court-martial, his daughter, Mrs. 
Campbell, and a grandson of General Hull, have prepared a biography of their venerated 
ancestor, which has been published, under the title of, " General Hull's Military and 
Civil Life," and to which the public is referred for a detailed history of this soldier of the 
Revolution. 

There have been several able reviews of this work, and a number of letters published 
from gentlemen of high character in our country, bearing testimony to the correct- 
ness of the narrative of facts embodied in it. Some of these letters were from the 
pens of Jared Sparks, the compiler of the writings of Washington ; from the Hon. Horace 
Binney and Joseph R. Ingersoll, of Philadelphia; from the Hon. John Macpherson Berrien 
Joseph W. Jackson, and Matthew Hall McAllister, Esq., of Savannah. In the letter from 
Jared Sparks, prefixed to " General Hull's Military and Civil Life," addressed to the 
grandson of General Hull, he writes : " I have perused the manuscript which you sent to 
me relating to the Revolutionary services and civil life of General Hull. The whole ap- 
pears to me to be written with close attention to the facts of history." He then adds — 
" I have also read with a lively interest the chapters on the campaign of 1812. The nar- 
rative is clear and full, and whatever judgment may be formed of the result, the particulars 
here set forth give evidence of having been drawn from the highest sources, and they are 
exhibited in such a manner as to present the controverted points in a just light." 



SCREVEN COUNTY. 631 



SCREVEN COUNTY. 

Laid out from Burke and Effingham, 1793 ; part set off to Bul- 
loch, 1796. Length, 30 m. ; breadth, 18 m. ; area square miles, 540. 

The Savannah, Ogeechee, and Little Ogeechee rivers, and Briar 
Creek, are the principal streams. 

The soil is level, and in some parts productive. 

The climate is mild. 

The instances of longevity are, Mrs. L. Thrower, who died at 137 ; 
Mrs. Jane Black, over 100; Mr. Herrington, over 90; Michael 
Doherty, 140. Many others might be given. 

Sylvania is the county site, situated five miles below Jackson- 
borough, on the Middle Ground road. 

Jacksonborough was formerly the county site. 

Mill Haven is six miles from Matthews' Bluff. 

Paramore Hill is a considerable elevation, which the Central Rail 
Road crosses. 

At Hudson's Ferry the British army encamped in February, 1779, 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 567 ; families, 567 ; 
white males, 1,625; white females, 1,548; 1 free coloured male. 
Total free population, 3,174 ; slaves, 3,673. Deaths, 32. Farms, 
498. Value of Teal estate, $1,260,577; value of personal estate, 
$1,101,900. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, J. H. Rutherford, 
James Boyd, John Bonnell, Henry Bryan, Wm. Rushing, Benja- 
min Greene, Wm. Shepard, Robert Warren, Joseph Tanner, John 
Fletcher, John Nevil, Anthony Bornell, Bird Lanier, Matthew 
Coleton, Wm. Pearce, Daniel Blackburn, John Jeffers, Wm. 
Rauls, M. Greene. 



Mr. John Abbot resided for many years in this county, and was 
very much devoted to the study of natural science. The result of 
his observations he delineated in a style of beauty and accuracy, 
which gained him a high reputation in Europe. In the Charleston 
Library are two large folio volumes, with elegant coloured engravings, 
entitled, " The Natural History of the Rarer Lepidopterous Insects of 
Georgia, including their Systematic Characters, the Particulars of 
their several Metamorphoses, and the Plants on which they feed. Col- 
lected from the observations of Mr. John Abbot, many years resident 
in that country, by James Edward Smith, M. D., F. R. S." 



Looking over the files of some old newspapers, we met with the 
following, and give it insertion, without vouching, however, that 



632 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the Michael Doherty, of Screven, is the person of whom the writer 
speaks : — 

At the moment of retreat, on the 12th of May, 1782, when Colonel Laurens, 
commanding the light troops of General Greene's army, beat up the quarters of 
the enemy near Accabee, Michael Doherty, a distinguished soldier of the 
Delawares, said to a comrade who was near — " By Jasus, it does my heart good 
to think that little blood has been spilt this day, any how, and that we are 
likely to see the close of it without a fight." No notice was taken of his speech 
at the time, but meeting him shortly after in camp, I inquired, "how he, who 
was so much applauded for uncommon gallantry, should have expressed so 
great delight on finding the enemy indisposed for action." "And who, besides 
myself, had a better right to be plased, I wonder 1 ?" said Doherty. "Wounds 
and captivity have no charms for me, and Michael has never yet fought, but as 
bad luck would have it, both have been his portion. When I give you a little 
piece of the history of my past life, you will give me credit for my wish to be 
careful of the part that is to come. I was unlucky from the jump. At the battle 
of Brandywine, acting as sergeant of a company in the Delaware Regiment, 
my captain killed, and lieutenant absenting himself from the field for the greater 
safety of his mother's son, I fought with desperation till our ammunition was ex- 
pended, and my comrades being compelled to retire, I was left helpless and 
wounded on the ground, and fell into the hands of the enemy. Confinement 
was never agreeable to me. I could never be aisij within the walls of a prison. 

A recruiting sergeant of the British, who was at home in his business, and up to 
all manner of cajolery, by dint of perpetual blarney, gained my good will, slipped 
the King's bounty into my hand, which I pocketed, and entered a volunteer into 
the 1 7th Regiment. Stony Point was our station, and I thought myself snugly 
out of harm's way, when one ugly night, when I did not even dream of such an 
accident, the post was carried at the point of the bayonet, and an unlucky thrust 
laid me prostrate on the earth. It was a great consolation, however, although 
this was rather rough treatment from the hand of a friend, that the Old Dela- 
wares were covered with glory, and that as their prisoner, I was sure to meet the 
kindest attention. My wound once cured, and whitewashed of my sins, my 
ancient comrades received me with kindness ; and light of heart, and hoping to 
gain any quantity of laurels in the South, I marched forward with the regiment, 
as a part of the command, destined to recover (he Carolinas and Georgia. The 
bloody battle of Camden, fought on the 16th August — bad luck to the day! — 
brought me once again into trouble. Our regiment was cut up root and branch, 
and poor Pilgarlic, my unfortunate self, wounded and made prisoner. My pre- 
judices against a jail I have frankly told, and being pretty confident that I should 
not a whit better relish a lodging in the inside of a prison-ship, I once again suf- 
fered myself to be persuaded, and 'listed in the infantry of Tarleton's Legion. 
0, botheration, what a mistake ! I never before had kept such bad company — 
as a man of honour, I was out of my illiment, and should certainly have given 
them leg-bail, but that I had no time to brood over my misfortunes, for the battle 
of the Cowpens quickly followed. Howard and Old Kirkwood gave us the 
bayonet so handsomely, that we were taken one and all, and I should have 



SCREVEN COUNTY. 633 

escaped unhurt, had not a dragoon of Washington's added a scratch or two to 
the account already scored on my unfortunate carcass. As to all the miseries 
that I have since endured, afflicted with a scarcity of everything but appetite 
and musquitoes, I say nothing about them. My love for my country gives me, 
courage to support that, and a great deal more when it comes. I love my com- 
rades, and they love Doherty. Exchanging kindnesses, we give care to the 
dogs— but surely you will not be surprised, after all that I have said, that I feel 
some qualms at the thought of battle, since, take whatever side I will, I am al- 
ways sure to find it the wrong one." 



At Briar Creek, in this county, a battle was fought on the 3d of 
March, 1779, between the British, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Campbell, and the Americans, commanded by General Ashe, which 
resulted in the complete discomfiture of the latter. The following 
letter, written by General Lincoln, dated Purisburg, March 7, 1779, 
details the particulars of the battle : — • 

After the enemy left Augusta, General Ashe, who was stationed on the oppo- 
site side of the river, was ordered to cross and take post at or near Briar Creek 
lower bridge, as thereby he would cover the upper part of the country, and as 
this was considered one of the strongest posts therein, his left being secured by 
a deep swamp and the Savannah River, his front by the creek, which, at this 
place, was unfordable, and about sixty yards wide ; besides, he had a party of 
about 200 horse to cover his right rear. Boats were provided for the troops to 
recross the Savannah in case the enemy should move against them in force, and 
the baggage was sent over that they might not be encumbered therewith, in 
case they should be obliged to retire into the country. But, notwithstanding, on 
the 3d of March, 1 779, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy fell in his 
rear, his horse at that time being over Briar Creek, and began the attack so 
suddenly, that the General had not time to form the whole of his troops, which 
amounted to about 1,200, exclusive of the horse ; those which were formed soon 
gave way, though many officers exerted themselves to prevent it, excepting a 
few under General Elbert, and one or two regiments of North Carolina militia. 
Some, he informs me, fled without firing ; they took to the swamp, and escaped 
either by swimming the river or being brought across in a boat. General Ashe 
supposes his loss to have been 150 or 200. Prisoners taken, General Elbert, 
Georgia troops ; Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh, in the Continental service ; Major 
Douglass, Aid-de-Camp ; Captains Hicks, Nash, Cuthbert, Scott, Pendleton, 
Corbet, Sprowl, and Dalay; 162 non-commissioned officers and privates. 



634 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



SPALDING COUNTY. 

This county is bounded on the north by Henry, on the east by 
Monroe and Butts, on the south by Pike, and on the west by Fayette. 
Length, 20 m. ; breadth, 11 m. ; area square miles, 220. Laid out 
in 1851. 

The streams are, the Flint River, and Potato, Cabin, Grape, and 
Head's creeks. 

The soil and productions are similar to those of Pike. 

Griffin is the county town, situated on the Macon and Western 
Railroad. It is called after General L. L. Griffin, its founder. 

The Synodical Female College is located at Griffin. It is under 
the care of the Synod of Georgia. The college edifice is built of 
brick, 100 feet long, and 50 wide ; two stories high. It contains 
on the lower floor a large chapel-room for the primary department, 
and a parlour. On the second floor are four large recitation-rooms, 
and a large study-room, well furnished with desks and chairs. The 
building occupies a commanding situation, and is surrounded by beau- 
tiful grounds. The funds for erecting this building were mostly con- 
tributed by the citizens of Griffin. 

Among the early settlers were, John G. Hill, A. A. Gaulding, 
John B. Reid, Wm. Cline, GeneraTF. P. Daniel, Curtis Lewis, 
Miles G. Dobbins, Wm. S. Herronton, Jas. A. Beeks, Absalom Gray, 
A. M. Nall, Thos. D. Johnson, James S. Jones, A. W. Humphreys, 
Hugh G. Johnson, David Johnson, Dr. Jno. R. Clark, Joseph P. 
Manly, James Butler, Ishmael Dunn, William Ellis, Garling- 
ton Leak, Burrell Orr, Simeon Spear, John H. Akins, Robert 
Walker, Garry Grice, Dr. James S. Long, William R. Phillips, 
and Wm. Dismuke. 



Hon. Thomas Spalding, after whom this county was named, was 
bom at Frederica, on the Island of St. Simon's, Glynn County, on 
the 26th March, 1774, and was of Scottish descent. He was the son 
of James Spalding, Esq., who married the oldest daughter of Colonel 
William Mcintosh, the latter being the same person who, when a lad, 
with his younger brother, Lachlan, (afterwards General Mcintosh, 
of the Revolutionary War,) followed their father, John More Mcin- 
tosh, a Highland chieftain, when, with a band of intrepid Highlanders, 
he accompanied General Oglethorpe to the wilds of Georgia, in 1736, 
and from whom sprang many of that name, who perilled their all for 
the independence of their country during our Revolutionary contest. 

Mr. Spalding's father was a gentleman of fine abilities, and a great 
reader of men and of books, the advantages of which he seemed to have 
early and indelibly impressed upon the mind of his son, who read 



SPALDING COUNTY. 635 

everything, and whose surprisingly tenacious memory, retaining all 
that he read, made him as a living book and depositary of literary 
treasures, especially those of historic interest. 

For those gentle and benevolent traits which he so liberally prac- 
tised in mature manhood, he was indebted to the influence and ex- 
ample of his excellent and venerated mother, of whom he ever spoke 
with the most filial tenderness. He was their only child. At the 
time of his father's decease he was a student of law, in the office of 
Thomas Gibbons, Esq., of Savannah, whose practice was extensive 
and profitable ; and had circumstances at this period permitted Mr. 
Spalding to pursue the profession of his choice, he doubtless would 
have been eminent in it ; but his fortune being ample, and requiring 
his personal attention, he declined to proceed in the practice. He 
married the daughter and only child of Richard Leake, Esq., which 
union added much to his already comfortable estate. 

About this time, though very young, he was elected to the Legis- 
lature, and shortly after, with his family, visited Europe, and took up 
his residence in London, where he remained two years a regular at- 
tendant on, and observer of, the proceedings of Parliament, and in 
the enjoyment of that society to which his pecuniary means and posi- 
tion among his countrymen abroad entitled him in the British metro- 
polis. 

The lady whom he married was of rare accomplishments, good 
sense, and of singular beauty ; yet she alone seemed unconscious of 
those irresistible fascinations which secured her the respect, admira- 
tion, and love of all. They had born to them many children, five only 
of whom survived their parents, and are still living. Mr. Spalding 
had the misfortune to lose his oldest son, James, while a member of 
the Legislature from Mcintosh County, during its session in 1820 — an 
amiable young man, of superior talent, and of great promise. The 
Legislature erected a monument to his memory in the capital of the 
State. 

On his return from England, Mr. Spalding was elected to Congress, 
and served two sessions, and was for many years afterwards a promi- 
nent and leading member of the Senate of his native State, and until 
he retired from public life, to superintend his extensive private affairs, 
and to enjoy the repose and comforts of his attractive home, surrounded 
by his books, and friends, and strangers visiting our country, to whom 
he was ever attentive. 

For the various measures which he advocated during a long politi- 
cal career, through anxious and perplexing periods of our history, he 
acted always from a conscientious conviction of being right, and for 
the interest of his country. There never was a more ardent or a purer 
patriot. At the close of the war of 1812, in compliance with a com- 
mission from the General Government, he proceeded to Bermuda, and 
negotiated relative to the slaves and other property taken from the 
South by the British forces. 

In 1826, he was appointed Commissioner on the part of the State- 
to meet the Commissioner of the United States, Governor Randolph, 



636 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

of Virginia, to determine on the boundary between Georgia and the Ter- 
ritory of Florida, but which was not conclusively settled, the Com- 
missioners disagreeing as to what should be considered the true source 
of the St. Mary's — the Georgia Commissioner insisting on the southern 
and most distant of the two lakes from the mouth of the river discharg- 
ing its waters into the Atlantic, which lake has since been called after 
him. 

The limit assigned for biographical sketches in this work admits of 
nothing more than a mere outline of the life of Mr. Spalding. He 
was a fluent, energetic speaker, and a fine writer. Ease of style 
and originality characterize the productions of his pen. He was the 
author of the Life of Oglethorpe, and of many other sketches, and 
furnished much useful matter for various agricultural journals of the 
country, was among the earliest cotton planters of the State, and in- 
troduced the cane, its successful culture, and the manufacture of sugar, 
into Georgia. He was the last surviving member of the Convention 
that revised the Constitution of the State in 1798. 

In personal appearance he was agreeable, of middling stature, of 
easy, unassuming manners, courteous and affable. His hospitality 
was boundless, and accessible to all ; and it may be truly and emphati- 
cally said of him, that he was the friend of the distressed. Kind in all 
the relations of life, his slaves, of whom he had a large number, felt 
neither irksome toil nor disquiet under his mild and indulgent govern- 
ment. 

He felt intensely interested in the Compromise measures of Con- 
gress, and, though in delicate health, declared his wish to go as a 
delegate to the Convention in Milledgeville, even if he should die in 
the effort. He reached that city in a very feeble state, was elected 
President of the Convention, and commenced his duties by a neat 
and appropriate address, remarking in the conclusion, that "as it 
would be the last, so it would also be a graceful termination of his 
public labours." After the adjournment, he passed on homeward 
through Savannah, greatly debilitated, and reached his son's residence, 
near Darien, where he expired in the midst of his children, calmly 
relying on his God for a happy futurity, January 4th, 1851, in the 77th 
year of his age, and in sight of that island home in which it is hoped 
no spoiler will ever be suffered to trespass, but long to remain a sacred 
memorial of his taste for the sublime beauties of nature. His resi- 
dence was a massive mansion, of rather unique style, in the midst ol 
a primeval forest of lofty, out-branching oaks, of many centuries, 
arrayed in the soft and gracefully-flowing drapery of the Southern moss, 
waving in noiseless unison with the ceaseless surges of the ocean, 
which break upon the strand of this beautiful and enchanting spot. 

Rev. William Moseley resides in Griffin. He is the son of Elijah 
Moseley, and was born in Elbert County, Georgia, on the 21st of 
October, 1796. His education was limited, not having attended a 
school altogether more than nine months. When he was about 
twenty years old, he was commissioned as first lieutenant of a com- 



STEWART COUNTY. 637 

pany intended for an expedition against the Indians. In 1819, he was 
elected Receiver of Tax Returns for Putnam County. In 1820, he 
removed to Dallas County, Alabama, where he connected himself with 
the Baptist Church, and two years afterwards, began his ministerial ca- 
reer. Returning' to Georgia, he resided a year in Jasper County, and 
then went to Henry County. In 1848, he was elected to the Senate, 
and in 1846 was nominated by the Whig party for Congress, and 
was defeated by only one hundred and fifty-seven votes. In 1847, he 
was elected to the representative branch of the Legislature, in 1848 
was chosen an elector, and voted for General Taylor and Mr. Fillmore, 
and in 1851 was again sent to the Legislature as Senator. 

In 1836, there was a division among the Baptists in the Flint River 
Association. Mr. Moseley took sides with that portion called the 
Primitive Baptists, " who hold to the predestinarian doctrine, repent- 
ance, faith, good works, the final perseverance of the saints," &c. The 
denomination of which Mr. Moseley is a minister believe that " the 
Church alone is the institution of Heaven, and that all the combina- 
tions of men, irrespective of the Church, are wrong." 

He is a friend to education, and has been heard to say, that he will 
never die satisfied unless he sees a system adopted by which every 
child in the country will receive an education. Mr. Moseley is an 
orator by nature. His mode of speaking fixes attention ; and although 
he pays no regard to the decorations of language, it is easy to per- 
ceive that he understands his subject. " It is very remarkable," says 
one, " that Mr. Moseley was born in October, married in October, pro- 
fessed religion in October, commenced preaching in October, his son 
was born in October, his daughter born in October, and the only slave 
he ever owned died in October." 



STEWART COUNTY. 

This division of the State was formed from Randolph in 1830, and 
named after General Daniel Stewart, whose name stands high upon 
the annals of Georgia. 

The Chattahoochee River forms the western boundary. 

Numerous creeks water the country. 

The lands generally are fertile, producing cotton, corn, sugar- 
cane, &c. 

Lumpkin is the county site, situated on the waters of the Hod- 
chodkee Creek, distant from Milledgeville one hundred and sixty 
miles. 

The Masonic Female College is located at Lumpkin. 

Florence is on the Chattahoochee River, sixteen miles W. of Lump- 
kin. 

Lanahassee is in the eastern part of the county. 



638 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The climate is warm. 

The following cases of longevity have come to our knowledge . 
Wm. Elliott, 90 ; Mrs. Elliott, 85 ; Mr. Bush and wife, 80 ; B. 
Smith, 88 ; R. Melton, 82 ; Thomas Glenn, 81 ; I. Cox, over 80 ; 
Geo. Osborn, 86 ; Mrs. L. M. Turner, 80. A negro woman belong- 
ing to Mr. John Glenn is over 100 years old. A free woman of colour 
died in April, 1852, said to have been 137 years of age. Thomas 
Williams is now living, over 84 years. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,432; families, 
1,445; white males, 4,480; white females, 4,169; free coloured 
males, 3 ; free coloured females, 2. Total free population, 8,654 ; 
slaves, 7,373. Deaths, 156. Farms, 990 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 36. Value of real estate, $2,241,302; value of personal 
estate, $4,393,703. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, N. Clifton, M. Gre- 
sham, W. H. Dismukes, R. J. Snelling, S. Luckey, James Greer, 
J. Talbot, L. Bryan, Captain Ball, James E. Gachet, H. W. Jer- 

NIGAN, F. D. WlMBERLY. 

BURNING OF ROANOKE. 

Roanoke is a small village in this county, situated on the Chat- 
tahoochee River. A party of Creek Indians made an attack upon it 
on Friday night, the 13th of May, 1836, to the number of about thir- 
ty, the same, as is supposed, that fired upon the steamer Georgia, 
and killed all on board. This assault was promptly repelled by the 
whites. Another attack was made on Sunday morning, the 15th, 
just before day, by about three hundred Indians. A block-house had 
been erected, and surrounded by pickets. 

It seems that the citizens were taken entirely by surprise, most of 
them having retired to their slumbers. They were first alarmed by 
the firing of rifles and the yelling of the savages. The men sprung 
to their arms, and returned the fire of the Indians, but, seeing their 
number so large, immediately retreated, forcing themselves through 
their midst. Nine whites and hree blacks were killed at the first 
fire, and eight or nine wounded; ! 

The following letter from CoJo.iel G. thus describes the affair, and 
his escape : — 

" No apprehension was felt of an attack ; the men had nearly all gone out to 
Lumpkin — not more than twenty being in camp, which was near the warehouse. 
I was sleeping in my own room — Gazaway (Williams) was up stairs alone. Just 
before daybreak I was awakened by the firing of the Indians. At that moment, 
three fired through the window, at my bed. I sprang out of bed, and, on looking 
round, could distinguish them at each window. I ran into the dining-room, where 
I found every window occupied by two or three, and whenever I passed, they 
fired on me. I determined to sell my life as dearly as possible, feeling confident 
my last hour had come — caught up my gun — hallooed to Gazaway to make his 



STEWART COUNTY. 639 

escape — burst open the door going into the passage, when a volley was discharged 
at my breast — closed it, and ran to the other door, determined to hazard all in en- 
deavouring to join the men at camp. On opening it, two fired, and a number 
approached. I fired — shut the door — caught up another gun — opened, and ran 
out of the door. From the door to the fence, I passed through the midst of twenty 
or thirty, all shooting as fast as they could fire — some lying down. I ran so near their 
powder that I burnt my clothes — met a number at the fence — got through all un- 
touched, except a blow, given with a gun or something else, which nearly arrested 
me. I then, finding the men flying in all directions, reached and found a thick 
place of bushes growing over the branch — laid down in the water below the 
spring, the Indians passing within a few paces, expecting every moment that I 
should be butchered. Shortly afterwards, Talbot, Captain Horn, (who was 
wounded,) and another gentleman, pursued by several Indians, came to my retreat. 
I then gave up again all earthly hope of escape, and told them I had determined 
to run down and jump into the river. They insisted on my staying, and all dying 
together. As our Maker would have it, the savages at that time commenced 
burning houses, to which their attention was chiefly drawn, and we lay until 
twelve o'clock, suffering all that men could suffer in the cold water from the 
spring. On coming out, I was so benumbed with cold and bruises, that I could 
not walk up the hill. On reaching the bluff, we discovered, to our great joy, a party 
of soldiers had come to our relief, and that the Indiaus had fled. We reached 
Lumpkin about dark. 

" Gazaway, seeing the Indians all flock after me when I left the house, sprang 
out of the second story, and made his escape without being fired on. 

" Poor Anderson ! he was shot in the head, face to face, with the savage, and 
expired without a groan. 

"Kershaw was shot in his own house. His wife and child, with Mr. Pierce, 
remained until the building was in flames, and near falling in, when they made 
their escape. The two Mr. Donalsons were sleeping in the back room of my 
house : they fell, and were burnt up, as also one or two in Matthews' house — mak- 
ing in all eight whites. Our dwelling and warehouse, Joice's store, Starke's store, 
Rood & Seymour's, Matthews' dwelling, and new house, were all burnt. 

"Peter (black boy) fought near Anderson bravely. The Indians made great 
exertions to kill him." 

BATTLE AT SHEPA D'S PLANTATION. 

The following account of one among the most serious and des- 
perate battles that occurred during the Creek war in 1836, is 
compiled from despatches addressed to William Schley, Governor of 
Georgia at that time, by Captain Hamilton Garmany, and other 
officers. The battle took place at the plantation of Dr. Shepard, 
on the 9th of June, 1836 : — 

Between two and three o'clock, when Captain Garmany's men were eating 
their dinner, a firing was heard about half a mile from the place he occupied. 
Supposing that Major Jernigan and his force were atlacked. Garmany ordered his 
men to leave their dinner and parade immediately. The horses were left, and 



640 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

indeed everything else, except the clothes which the men had on, and the force re- 
paired to the direction where the firing was heard, and having marched about ball 
a mile, found the Indians prepared for battle. When within some one hundred yards 
of the Indians, Garmany's men fired, and six or seven of the enemy fell. The 
Indians then retreated a short distance, and formed a line. Garmany gave them 
another fire, the savages returning it in regular manner, and again retreated. 
Garmany discovered that every time they retreated they reinforced to the num- 
ber of at least 250. As long as they could be kept in front, they were repulsed; 
but becoming so numerous, and Captain Garmany's company consisting of only 
forty-two men in line at the time, the Indians began to flank them. A retreat 
was ordered, and the men commanded to fire on the retreat ; half of them were 
directed to face to the right, and the other to the left, and to fire upon their 
flanks, to keep the Indians from surrounding them. After having retreated, and 
firing in this way about half a mile, a small field was reached, and the fence used 
as a breastwork, until two rounds were fired. By this time the enemy had suc- 
ceeded in dividing the party. By firing on the left flank, Captain Garmany and 
about ten men succeeded in getting possession of the yard ; at the time they en- 
tered the gate, the enemy had succeeded in gaining the opposite side of the 
yard, but were driven from their position. They then fled to the gin-house, 
when a position was taken and an opportunity watched to shoot as they passed 
around the houses. The troops were directed not to fire until they could be 
certain t» kill, which order was obeyed. Garmany took a position behind two 
trees, so situated that he could not be seen, and from that place he was certain 
that he killed an Indian who was attempting to get one of the horses over the 
fence. When he fell another attempted to gel the same horse, and before he 
succeeded in getting the animal, he was shot, and fell within three feet of the 
other. Garmany then loaded again, and just at that moment three other Indians 
passed round the corner of a small house forty yards distant, when they were fired 
at. and two of them stopped ; the other shot Garmany through the thigh, which 
caused him to fall. The Indian drew his knife and made towards him. He 
raised up and shot the Indian, bringing him to the ground. At this time a 
panic was produced amongst Garmany's men who were present, who cried out 
that their captain was killed. But he called to them, saying that he was not 
dead, but that they must fight on. Dispatching the Indian after he was 
wounded, Garmany drew his pocket pistol, determined still to defend himself, 
and called to his men to turn the horses out of the lot, which they did. Those 
of his corps that were near continued to fight; and during the whole time, the 
men on the other flank of the enemy maintained the action with vigour and energy. 

Just at this moment, Major Jernigan, of Stewart County, who was at Fort 
Jones, three miles below the battle-ground, arrived with a small detachment of 
men, not exceeding thirty, and charged upon the Indians, which diverted them 
from Garmany, and enabled him to make his escape. One of his men seeing 
that he was wounded, brought him a horse, took him up behind him, and 
carried him to Fort Jones ; when the rest of his force attempted their escape 
in the best way they could. 

About this time, a body of men who had been sent to Fort McCreary, and had 
heard the firing, came and charged through the ranks of the enemy ; but they 



SUMTER COUNTY. 641 

were too late to render much assistance. Four of Garmany's company had been 
left sick at Fort Ingersoll, with two others to wait on them, and two or three 
had gone to the shop to get their horses shod-. These things account for the few 
men he had in the action. Those of his company who were in the engagement, 
acted with great bravery and firmness. Every man stood firm until ordered to 
retreat. 

Ample testimony was borne to the courage and bravery of Major Jemigan and 
his men, who went to the assistance of Garmany. In his company were seven 
killed and four wounded, none thought to be dangerous— of Major Jernigan's 
men, four were killed and three wounded. Those of Garmany's men killed were, 
Ensign Lacy, Orderly-Sergeant Jas. C. Martin, Jas. H. Holland, Robert T. Hol- 
land, Jas. M. Allen, Wm. M. Sims, (by exhaustion,) J. A. V. Tate, and A. W. 
Peden ; wounded, Captain Garmany, John R. Alexander, Thomas W. Hunt, and 
Wm. Stapp. R was thought there were from twenty-five to thirty Indians killed, 
but Colonel Gibson, who afterwards visited the battle-ground, was clearly of the 
opinion that the loss of Indians must have been much greater. 

Those of the Stewart company who fell in the battle were, David Delk, Esq., 
Jared Irwin, Esq., Captain Robert Billups, and a young man by the name of Hunter. 
They were all gentlemen of the first standing. Mr. Delk was a member of the 
bar, and occupied a very respectable station in his profession. Mr. Irwin was 
Clerk of the Inferior Court of Stewart County. 



SUMTER COUNTY. 

Laid out from Lee, in 1851. Named after Major-General Thomas 
Sumter, of Revolutionary distinction. 

The Flint River forms the eastern boundary of the county. The 
Muckalee, Muckaloochee, and Kinchafoona, are streams of consider- 
able magnitude. 

Americus, the county site, is a pretty and thriving town on the 
waters of Muckalee Creek, distant 165 miles S.W. of Milledgeville. 
It was incorporated in 1832. 

The Americus Female Institute is located here. It is an indi- 
vidual enterprise, and was established in 1852 by the Rev. P. A. 
Strobel, a minister of the Lutheran Church, under an act of incor- 
poration from the Legislature of Georgia. The institute is designed 
to supply a home education for the young ladies of Southwestern 
Georgia, and more particularly of Sumter and some of the adjoining 
counties. It is at present furnished with a good supply of maps 
and astronomical charts, and a small but well-selected cabinet of 
minerals. A philosophical apparatus will be obtained by the open- 
ing of the next session. 

Danville, 16 miles from Americus, is on the Flint River. 

Pondtown is 12 miles N. of Americus. 

41 



642 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Quebec is in the northwest corner of the county. 
The face of the country is fiat. Much of the land is productive. 
Cotton is the principal article cultivated. 

The summers are very warm. The winters are pleasant. The fol- 
lowing instances of longevity have come to our knowledge : — 

Mrs. Oates died at 100; Mr. Golding, over 80; Mr. Guerrv, 
over 80. Two years ago there were living, Mr. Nun, 80 ; Mr. Adams, 

80. 

Extract from the Census of '1850. — Dwellings, 1,109; families, 1,109; 
white males, 3,346; white females, 3,123; free coloured males, 7; 
free coloured females, 11. Total free population, 6,487 ; slaves, 3,835. 
Deaths, 140. Farms, 768 ; manufacturing establishments, 34. Value 
of real estate, $1,422,960 ; value of personal estate, $2,219,379. 

Among the early settlers were, Martin Mims, W. Mims, Jacob 
Little, W. Brady, Edmund Nun, Jared Tomlinson, Thos. Riggins, 
Isam West, Jjjhj* Ji&Hff, A. Wheeler, R. Satler, W. Hubert, W. 
W. Barlow, E. Cottle, D. Justice, W. Pincher, M. Murphy, 
W. B. Smith, M. J. Morgan. 



TALBOT COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1827; part added to Crawford, 1827. Named after 
the Hon. Matthew Talbot. Length, 25 m. ; breadth, 18 m. ; area 
square miles, 450. 

The Flint River is the chief stream. 

The creeks are Patsiliga, Hachasofkee, Lazer, &c. 

The face of the country is very broken. 

The Oak Mountains are in the northern part of the county. 

The soil is fertile. The productions are cotton, corn, &c. 

Talbotton is the county site, 93 miles from Milledgeville. The 
Colling-sworth Institute is within a mile of the town. 

The climate is mild. The instances of longevity with which we 
are acquainted are, Mrs. Gambell, who died over 100; Henry Dick- 
son, over 80 ; Mr. Simmons, 94. Shadrach Ellis, a soldier of the. 
Revolution, died at 80. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,324 ; families, 
1,324; white males, 4,023 ; white females, 3,770; 6 free coloured males; 
12 free coloured females. Total free population, 7,811^ slaves, 
8,723. Deaths, 208. Farms, 928 ; manufacturing establishments, 46. 
Value of real estate, $2,241,302; value of personal estate, $4,393,703. 



TALIAFERRO COUNTY. 643 



TALIAFERRO COUNTY. 

Laid out from Wilkes, Warren, Hancock, Greene, and Oglethorpe, 
in 1825 ; a part taken from Hancock in 1828 ; and parts taken from 
Wilkes in 1828and 1835. Named after Colonel Benjamin Taliaferro. 
Length, 16 m. ; breadth, 11 m. ; area square miles, 176. 

Little River, and the North and South forks of the Ogeechee, are 
the chief streams. 

There are excellent lands in* this county. 

Crawfordville is the county town, situated on the Georgia Rail- 
road, 45 miles N. E. of Milledgeville. 

Raytown is seven miles from Crawfordville. 

Among the early settlers were, Geo. Tilley, Wm. Evans, Marcus 
Andrew, Asa Alexander, Wm. Little, S. Creighton, Wm. Gunn, 
Amos Stewart, H. Ellington, B.Jones, G.Kent, A. B. Stephens, - 
W. Anderson, R. King, N. Chapman, A. Gresham, S. Harris. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 408 ; families, 
408; white males, 1,082; white females, 969; free coloured males, 
28; free coloured females, 23. Total free population, 2,102 ; slaves, 
3,044. Deaths, 88. Farms, 294 ; manufacturing establishments, 
16. Value of real estate, $1,272,265; value of personal estate, 
$1,781,112. 

In the year 1800, a number of Roman Catholics emigrated from 
Maryland, and established a church at Locust Grove, 

The Hon. Alexander H. Stephens was born in the present limits 
of Taliaferro County, February 11th, 1812, about two miles and a 
half from Crawfordville. His grandfather, Alexander Stephens, emi- 
grated from England about the year 1750. He was in Braddock's 
army at the time of his celebrated defeat. In the war of the Revo- 
lution he took an early and active part. In 1789 or '90, he removed to 
Georgia, and settled on the plantation now owned by the subject of 
this sketch. He died in 1 813. Mr. Andrew B. Stephens, the father of 
Alexander H. Stephens, continued to live on the same place until 
1826. He was a man of small means, of strict integrity, and un- 
blemished character. 

Mr. Stephens' mother was Margaret Grier, daughter of Aaron Grier, 
and sister of Robert Grier, the celebrated almanac maker in Georgia, 
and a distant relative of Mr. Justice Grier, one of the present judges 
of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Upon a division of Mr. Stephens's property, the portion of each of his 
children was $444. The part which fell to his son Alexander, aided 
by a small legacy from his grandfather, was spent upon his educa- 
tion. At country schools he acquainted himself pretty well with 



644 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

the rules of arithmetic, and obtained some smattering of geography 
and English grammar. He was but nine months preparing for College. 
His collegiate course was passed at the State University. He was 
graduated in 1832, with as much honour as any member of his class. 
He did not take a diploma, as it then cost two dollars, and the state 
of his finances did not, in his opinion, justify an outlay of so much 
money for such an object. Education was what Mr. S. wanted — 
that he willingly paid for; but as for the sheepskin, it was a matter 
of no consideration to him. After his graduation, he opened a 
school, and realized money sufficient to pay all he had to borrow to 
complete his college course. His health, which was always exceed- 
ingly delicate, at that time required relaxation. The early part of 
1834 was spent in travelling, and in a few months his health was suf- 
ficiently restored to warrant his application to study. He took up 
the law, and was admitted to the bar in Crawfordville, on the 22d of 
July, 1834. 

In 1836, he was elected a member of the Legislature from the 
County of Taliaferro. His debut in the House was on the bill to com- 
mence the Western and Atlantic Railroad. His speech was an able 
one, and elicited the highest admiration. He continued in the House 
until 1841, when he was elected to the Senate. In 1843, he was a 
candidate for Congress. The election then was by the State at large, 
under the General Ticket system. Mr. Stephens was brought for- 
ward to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Hon. 
Mark A. Cooper ; and he was elected. After this, the State was 
divided into Congressional Districts, and Mr. Stephens represented the 
Seventh District up to the close of the last Congress. Upon a reor- 
ganization of the Congressional Districts, by the Legislatures of 1851 
and '52, Taliaferro County was put into the Eighth District. At the 
late election he was returned from that district. This election was 
without any distinct nomination, or party convention; and although 
he had many competitors, his majority over all of them was over three 
thousand votes — the largest majority he ever received. It was an 
evidence of undiminished popular confidence in Mr. Stephens, that 
while he represented the district, his majority was increased at every 
election. He has never been a candidate for any office without being 
elected. 

Mr. Stephens resides in Crawfordville. After the death of his 
father, the plantation was sold. He purchased it in 1839. Local at- 
tachments, more than anything else, determined the place of Mr. Ste- 
phens's destiny. He is passionately fond of agricultural pursuits. 
He informs us that upon his farm he enjoys more pleasure in one day 
in rambling over the hills upon which he first gazed in life's opening 
dawn, than he ever expects to realize in the bustle of public life. 



TATTNALL COUNTY. 645 



TATTNALL COUNTY. 

■ 

Laid out from Montgomery in 1801 ; portions added to Montgome- 
ry in 1812. Named after Josiah Tattnall, formerly Governor of 
Georgia. Length, 35 m.; breadth, 34 m. ; area square miles, 1,190. 

The rivers are Ohoopee, Alatamaha, and Cannouchee. There are 
several creeks. 

In the lower part of the county, bordering on Liberty, the land is 
level. The other part may be called hilly. 

The soil is light and sandy, with the exception of that on the 
streams, which is stiff. The productions are the same as those of the 
adjoining counties. Large quantities of lumber are sent to Darien 
and Savannah. The value of land varies from fifty cents to one 
dollar per acre. 

Reidsville is the county town, 120 miles from Milledgeville. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 434 ; families, 434 ; 
white males, 1,221 ; white females, 1,157; free coloured males, 10; 
free coloured females, 8. Total free population, 2,396; slaves, 
831. Deaths, 10. Farms, 327; manufacturing establishments, 
10. Value of real estate, $283,153; value of personal estate, 
$427,175. 

Among the first settlers of this county were, Ezekiel Clifton, 
Ezekiel Stafford, Henry Holland, Stephen Mattock, William 
Coleman, William Eason, George Lewis, Joseph Collins, Na- 
than Brewton, Moses Jernigan, Jones Temples, B. Stripling, 
A. Daniel, John Mattox, Stephen Bowen, E. Bowen, A- McLeod, 
John McFarland, James Turner, James Jones, M. Jones, Jesse 
Collins, David Boyd, Allen Johnson, Elisha Parker, Elisha 
Curl, James Tillman, Daniel Highsmith, John McArthur, 
Alexander Gordon, John Jones, Joshua Dasher, Reuben Nail; 
Luke Sapp, Benjamin Sapp, John and Grove Sharp, Levi Bowen, 
Lewis Strickland, John Anderson, James Underwood, and John 
Dukes. 

The climate is healthy. Disease is almost unknown. Many cases 
of longevity have occurred, but we have it not in our power to name 
them. We would as soon risk our chance for health in the pine lands 
of Tattnall as in any section of the United States. 



646 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



TAYLOR COUNTY. 

This is a new county. It was laid out according to an act of the 
Legislature, passed January 15, 1852, from the counties of Talbot, 
Macon and Marion, including the following boundaries, viz. : — "Be- 
ginning at "Walker's Ferry, on Flint River, in Talbot County, run- 
ning thence along \Valker's Ferry Road to Prattsburg ; thence due 
south until it strikes the twelve-mile station on lot number 214, 
in the Fifteenth District of Talbot County ; thence along the Fort 
Perry Road to Patsiliga Creek ; thence up the said creek to the 
district line between the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Districts ; thence 
on the said line until it strikes Cedar Creek in Marion County : 
thence down said creek until it strikes Turner's Bridge in Macon 
County ; thence along the road leading to the Burnt Bridge on 
\Yhitewater Creek, Macon County ; thence on a straight line run- 
ning northeast until it strikes Horse Creek, on the southwest corner 
of lot of land number 162 in the Thirteenth District, Macon Coun- 
tv ; thence to the northwest corner of lot number 194 in said dis- 
trict ; thence on a direct line due east until it strikes Flint River be- 
tween lots numbers 246 and 247 in the First District of Macon Coun- 
ty ; thence up said river to the mouth of Patsiliga Creek, along the 
old Talbot line to Walker's Ferry, the starting point." 

Bi:tler is the county site, half a mile from the fifty-mile station, 
on the Muscogee Railroad. 

Revnolds is on the Columbus branch of the Southwestern Rail- 
road, 13 miles from Fort Valley, 12 from Lanier, and 8^ from But- 
ler. It was first settled by Dr. Colman, and named after L. C. Rey- 
nolds. Esq. 

Early Settlers. — Governor Towns, Dr. Colman, H. H. Long, 
James Ravel, Osborn Downing, J. M. Thompson, S. Taylor, A. 
Adams, John Jones, B. Posey, Thos. Walden, C. F. Ansley. 



TELFAIR COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1807; a part added to Montgomery, 1812; parts taken 
from Appling, 1819 ; parts added to Montgomery in 1820. Named 
after Governor Telfair. Length, 23 m. ; breadth, 18m.; area square 
miles, 414. 

The Ocmulgee and the Little Ocmulgee, or Auchee Hachee, are 
the principal streams. 

The soil is sandy, but productive. 

Jacksonville is the capital, 104 miles south of Milledgeville. 
Lumber City is 16 miles below Jacksonville. 



TELFAIR COUNTY. 647 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 434 ; families, 
434; white males, 1,221; white females, 1,157; free coloured 
males, 10; free coloured females, 8. Total free population, 2,396; 
slaves, 831. Deaths, 10. Farms, 327; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 10. Value of real estate, $283,153; value of personal estate, 
$427,175. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Joseph Williams, 
A. Graham, D. Graham, John Wilcox, Thomas Wilcox, Gbxffim 
Mezell, A. McLeod, Robert Boyd, Moses Roundteee, James 
Mooney, Wright Ryall, McDuffee, J. A. Rogers, \. Ash- 
ley, C. Ashley, John Coffee, W. Ashley, A. Brewer, J. Her- 
bert, 8. Herbert, J. McCrae, D. McCrae, O. Butler, Locklain 
Laslie. 

We copy the following from a Milledgeville paper : — 

The following was received on Wednesday last, by express to the Governor : — 

Hartford, March 10th, 1818. 

Sir : — I have this moment received information through Mr. Isham Jordan, of 
Telfair County which I rely on, of a skirmish between the Indians and some of 
the citizens of Telfair, on the south side of the Ocmulgee River, in the after- 
noon of the 9th inst., twenty or twenty-five miles below this. 

On the night of the 3d inst-, Joseph Bush and his son were fired upon by a 
party of Indians, the father killed, and the son severely wounded and scalped, 
but he so far recovered as to reach home in two days after. The citizens having re- 
ceived information of the foregoing facts, assembled on the 9th instant to the num- 
ber of thirty-six, and crossed the river in the forenoon to seek redress. Finding 
considerable signs of Indians, they pursued the trail leading from the river some 
distance out, where they came in view of a body of savages, fifty or sixty, ad- 
vancing within gun-shot. The firing was commenced by each party, and warmly 
kept up for three-quarters of an hour. A part of the detachment effected their 
retreat, bringing off one badly wounded; four are certainly killed; the balance 
of the detachment has not been heard from ; Major Cothom, (commandant of 
the Telfair Militia.) is among the missing. Four Indians were killed. 

From information, the citizens below this are much alarmed, and leaving their 
homes. I have thought proper to communicate the foregoing to you by express. 
I am your Excellency's most obedient servant. 

Richard H. Thomas, Lieutenant-Colond. 

In consequence of the foregoing, the Pulaski Troop of Cavalry has been ordered 
out by the Executive, to scour the frontier and afford protection to the inhabit- 
ants. Rumour says, that the part of the detachment who are spoken of as having- 
effected a retreat, fled at the beginning of the action, leaving the rest, most of 
whom have since returned, to contend with the Indians. Mitchell Griffis 
Esq., Senator from Telfair, was among the killed. 



648 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



THOMAS COUNTY. 

Laid out from Decatur and Irwin in 1825 ; part taken from Lowndes 
in 1826. Named after General Jett Thomas. Length, 37 m. ; breadth, 
25 m. ; area square miles, 925. 

The rivers are the Ochlockonee, the Mickasuckee, and Aucila. 

The creeks are, Proctor's, Mule, Ocopilco, &c 

The soil is sandy, but productive. 

Thomasville is the capital, 9 miles east of the Ochlockonee River, 
and 206 from Miiledgeville. 

The Fletcher Institute is located here. At the meeting - of the 
Annual Conference of Georgia in 1848, a proposition was read from 
the citizens of Thomasville, to raise an amount of money for the pur- 
pose of erecting a school of a high order. The proposition was ac- 
cepted, and the Conference appointed a Board of Trustees to make a 
suitable outfit for a High School. In March, 1848, the Trustees met, 
and were duly organized ; and the agent, Rev. P. P. Smith, soon after 
raised money enough to enable him to erect two brick houses, besides 
purchasing 300 acres of land. The school is now in successful opera- 
tion. To the exertions of Mr. Smith the institution is indebted for 
much of its prosperity. 

Grooversville is 18 miles from Thomasville. 

Duncansville is 12 miles from Thomasville. 

The climate does not differ materially from that of Lowndes. The 
instances of longevity which have come to our knowledge are, Mr. 
Stanland, over 80 ; Mr. Sealers, over 80 ; Mr. McCalla, over 80 ; 
Mr. Sweatman, over 90 ; Mrs. Donaldson, over 80 ; Mrs. Collins, 
over 90. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 338; families, 338; 
white males, 2,576 ; white females, 2,367 ; free colourd females, 4. 
Total free population, 4,947 ; slaves, 5,156. Deaths, 125. Farms, 534 ; 
manufacturing establishments, 6. Value of real estate, $1,146,230; 
value of personal estate, $2,663,539. 

BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS. 

The following account of a battle that took place between the 
whites and Indians, and in which the citizens of Thomas participated, 
is gleaned from the papers of the day : — 

On the 15th of July, 1836, a severe engagement took place between a party 
of Creek Indians, on their march to Florida, and several companies of volunteers 
from Thomas and Lowndes counties, under the command of Major M. Young ; 
one company from Thomas, commanded by Captain James A. Newman, and 
oue company commanded by Captain Tucker; the company from Lowndes com- 
manded by Captain Pike — these three companies composing the battalion. 

On the 11th of July, information was reoeived at Thomasville that a body of 



THOMAS COUNTY. 649 

Indians were seen making their way through the northern part of Thomas Coun- 
ty, to join the Seminole tribe in Florida. This intelligence was received at night, 
and on the morning of the 12th. a company of brave volunteers, forty-six in 
number, embarked in their country's cause, under the command of Captain New- 
man, and proceeded on their march to the place where the enemy were seen; 
and on the 13th arrived within a few. miles of Warrior Creek. Swamp, where the 
Indians were supposed to be, and camped. The next morning a detachment of 
men were sent out as scouts, and after proceeding four miles on their way, dis- 
covered fifteen Indians between Warrior Creek and Little River, about a mile 
and a half above the fork. The troops then started upon a forced march, direct- 
ing their course to a ford of the river, four miles below, thinking to intercept the 
Indians at a certain place where it was supposed they would leave the swamp, 
when the companies from Thomas and Lowndes united their forces, and placed 
themselves under the command of Major Young, of Thomas. The troops then 
advanced to the river, and after swimming their horses, resumed their march for 
the place where they expected to meet the enemy; but upon arriving there, 
they could make no discovery. It was then concluded to scour the swamp, which 
was two miles and a half in length. Every sixth man was detailed to guard 
the horses; they then entered the swamp, and after marching nearly through it, 
a tremendous rain came on. Calling a halt until it was nearly over, the pilot got 
bewildered and lost, and said that he knew not which way to direct his course. 
Another guide was procured, who, after some difficulty, succeeded in carrying the 
troops back to their horses. Not one Indian was seen after marching until the 
men were worn down with fatigue, who were ordered to mount their horses ; and 
marched back three miles, where they could get provisions, and encamped that 
night. 

During the evening, Captain Sharpe and Captain Tucker joined the troops 
shortly after they had reached their horses on returning from the swamp. Cap- 
tain Hamilton W. Sharpe was ordered to remain near where they had entered the 
swamp. Much credit is due to Captain Sharpe for his vigilance and perseverance 
in discovering where the enemy were. 

Early on the morning of the 15th, Captain Sharpe and his company came 
upon their trail, and following it some distance, discovered a body of Indiaus, 
nearly one hundred in number. He immediately dispatched a man to give the 
intelligence, which, when it reached the little band, aroused in them a spirit of 
unconquerable pride and patriotic bravery. They were soon upon their horses, 
and, in high spirits, the gallant little army was led away to meet the murderous 
foe. In a few moments they met Captain Sharpe, who had had an engagement 
with the enemy and retreated, with the loss of one man killed and one wounded, 
who piloted them to where the Indians were, and after marching two miles in 
pursuit of them, the advance-guard was fired upon in a kind of meadow, near a 
pond in open pine woods. A charge was immediately ordered, and the troops 
gallantly entered the conflict. Never did a braver little crew march into an ene- 
my's field; like veterans they stood the shock, the savages pouring a heavy 
fire into their ranks. Buoyed up by the love of country, and ready to protect 
its sacred altars, they rushed upon the foe, and put them to flight, continuing to 
pour volley upon volley into their midst as they fled, pursuing them nearly three 



650 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

miles, through several ponds, into a large swamp, killing two of the only three 
that were seen to enter it. The number of Indians was supposed to be be- 
tween sixty and seventy, out of which number twenty-two were killed, and 
two negroes; eighteen were captured — nine squaws and nine children. The 
volunteers numbered about one hundred and twenty, out of which they sustained 
a loss of two men killed, and eight wounded, but none of them mortally. 



y 



TROUP COUNTY. 

This county was laid out in 1826; a part set off to Meriwether 
and Harris in 1827; and a part to Heard in 1830. Named after 
Governor Troup. Length, 28 m. ; breadth, 24 in. ; area square miles, 
672. 

The principal stream is the Chattahoochee, with numerous creeks 
as its tributaries. 

The country is broken. The soil is productive, although much of 
it is worn. The productions are cotton, corn, wheat, &c. 

The climate is pleasant, and may be considered healthy, although 
in some seasons diseases are fatal. For instances of old age this 
county is remarkably distinguished. When the last census was taken, 
there were living, Robert Bradford, aged 80 ; W. C. Barksdale, 
80; Sarah Cameron, 84; J. Hening, 80; Mrs. Timmons, 81 ; 
Mrs. Gray, 82; Lvdell Estis, 87; Martha Estis, 80; Polly O. 
Johnson, 81 ; Julia Galain, 83 ; Nancy Lasseter, 81 ; Ann King, 
80 ; Robert Booth, 82; Mr. Dugger, 80; Anderson Harwell, 81 ; 
Margaret Anderson, 90 ; Wm. Strong, 95 ; Henry Walston, 82 ; 
Simon Hughs, 85 ; P. Hatcher, 85 ; Orange Davis, 80 ; Elisabeth 
Goody, 90 ; Martha Stephens, 88 ; Ferruby Hubbard, 66 ; John 
Patterson, 82 ; Agnus Carr, 80 ; Elisabeth Smith, 87 ; Thomas 
Snedley, 82 ; Jacob Reid, 80 ; Hannah Scroggins, 80. Malden 
Amos died at 99 ; Wm. Thomason, 92 ; Joseph Johnson, 80 ; Mrs. 
Rallins, 92 ; Frances Thornton, 108 ; Mr. Potts, 95 ; a negro 
belonging to the Rev. Mr. Wilson, at 140 ; Benj. Hemp, 100; Mrs. 
Clara Harris, 85. The list might be increased, but our limits will 
not permit. 

According to the census of 1850, there were in the county 1,295 
dwellings; 1,333 families ; 3,897 white males ; 3,892 white females ; 
19 free coloured males ; 23 free coloured females. Total free popu- 
lation, 7,831 ; slaves, 9,048. Deaths, 148. Farms, 789 ; manufac- 
turing establishments, 8. Value of real estate, $1,225,250; value of 
personal estate, $2,820,230. 

La Grange is the county town, 6 miles S. E. of the Chattahoochee 



TROUP COUNTY, 



651 



River, 130 miles W. of Milledgeville. Population, 1,500. Incorpo- 
rated in 1828. 

The schools of La Grange for many years have been highly cele- 
brated. 

The Southern Female College of La Grange is situated in the 
eastern part of the town, presenting a commanding view from the rail- 
road. The premises extend over a space of fifteen acres, shaded by 
a most beautiful native grove. This institution was founded in the 
year 1843; incorporated in 1849; number of professors and teach- 
ers, 10; average number of pupils, 200; expenses of board and tui- 
tion, per annum, from $165 to $220. It has been for ten years under 
the charge of Mr. Milton E. Bacon, A. M., who is its President and 
proprietor. 




i^3Si5§M$i»^£i --^- - 



LA GRANGE FEMALE COLLEGE. 



The above institution was established in the year 1845, by Mr. 
Joseph T. Montgomery, who still presides over it. It began its 
career with twelve little girls, and for the last six years has averaged 
two hundred and forty pupils. The board of instruction is composed 
of professors and assistants to the number of fourteen. The course 
of study embraces the usual collegiate branches, except the Greek 
language, which, however, is taught to all who desire it. The library, 
apparatus, &c, are extensive, and quite sufficient for all the purposes 
of a college. The facilities for musical instruction are of a superior 
character, the department being always headed by artists of the 
highest worth and most distinguished reputation. There are two 
literary societies established for the intellectual improvement of their 
members. The college building has but few, if any, equals in the 



652 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

South. The principal edifice is of granite, 120 feet long by 60 feet 
wide, and four stories high. Its cost was thirty-five thousand dollars. 
The entire investment for the outfit of the college has been seventy- 
five thousand dollars. 

We cannot permit this opportunity to pass without expressing the 
opinion, that the unwearied exertions of Messrs. Montgomery and Ba- 
con to promote the cause of education in Georgia, richly entitle them 
not only to the gratitude, but also to the support of her citizens. 

There are schools for males in La Grange, of a high order of cha- 
racter. 

Mountville is 9 miles from La Grange. 

Harrisonville is 10 miles from La Grange. 

Long Cane is 9 miles west of La Grange. 

West Point is on both sides of the Chattahoochee. The town is 
connected by a bridge 550 feet long, built at a cost of $16,000. 

Troup Factory is 10 miles S. E. of La Grange. Capital, $42,000. 

Among the early settlers were, E. S. Harris, John E. Morgan, 
Wm. H. Cooper, Joseph Bird, James Culverson, Silas Tatom, W. 
C. Mays, Robert Hall, Adam and John Harden, James Ringer, 
John Fendley, Wm. J. Sterling, Nicholas Johnson, Samuel Reid, 
James Herring, John Herring, Howell W. Jenkins, James Mat- 
tox, Archibald Harris, Gideon Riddle, Colonel David W. Morgan, 
Jeremiah Robbins, James Jones, John Sip, A. M. Lane, James R. 
Laws, Jacob Gerard, John Adams, James W. Fannin, Sen., Isaac 
Ross, General S. Bailey, Henry Rogers, Wm. Dougherty, Lewis 
Muckleroy, David Culverson, H. L. Wilkinson, Josephus Sparks, 
James Love, Isaac Mitchell, Joel D. Newsome, James Flowers, 
M. Mattox, P. Hightower, W. Horton, Dr. Charles Cannon, 
H. S. Smith, James Amos, Geo. H. Traylor, Rev. C. W. Key, 
John E. Gage, R. H. Lane, Thos. Cameron, John Hill. 



Hon. Edward Young Hill was born in Abbeville District, S. C, in 
1812. When a lad, he was placed by an elder brother, now a citizen of 
Augusta, at Franklin College. After his education, he read law, and 
upon his admission to the bar, settled at Monticello, in Jasper County, 
where, in a short time, he placed hinlself at the head of his profession. 
His excellent understanding, his benevolent disposition, and his affable 
manners, led the people of Jasper to elect him their representative, and 
afterwards Senator. In the session of 1836, he bore a conspicuous 
part in the adoption of our great scheme of Internal Improvement, and 
gave to it all the aid of his talents. In 1838, he was elected a judge 
of the Ocmulgee Circuit. Judge Hill was a candidate for Governor, 
but was defeated by George W. Towns. He is distinguished for his 
faculty of attention and calm analysis. His unquestioned integrity, 
his pure impartiality, his entire freedom from all prejudices, and his 
abstinence from partisan activity, made his judicial administration 
very popular. 



TROUP COUNTY. 653 

*Hon. Hugh Anderson Haralson was born in Greece County, 
Georgia, on the 13th of November, 1805. He was prepared for col- 
lege under teachers of high reputation, was graduated at our State 
University in 1825, and immediately commenced the study of law. 
The Legislature passed a special act, authorizing him to practise be- 
fore he was twenty-one. 

He first entered upon his profession at Monroe, Walton County, 
and afterwards removed to La Grange, where he has since resided. 
In 1831 and 1832, he was elected to the Legislature. In 1837 and 
1838, he was elected to the Senate of Georgia. As Major-General, 
he offered his services to the Governor of the State, and afterwards 
to the President of the United States, after the commencement of the 
Mexican War. In 1842, 1844, 1846, he was elected a member of 
Congress. Jn 1847, he was Chairman of the Committee on Military 
Affairs, and has at all times stood forth in defence of the army. 

For a full account of this gentleman, the reader can refer to the 
History of Congress, by Henry G. Wheeler, page 251, from which 
the above facts were gathered. 

The following incidents were taken from an old newspaper . — 
The Burnt Village: a Tale of the Indian Wars. — The Burnt Village lies 
six or eight miles west of La Grange, in the county of Troup, on the west bank 
of the Chattahoochee River, where the great Wehadka Creek pours its waters 
into that river. Previous to the year 1793, it was the great central point of the 
Muscogee nation, the crossing-place of all the trading and marauding parties of 
that nation west of the Chattahoochee, where the untamed savages met to 
arrange and mature their plans for making those nocturnal attacks upon the 
helpless and unprotected settlers on the outskirts of <he white settlements, by 
which consternation and dismay were spread throughout the land; and the sparse 
population of the country at that time, for mutual safety, was forced to concen- 
trate in forts, hastily thrown up on the borders; the place where the scalp, with 
its crimsoned tresses of many a maid and matron, and the flaxen locks of the lit- 
tle blue-eyed boy, have been the cause of deep savage exultation, as the warrior 
in triumph would pile the blood-stained trophies, and describe to the half-aston- 
ished and delighted women and children of the forest, the dying shrieks and 
screams of the slaughtered victims. 

It was after one of those predatory excursions of the Creek Indians into the 
settlements of the whites — and the ashes of many a building and murdered fa- 
mily told of their prowess — that other plans of murder and plunder had been ar- 
ranged, and the warriors of the nation had assembled at the little town of which 
we are speaking, to the number of several hundred, to celebrate the Green 
Corn Dance, as was their custom, and to take the black drink, an ablution deemed 
necessary to reconcile the Great Spirit to the enterprise in which they were 
about to engage. A few hundred men, under the command of Colonel M. and 
Major Adams, who had volunteered and resolved to strike a blow at the heart of 
the nation, arrived within a few miles of the river, and waited for the setting 
of the sun to advance to its bank, to cross and take the enemy by surprise. 
* This gentleman has recently been numbered among the dead. 



654 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OP GEORGIA. 

Night came, and they were halted in silence on the bank of the river oppo- 
site the Indian town. All was hushed and still as death — not a sound was 
heard save the savage yell and war-whoop of the Indian, with occasionally a 
monotonous war-song, bursting forth amid the revelry, in which all ages 
and sexes seemed to join. The moon had begun to shed a dim light through 
piles of clouds, and the water, breaking over the rocks, had the appeaiance of 
the ghosts of the murdered whites, calling on their brethren upon the bank to 
take signal vengeance, or admonishing them of great danger; and many were 
there who heard sounds in the air — strange moanings, and screams of "Be- 
ware." But there was amongst them one who was unappalled. The night 
was far spent, and the noise from the other bank had ceased — the voice of 
the wearied Indian was hnshed and still — all had sunk to rest, or the little army 
had been discovered. Not a sound was heard save the rippling of the stream : — 
'twas a solemn pause; but time was precious, the blow must be struck, or all would 
be lost. 

It was proposed to Colonel M. and Major Adams to cross the river and as- 
certain the situation of the Indians, so as to be able to lead their little band to 
certain victory. Colonel M. declined the hazardous enterprise. Major Adams 
resolved to go, and sought a companion ; but he had nearly despaired of finding 
.one who would volunteer to share his dangers, when a small and very feeble man, 
whose name was Hill, advanced from the ranks and proposed to accompany him. 
Major Adams and his companion set out together ; but the force of the current 
soon overpowered the brave Hill, and swept him down the stream. Major 
Adams sprang to his relief, and at the imminent hazard of his own life, rescued 
his friend from a watery grave; with his athletic arms he buffeted the rapid cur- 
rent, and bore the exhausted Hill to the bank which they had left. He then 
set out alone. The ford which he had to pass was narrow and difficult — making 
in a direct line across the*river, nearly half way, opposite which was an island; 
it then turned down the stream a quarter of a mile or more, over rocks and shoals, 
sometimes scarcely knee deep, then up to the neck — and the trunks and limbs of 
old trees, which had drifted upon the island, with the dim light of the moon shin- 
ing through clouds, cast upon them, had the appearance of so many savages ready 
to pounce upon their victim; but with a firm step Major Adams proceeded, and 
soon reached the bank in safety. 

The town was situated on the edge of the river swamp, about three hundred 
yards from the water, and so numerous and intricate were the paths leading 
in every direction from the ford into the swamp, and the darkness produced by 
the thick undergrowth was so great, that when he reached the hill, or dry 
land, he discovered by the fire around which the Indians had kept their re- 
vels and dance, shooting up, occasionally, a meteoric blaze, that he was far 
below the point at which he aimed. Bending his course cautiously along the 
margin of the swamp, he soon reached the border of the town : an Indian dog 
seemed to be the only sentinel, and after a few half growls and barkings, as 
though he had but dreamed, sunk away into perfect quiet. In a few moments he 
was in the centre of the town. In addition to those in the cabins, innumerable 
warriors, with their rifles and tomahawks in their arms, lay stretched and snor- 
ing in every direction ; the earth was literally covered with them. 



TROUP COUNTY. 655 

Major Adams examined the fastenings of the cabin doors, by running his hand 
through the cracks and feeling the log of wood or the peg by which they were 
secured. He was convinced that no alarm had been given, and that the Indians 
did not suspect an enemy was so near. A huge savage, close to whom he was 
passing, raised himself upon his elbow, grasped his rifle, and looked around, as 
though he heard, or dreamed he heard, strange footsteps. Major Adams perceiv- 
ing him stir, threw himself down amidst a group of snoring Indians ; the warrior 
perceiving nothing unusual, concluded he had dreamed, and again sunk into the 
arms of sleep. Our hero proceeded cautiously, examining with a military eye 
every point of attack and defence, arranged his plans, and was returning to the 
anxious army on the other bank of the river. His exertion in crossing the river 
had been great — he was fatigued, and perceiving an Indian pony tied to a sap- 
ling, and believing that the little animal would pursue the ford to which it was 
most accustomed, and probably show him one less difficult than that at which 
he had crossed, he resolved to ride it over the river. He did not perceive the bell 
which hung around its neck — frightened at his approach, it snapped the rope of 
bark with which it was fastened, and scampered off through the town with a 
hundred dogs at its heels, whose yells and the tingling bell produced a frightful 
roar through the wilderness. The clattering of Indian voices was heard in every 
direction. Major Adams sprang towards the river, but missed his path, and found 
himself surrounded by the briers and thick undergrowth of the river swamp. 
The Indians passed within a few paces of the place where he stood, half sus- 
pended by the briers, in the air; and returning from their fruitless search, he 
thought he heard them speak of strange sights and sounds, such as were told in 
Rome of the fall of " Great Caesar." They returned, and again slept. 

Major Adams proceeded in a direct line to the river, glided into the stream, 
and swam quietly and safely to the other bank. He told what he had seen, and 
stated his plans of attack. The little army listened, amazed and delighted with 
their gallant leader; each individual felt that the danger to which he had ex- 
posed himself was that theirs might be lessened, and with one voice, when or- 
ders were given to march, declared that they would be led by no other com- 
mander than their own intrepid Adams. Colonel M. was forced to yield. They 
were led across by Major Adams, and it is needless to say, to victory, without 
the loss of a man. 

Scarcely a warrior escaped. The town was burned; but as far as possible, the 
women and children, of even the savages, were saved. 

Posts may yet be seen standing in the midst of the saplings grown up where 
the town was burned, which are the only remains that serve to point out to the 
traveller the place where stood the Burnt Village. , 



656 HISTORICAL. COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



TWIGGS COUNTY. 

Laid out from Wilkinson in 1809," and part added to Bibb in 1833. 
Length, 25 m. ; breadth, 14 pi. ; area square miles, 350. Named af- 
ter General John Twiggs, of Revolutionary memory. 

The upper part of the county is broken. 

On Turkey Creek and OcmulgeeRiver the lands are fertile. 

The Ocmulgee River forms most of the western boundary. 

Marion is the county town, 36 miles S. W. of Milledgeville. 
Tarversville is in the S. W. corner of the county. 
Jeffersonville is six miles from Marion,. 
Burrstone of good quality is found in Twiggs. 

According to the census of 1850, there were 696 dwellings, 696 
families, 1,795 white males, 1,722 white females ; 20 free coloured 
males ; 22 free coloured females Total free population, 3,559 ; 
slaves, 4,620. Deaths, 107. Farms, 367. Value of real estate, 
$1,001,142. Value of personal estate, $3,121,795. 

Among the first settlers were, Arthur Fort, E. Wimherly, Wm. 
Perry, Henry Wall, Wm. Crocker, Gen. Tarver, Ira Peck, John 
Fulton, John Everitt, D. Williams, Joel Denson, S. Jones, Wil- 
lis Hodgins, Milton Wilder, Josiah Murphy, Davis Lowery, C. 
Johnson, C. A. Thorpe, John Davis, C. W. Melton, B. Ray, S. 
Harrell, T. Harrington, H. Sullivan. 

Among the instances of longevity which have come to our notice 
are the following : — Mrs. Nancy Chappell, aged 81 years ; John 
Keith died at 90 ; Mr. John Denson at 90; Major James Gordon 
at 91. He was in Braddock's defeat, and bore the name of King Corn- 
Stalk. He died in a state of delirium, abusing the enemy. 

John Shine died in 1832. He was born in North Carolina, 1759, 
and devoted a pari of his youth to the service of his country in the 
Revolutionary War, under the command of General Caswell, and 
was at the battle near Camden, S. C, in 1780. His recollection of 
the events of that day was perfect almost to the last hour ; the portly 
fifrure and animated countenance of Baron De Kalb, and the bleach- 
ed locks and early flight of General Gates on that occasion, were vi- 
vidly retained in his mind. 

Henry Sapp, a Revolutionary hero, died in this county on the 29th 
of October, 1829, aged 83 ; and on the same day, Remilson Sapp, his 
wife, at 93. This venerable pair were married several years previous 
to the Revolution, and lived in the happy fruition of domestic life for 
the period of sixty-five years. The remarkable coincidence of their 
dissolution within a few hours of each other, seemed to be in accord- 
ance with their mutual .desire, expressed a short time before death. 
As a soldier and a patriot, during the arduous struggle of the Revo- 
lution, and as a citizen during the long period which has since elapsed, 



UNION COUNTY. 657 

Mr. Sapp was emphatically an honest man, " the noblest work of 
God." 

Mr. Arthur Fort died in this county, in the 85th year of his age. 
He had been a resident and a citizen of Georgia for 75 years ; a sol- 
dier and a statesman of the Revolution, a member of the Committee 
of Safety in the darkest hour of that straggle, when the whole of 
the powers of government rested in the hands of only three men ; 
and afterwards, for many years, he Was retained in honourable sta- 
tions by the people. A fervid, patriotic zeal, characterized his life 
to its latest hour. For nearly fifty years, he led the life of a Chris- 
tian, and his death was truly the Christian's death. 

Colonel John Lawson died in April, 1816, after an illness of only 
two days. He had literally grown gray in the service of his coun- 
try. It is well known that during the Revolutionary struggle, he 
took an active part in behalf of freedom. He lived many years af- 
ter, to enjoy the blessings of his hard toils. 



The first Superior Court for this county was held in November, 
1811, at Marion. Presiding Judge, the Hon. Peter Early. 

first grand jurors. 

Francis Powell, Wm. Grimes, 

N. Bugby, Robins Andrews, 

A. Wood, Wm. Cloud, 
Wm. Ford, John Matthews, 
John Welkinson, John Young, 
Tnos. C. Heidleburge, Arthur Fort, Jr., 

B. Joiner, John Hawthorn, 
S. Barbaree, Ashley Wood, 
Wm. Herrishill, S. Dick, 

T. Pearce, Joiin Evans. 
Wm. Carr, 



UNION COUNTY. 

Laid out from Cherokee, and organized in 1832. 

The chief streams are, the Hiwassee, Notley, and Teccoa rivers. 

Blairsville is the seat of justice, situated in the midst of the 
Blue Ridge, distant from Milledgeville 165 miles. 

The county has some excellent lands, mostly on the bottoms and 
creeks. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,141; families, 
1,141; white males, 3,536; white females, 3,419; 1 free coloured 
male. Total free population, 6,956 ; slaves, 278. Deaths, 64. 

42 



658 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Farms, 911 ; manufacturing establishments, 3. Value of real estate, 
$485,688 ; value of personal estate, $282,769. 

Amongst the early settlers were, John B. Chastain, John Butt, J. P. 
Welborn, Moses Anderson, Elisha Hunt, Lewis Vanzant, J. M. 
Greer, Geo. W. Gaddis, James Gaddis, Sen., Martin England, 
J. Birch, Jesse Osborn, Josiah Carter, P. D. Maroney, Colonel 
John Hudgins, Wm. Matthews, John West, John Heddrick, John 
Norton, James Crow, Edward Chastain. 

The Blue Ridge crosses Union, and its different peaks are distin- 
guished by the names of Ivy Log, Cooper's Creek, Ball, &c 
Minerals are abundant. 



ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN. 

The following account was written by Dr. Stevenson, of Dah- 
lonega : — 

The elevation of this mountain is considerable compared with the Blue Ridge, 
of which it forms a part, the latter being at this point probably 4,000 feet above 
the Atlantic level. The main chain of mountains is about fifteen miles broad, 
and forms the great natural barrier between the eastern and western waters. 
The Enchanted Mountain is a spur of this chain, about ten miles north of it, and 
derives its name from a great number of tracks or impressions of the feet and 
hands of various animals in the rocks, which appear above its surface. The number 
visible or defined is one hundred and thirty-six, some of them quite natural and 
perfect, others rather rude imitations, and most of them, from the effects of time, 
have become more or less obliterated. They comprise human feet from those of 
four inches in length to that of the great warrior, which measures seventeen and a 
half inches in length, and seven and three-quarters in breadth across the toes. What 
is a little curious, all the human feet are natural, except this, which has six toes, 
proving him to have been a descendant, of Titan. There are twenty-six of these 
impressions, all bare, save one, which has the appearance of having worn moc- 
casins. A fine-turned hand, rather delicate, occupied a place near the great 
warrior, and is probably the impression of his wife's hand, who, no doubt, accom- 
panied her husband in all his excursions, sharing his toils, and soothing his cares. 
Many horse tracks are to be seen. One seems to have been shod. Some aie 
very small, and one measures twelve and a half inches by nine and a half 
inches. This, the Indians say, was the great war-horse which their chieftain 
rode. The tracks of a great many turkeys, turtles, terrapins, a large bear's paw, 
a snake, and two deer, are to be seen. 

The Indian tradition respecting these impressions varies. One tradition as- 
serts that the world was once deluged by water, and man and all animated 
beings were destroyed, except one family, together with various animals neces- 
sary to replenish the earth — that the great canoe once rested on this spot — and 
here the whole troop of animals was disembarked, leaving the impressions as 
they passed over the rock, which, being softened by reason of long submersion, 
kindly received and entertained them. Others believe that a very sanguinary 



UNION COUNTY. 659 

conflict took place here, at a very remote period, between the Creeks and 
Cherokees, and that these images of hieroglyphics were made to commemorate 
that event. They say that it always rains when any one visits the spot, as if 
** sympathetic nature wept at the recollection of the sad catastrophe which 
they were intended to commemorate." A late tradition asserts it to be the 
sanctuary of the Great Spirit, who is so much provoked at the presumption of 
man in attempting to approach so near the throne of Divine Majesty, that he 
commands the elements to proclaim his power and indignation by awful thun- 
derings and lightning, accompanied by deluges of rain, that his subjects might be 
kept in awe and fear, and constrained to venerate and adore their God. 

On the morning of the 3d of September, 1834, our party left the Nacoochee 
Valley, for the purpose of verifying those traditions, which for the last half cen- 
tury have created so much interest and curiosity in the minds of speculative 
philosophers. 

At six A. M. we arrived at the summit of the mountain. As we approached 
it, the heavens, which before for several days and nights had worn a brightened 
countenance, began to scowl and threaten • we advanced with a quickened pace 
to the foot of the rock, and spread out our breakfast on the " table of stone," 
poured out a libation to appease the wrath of Jupiter, drank a few appropriate 
sentiments, and then, with a chisel and hammer, commenced the resurrection of 
one of the tracks. Notwithstanding I believe I possess as little superstition as 
any one, yet I could not suppress a strange sensation that pervaded me. A 
thousand circumstances were identified with the present: a sanguinary 
and long-contested battle had evidently been fought here, from the large 
and extensive heaps of loose rocks which were piled over the slain — the 
sacred veneration the Indians have for their dead — their present and former 
relations to the whites The tradition being so com- 
pletely fulfilled, rather astonished me ; for no sooner did we arrive on conse- 
crated ground, than it began to threaten, and the first stroke of the hammer in 
the sacrilegious act of raising the track of a human being, was responded to by a 
loud peal of thunder; the clouds continued to thicken and condense, attended 
with awful thundering and the most vivid lightning, when soon a deluge of rain 
was precipitated upon our offending heads. I continued, however, to labour in- 
cessantly, until I succeeded in disintegrating the impression of a youth's foot, 
which I carefully wrapped up, and sounded a retreat, still, however, looking back 
towards the sepulchres of the slain, in momentary expectation of seeing a legion 
of exasperated ghosts issuing forth to take vengeance on the infidel who would 
presume to disturb the sacred relics of the dead. As soon as we passed the con- 
fines of the mountain, the rain ceased, the sun broke out, and all nature resumed 
her cheerful aspect. At nightfall we encamped upon the summit of the Blue 
Ridge, and after partaking of some " corn dodgers" and cheese, we retired to 
rest. The rock upon which these impressions are made is an imperfect species 
of soapstone, which, more than any other circumstance, induced us to believe it 
to be a production of art. 

After excessive fatigue, and no inconsiderable danger, we arrived at the sum- 
mit, of the Blue Ridge, where was presented to our enraptured view one of the 
most magnificent scenes anywhere to be met with in the United States. On the 



660 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

north and west, range after range of lofty mountains rise by regular gradation, 
one above another, until they are lost in distance. On the east is the Tray 
Mountain, peering above the clouds, and giving rise to several mighty rivers. 
Southward appears Old Yonah in the distance, rising proudly pre-eminent above 
the surrounding battlements, maintaining an isolated dignity, and calling forth 
the most unqualified strains of approbation. 

In the evening we descended in a northwestern direction, and encamped 
within four miles of the Enchanted Mountain. The country here presents a 
most charminir prospect. The gently undulating hills covered a carpet of the 
richest verdure — the deep green foliage of the trees, and the countless variety 
of the most splendid flowers, scattered in gay profusion over the whole face of the 
country, gave it the appearance of enchantment. 



INDIAN LEGEND. 

A century ago, a bitter war raged between the Catawba and Che- 
rokee tribes of Indians. In one of those frequent and bold excursions 
common among the wild inhabitants of the forest, the son of the prin- 
cipal Cherokee chief surprised and captured a large town belonging 
to the Catawba tribe. 

Among the captives was the daughter of the first chief of the Ca- 
tawbas, named Hiwassee, (or the pretty fawn.) A young hero of 
the Cherokees, whose name was Notley, (or the daring horseman,) 
instantly became captivated with the majestic beauty and grace- 
ful manners of his royal captive ; and was overwhelmed with de- 
light, upon finding his love reciprocated by the object of his heart's 
adoration. With two attendants, he presented himself before the 
Catawba warrior, who happened to be absent when his town was 
taken by the Cherokees, to whom he gave a brief statement of re- 
cent occurrences, and then demanded his daughter in marriage. The 
proud Catawba, lifting high his war-club, knitting his brow, and curl- 
ing his lips, with scorn declared, that as the Catawbas drank the waters 
of the east, and the Cherokees the waters of the west, when this inso- 
lent and daring lad could find where these waters united, then, and 
not until then, might the hateful Cherokee unite with the daughter of 
the great Catawba. Discouraged, but not despairing, Notley turned 
away from the presence of the proud and unfeeling father of the 
beautiful Hiwassee, and resolved to search for a union of the eastern 
with the western waters, which was then considered an impossibility. 
Ascending the pinnacle of the great chain of the Alleghanies, more 
commonly called the Blue Ridge, which is known to divide the wa- 
ters of the Atlantic from those of the great West, and traversing its 
devious and winding courses, he could frequently find springs running 
each way, and having their source within a few paces of each other, 
but this was not what he desired. 

Day after day was spent in the arduous business, and there ap- 
peared no hope that his energy and perseverance would be rewarded. 
But on a certain day, when he had well nigh exhausted himself with 



UNION COUNTY. 661 

hunger and other privations, he came to a lovely spot on the summit 
of the ridge, affording a delightful plain. Here he resolved to repose 
and refresh himself during the sultry portion of the day. Seating 
himself upon the ground, and thinking upon Hivvassee, he saw three 
young fawns moving towards a small lake, the stream of which was 
rippling at his feet; and whilst they were sipping the pure drops 
from the transparent pool, our hero found himself unconsciously 
creeping towards them. Untaught in the wiles of danger, the little 
fawns gave no indication whatever of retiring. Notley had now ap- 
proached so near, that he expected in a moment, by one leap, to lay 
hold and capture one, at least, of the spotted prey ; when, to his 
surprise, he saw another stream running out of the beautiful lake 
down the western side of the mountain. Springing forward with the 
bound of a forest deer, and screaming with frantic joy, he exclaimed, 
" Hiwassee ! O Hiwassee ! I have found it." 

The romantic spot is within a few miles of Claytonville. Having 
accomplished his object, he set out for the residence of Hiwassee's 
father, accompanied only by one warrior, and fortunately for the 
success of the enterprise, he met the beautiful maiden with some 
confidential attendants half a mile from her father's house. She in- 
formed him that her father was indignant at his proposals, that 
he would not regard his promises. " I will fly with you to the 
mountains," said Hiwassee, " but my father will never consent to our 
marriage." Notley then pointed her to a mountain in the distance, 
and said if he found her there, he should drink of the waters that 
flowed from the beautiful lake. A few moments afterwards, Notley 
met the Catawba chief near the town, and at once informed him of 
his wonderful discovery, and offered to conduct him to the place. 
The Catawba chief, half choked with rage, accused Notley with the 
intention of deceiving him, in order to get him near the line of terri- 
tory, where the army of the Cherokees were waiting to kill him. 
" But," said he, " as you have spared my daughter, so will I spare you, 
and permit you at once to depart ; but I have sworn you shall never 
marry my daughter, and I can't swear false." " You can't swear 
false !" exclaimed Notley : " then, by the Great Spirit, she is mine !" 
and the next moment he disappeared in a thick forest. That night 
brought no sleep to the Catawba chief, for Hiwassee did not return. 
Pursuit was made in vain. He saw his daughter no more. 

Notley, bounding through the mountains, soon met his beloved 
Hiwassee. Solemnizing the marriage according to the customs of 
their country, they led a retired life in those wild regions for three 
years, and upon hearing the death of his father, Notley settled in the 
charming valley of the river on the western side of the mountain, and 
called it Hiwassee, after his beautiful spouse. In process of time he 
was unanimously chosen first chief of the Cherokees, and was the 
instrument of making perpetual peace between his tribe and the Ca- 
tawbas. 

Gold has been found in many places in this section. 



662 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

Lanman, in his very interesting book entitled " Letters from the 
Alleghany Mountains," gives many amusing anecdotes connected with 
the gold region. Among them are the following : — ■ 

Among those who obtained prizes at the great drawing, was an individual 
from the southern part of the State, who drew a lot in this region. In process 
of time he came to explore his property, and had called at the house of a 
farmer near his land for the purpose of obtaining a guide. 

In conversing with the farmer, he took occasion to express his dislike to the 
rattlesnake, whereupon the farmer concluded that he would attempt a specu- 
lation. 

Remembering that in going to the stranger's land, he might (if he chose to 
do so) pass through an out-of-the-way ravine, which abounded in the dreaded 
snake, the farmer beckoned to the stranger, and they took their way towards the 
ravine. After they had arrived at the spot, hardly a rod did the pedestrians 
pass without hearing the hiss of a snake, or seeing its fiery tongue, and the 
stranger was as completely frightened as any one could possibly be by a similar 
cause. 

In his despair he turned to his companion, and said, — " Are snakes as plenty 
as this all over the country V 

"I can't say about that, stranger, but one of my neighbours killed about a 
hundred last year, and I've hearn tell that your land is very rich in snakes." 

''Now, I a'int going any further in this infernal region, and I want to know if 
you have a horse that you'll give me for my land — gold ore, snakes, and all V 

" I have, and a first-rate horse, too." 

u It's a bargain." 

On the following morning the stranger took his departure, mounted on a steed, 
pursuing his way to the south. 

The compiler, when he last visited Union, was introduced to a re- 
markable man, by the name of Lorenzo Dow Smith. He was 
interested in several gold mines, and gave him glowing descriptions 
of the richness of the gold region. 

When Mr. Lanman visited Union, he was also introduced to Mr. 
Smith, and received from him the following particulars of his his- 
tory :— 

I was born in Vermont. I came into this Southern country tweuty-four years 
a«o as a clock peddler, where I drove a good business. I used to spend my sum- 
mers among the mountains of the Cherokee country, partly for the purpose of 
keeping away from the fever, and partly with a view of living over again the 
days of my boyhood, which were spent among the Green Mountains. I made 
some money, and when the gold fever commenced, I took it, and went to specu- 
lating in gold lots, though I spent many years without finding lots of gold. I 
associated with bear hunters, and explored every corner and stream of this great 
mountain land away to the north, and have seen more glorious scenery than 
any other live man. I'm forty years old, unmarried, love good liquor, and go in 
for having fun. 



UNION COUNTY. 663 

'Bout four years ago, it came into my thinking mug that there must be plenty 
of gold in the bed of Coosa Creek, which runs into Coosa River. I traded for a 
lot there, and went to work. I found a deposit, gave up work, and went to 
leasing small sections, which are now worked by a good many men, and give me 
a decent living. 

I have had all sorts of luck in my day — good luck and bad luck. 

When Fm prosperous, I always hope to be more prosperous still • and when I 
have bad luck, I always wish for worse luck, i( it 'ill only come. 

I never allow myself to be disappointed. The longer I live, the more anxious 
am I to do some good to my fellow- men. 

I've passed the blossom of my life, and don't expect to live many years longer. 
I haven't lived as I ought to have lived ; but I hope it 'ill be well with me when 
I come to take my final sleep. 

But enough : I am going out to my mine on a visit to-morrow, and if you'll go 
with me, I'll show you some real Vermont trout and mountain peaks, which 
would shame the camel's hump of old Yankee land. 



Some years since, there was living in this section Adam Vandever, 
the hunter of Tallulah. 

Mr. Lanman, who paid him a visit, says that he was about sixty years old, 
small in stature, had a regular-built, weasel face, a small gray eye, and a long white 
beard. He was born in South Carolina, spent his early manhood in the wilds 
of Kentucky, and the last thirty years of his life in the wilderness of Georgia. 
By way of a frolic, he took a part in the Creek war, and is said to have killed 
more Indians than any other white man in the army. 

In the battle of Autossee alone, he is reported to have sent his rifle-ball 
through the hearts of twenty poor heathen, merely because they had an undy- 
ing passion for their native hills. But Yandever aimed his rifle at the command 
of his country and of war. 

He was then living with his third wife, and claimed to be the father of thirty 
children, only five of whom, however, were living under his roof, the remainder 
being dead or scattered over the world. 

His live stock consisted of a mule and some half dozen goats, together with a 
number of dogs. 

On inquiring into his forest life, he gave me the following, among other par- 
ticulars : — 

When the hunting season commences early in November, he supplies him- 
self with every variety of shooting materials, steel traps, and a comfortable stock 
of provisions, and placing them upon his mule, starts for some wild region among 
the mountains, where he remains until the following spring. 

The shanty which he occupies during this season is of the rudest character, 
with one side always open, as he tells me, for the purpose of having an abun- 
dance of fresh air. 

In killing wild animals, he pursues but two methods, called fire hunting, and 
still hunting. 



664 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

His favourite game is the deer, but he is not particular, and secures the fur of 
every four-legged creature which may happen to cross his path. The largest 
number of skins that he ever brought home at one time was 600. He computes 
the entire number of deer which he has killed in his lifetime at 4,000. 

When spring arrives, and he purposes to return home, he packs his furs upon 
his old mule, and seating himself upon the pile of plunder, makes a bee-line out 
of the wilderness. The name of the mule is the Devil and Tom Walker. 

Vandever related many of his adventures to Mr. Lanraan, among 
which are the following : — 

On one occasion he came up to a large gray wolf, at whose head he discharged 
a ball. The animal did not drop, but made its way into an adjoining cavern, and 
disappeared. 

Vandever waited a while at the opening, and as he could not see or hear his 
game, he concluded that it had ceased to breathe, whereupon he fell upon his 
hands and knees, and entered the cave. 

On reaching the bottom, he found the wolf alive, when a " clinch-fight" en- 
sued, and the hunter's knife completely severed the heart of the animal. 

On dragging out the dead wolf into the sun-light, it was found that his lower 
jaw had been broken, which was probably the reason why he had not succeeded 
in destroying the hunter. 

At one time when he was out of ammunition, the dogs fell upon a large bear, 
and it so happened that the latter got one of the former in his power, and was 
about to squeeze it to death. 

This was a sight the hunter could not endure, so he unsheathed his huge hunt- 
ing-knife, and assaulted the black monster. The bear tore off nearly every rag 
of his clothing, and in making his first plunge with the knife, he completely cut 
off two of his own fingers, instead of injuring the bear. He was now in a per- 
fect frenzy of pain and rage, and in making another effort, succeeded to his satis- 
faction, and gained the victory. That bear weighed three hundred and fifty pounds. 

On another occasion, he had fired at a large buck, near the brow of a preci- 
pice some thirty feet high. On seeing the buck drop, he took for granted that 
he was about to die. when he approached the animal, for the purpose of cutting 
its throat. To his great surprise, however, the buck suddenly sprung to his feet, 
and made a tremendous rush at the hunter, with a view of throwing him off the 
ledge. 

But what was more remarkable, the animal suoceeded in its effort, though 
not until Vandever had obtained a fair hold of the buck's antlers, when the 
twain performed a somerset into the pool below. The buck made its escape, 
and Vandever was not seriously injured in any particular part. About a month 
afterwards, he killed a buck which had a bullet wound in the lower part of its 
neck, whereupon he concluded that he had finally triumphed over the animal 
which had given him the unexpected ducking. 

But the most remarkable escape which old Vandever ever experienced, hap- 
pened in this way. He was encamped upon one of the loftiest mountains in 
Union County. It was near the twilight hour, and he had heard the howl af a 
wolf. 



UPSON COUNTY. 665 

With a view of ascertaining the direction whence it came, he climbed upon an 
immense boulder, which stood on the very brow of a steep hill-side. 

While standing upon this boulder, he suddenly felt, a swinging sensation, and 
to his astonishment, he found that it was about to make a fearful plunge into the 
ravine, half a mile below him. As fortune would have it, the limb of an oak- 
tree drooped over the rock, and as the rock started from its tottlish foundation, 
he seized the limb, and thereby saved his life. 

The dreadful crashing of the boulder, as it descended the mountain-side, 
came to the hunter's ear, while he was suspended in the air, and by the time 
it had reached the bottom, he dropped himself on the very spot which had been 
vacated by the boulder. 

Vandever said that this was the only time in his life when he had been really 
frightened ; and he also added, that for one day after this escape, he did not 
care a finger-snap for the finest game in the wilderness. 



UPSON COUNTY. 

Laid out from Crawford and Pike in 1824; apart added to Pike in 
1825. Length, 24 m.; breadth, 16 m. ; area in square miles, 384. 
Named after the Hon. Stephen Upson. 

The chief stream is the Flint River. 

Thomaston is the county town, 75 miles from Milledgeville. 
Logtown, Hootensville, and Double Bridges, are small places. 
The face of the country is undulating. The best lands are in the 
south and southeast parts. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 795; families, 795; 
white males, 2,347; white females, 2,373. Total free population, 
4,720; slaves, 4,704. Deaths, 74. Farms, 436; manufacturing 
establishments, 19. Value of real estate, $1,104,000; value of per° 
sonal estate, $3,500,000. 

The Pine Mountains begin on the east side of the Flint River. 
The highest summits are 800 feet above the river. Amono- these 
mountains are some fine springs, and upon the highest summit is an 
Indian burial-ground. 

The Thundering Spring is in the N. W. part of the county, two 
miles from the Flint River, 20 from Thomaston. It derives its name 
from a rumbling noise resembling distant thunder, which formerly pro- 
ceeded from it, but which is no longer heard. The discontinuance 
of the sound is owing, it is supposed, to the number of rocks which 
have been thrown into it by visitors. The spring is at the base of a 
hill, and is inclosed by a frame building, to which is attached a con- 
venient dressing-room for bathers. It is twelve feet in diameter ; its 
depth has never been correctly ascertained. It is said to possess 



666 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

medicinal virtues, in cases of rheumatism and other chronic diseases. 
Its warm and pleasant temperature renders it a delightful bath at all 
seasons, and its buoyancy is such, that bathers cannot sink below the 
arm-pit, the motion of the water having a tendency to throw all light 
bodies to the surface. 

Manufactures, Mills, etc. — The water-power in this county is 
very fine. At the Thomaston Factory, there is a succession of nat- 
ural dams or water-falls, which could be rendered valuable by a few 
hours' labour. From various sources we have derived the following- 
statistics of the factories in this county: — 

Thomaston Factory is situated on Potato Creek, two miles W. of 
Thomaston. The water-power is sufficient to propel 20,000 spin- 
dles; number of spindles, 1,500; manufactures cotton osnaburgs, 
&c. ; number of hands employed, 45. The proprietor challenges 
similar establishments, North or South, to exhibit a more sober, 
orderly, and religious community than can be found in this estab- 
lishment. It is proposed to erect another mill, to have 5,000 spindles. 

The Franklin Factory and Wayman Factory are on Tobler's 
Creek, 7 miles S. E. of Thomaston, owned and managed by the 
same persons. 

The Franklin Factory was first put into operation in April, 1833. 
Spindles, 1,320. Cards, 16. 

The Wayman Factory was first put into operation in 1841. Spin- 
dles, 1,664. Looms, for weaving heavy osnaburgs weighing half a 
pound per yard, 26 . 

Flint River Factory is owned by Walker & Grant. 

Among the first settlers of this county were — Jones Persons, James 
Hightower, Sen., Solomon Stevens, Geo. Powell, Robert Col- 
lier, Peter and Edward Hollaway, E. Bass, Mark Jackson, R. 
Jackson, E. Robinson, Josiah A. Christie, Wm. Worthy, Wm. and 
John Robinson, Thos. Fluellin, James Walker, Henry Hunt, E. 
Wamble, John Goode, L. Matthews, John Bransford, M. W. 
Stamper, John Turner, J. Cooper, Thos. Nelson, Wm. Trice, A. 
F. Edwards, James Harwell, Geo. M. Petty, D. B. Greene, Dr. 
Alexander Hawkins, Dr. James W. Stinson, Abner McCoy, 
H. Smith, Andrew Hood, H. Garland, Lee Trammel, Casper 
Howell, Wm. Traylor, Thos. W. Goode, F. Myrick, Thomas Par- 
ham, Wm. Gibson, R. Graham, Moses Duke, James Boyd, Moses 
Reynolds, Joseph Rogers. 



Hon. George Carey died in this county. He was a native of Mary- 
land, and resided for several years in Columbia County, in this State. 
He represented Georgia in the Congress of the United States in 1823 
and 1827. He possessed a highly cultivated mind, being familiar with 
several languages. Upon the Grecian question he is said to have 
made a splendid speech in Congress. He removed to Upson about 
the year 1834. He died in 1844, leaving behind him the character 
of a highly polished scholar and an honourable man. 



WALKER COUNTY. 667 



WALKER COUNTY. 



Laid out from Murray, and organized in 1833. Named in honour 
of Major Freeman Walker. 



• 




VIEW OF LA FAYETTE. 

La Fayette is the county town, beautifully situated, distant from 
Milledgeville two hundred and ten miles. 

Ringgold is a town of recent date, situated on the State Road. 

Walker is a region of mountains, which generally run from N. E. 
to S. W. Their names are, Taylor's Ridge, John's, Pigeon, Look- Out. 
and White Oak Mountains. 

The streams are East and West Chicamausra. 

° # 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,867; families, 
1,867; white males, 5,803; white females, 5,605; free coloured 
males, 18 ) free coloured females, 19. Total free population, 11,445 ; 
slaves, 1,664. Deaths, 139. Farms, 600; 1 manufacturing establish- 
ment. Value of real estate, $923,600; value of personal estate, 
$1,007,725. 

No section is favoured with a greater variety of springs- than this 
county. 

The Medicinal Springs, owned by the Gordons, are situated at 
the base of Taylor's Ridge. There are twenty springs within the 
space of half a mile ; but the main springs are twelve in number, 
on a beautiful eminence of Taylor's Ridge. The trees have been cut 
down. From this spot may be seen various mountains. 

Cherokee Springs are at the base of Taylor's Ridge, twenty-four 
miles from Chattanooga. 

Yates's Spring is five miles from Gordon's Springs. 

Crayfish Spring is twelve miles from Gordon's. 



668 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



ffiwireiffiifi 







VIEW OF COTOOSA SPRINGS. 

Cotoosa Springs are one and a half miles from the State Road. 

We give the following extracts concerning these springs from an 
account written by Mr. S. Rose, one of the editors of the Georgia 
Messenger : — 

"Imagine to yourself an elevated cove, or basin, in the Blue Ridge, sur- 
rounded almost entirely by towering eminences. From the eastern slope a 
bold, clear brook comes tumbling into the valley, and passes rapidly westward, 
until it escapes between two abrupt mountain peaks, and dashes for half a mile 
over rocky barriers into a branch of the Chicamauga. On the borders of this 
brook, and in the centre of this basin, which I shall designate 'The Vale of 
Springs,' there is a level spot about two acres in extent, within the limits of 
which I have counted no less than fifty-two distinct, bold, and well-defined springs. 
The waters are strongly mineral. 

"All these springs seem to issue either from the mountain side, upon a bed of 
hard, black slate, or boil up through the slate. They are perennial ; the most se- 
vere and continued droughts make no perceptible difference in the quantity of 
water which they discharge. The country around is protected by its native 
forests. The atmosphere is pure, dry, and bracing, and entirely free from disease, 
or from any cause which could produce it. 

"Immediately in the rear of the springs there are two beautiful mountain peaks, 
from the summits of which visitors might enjoy an extensive prospect of the sur- 
rounding country. 

There is a pond in Chattooga Valley called the Round Pond. It 
embraces four or five acres, forty-eight feet deep in the middle, of a 
sea-green colour. Tradition says two Indians were drowned in this 
pond. There is no visible outlet, and the water never becomes stag- 
nant. 

Long Pond is a beautiful sheet of water, famous for excellent fish. 



walker county. 669 

Among the first settlers of this county were, X. G. McFarland, T. 
G. McFarland, John Spradlin, Mr. Allman, J. R. Brooks, General 
Nkwnan, Mr. Acock, S. Marsh, 8. Farris, Jesse Land, J. T. Story, 
Robert Boyle, B. McCutciuns, A. Hughes, S. Dunn, Lawson 
Black, Wm. Harden, James Park, John Caldwell, John Wicker, 
Joseph P. McCulloch. 



Walker has many caves, among which the most remarkahle is 
Wilson's Cave. We extract from " Sears' Wonders of the World" 
tlic description given by some persons of a visit which they made 
in 18—. 

u The company being met, with lighted torches we entered the cave, through a 
small aperture, descending a flight of natural stairs, almost perpendicularly, some 
ten or twelve feet. Coming to the most magnificent room we ever beheld, and being 
desirous of viewing as minutely as we could, from the amplitude of this anomaly 
of nature^ its various curiosities, we raised a considerable light, and illuminated the 
place as far as we were able by the means we had, when we discovered that an 
almost infinite number of stalactites had been formed by the continual dripping 
of the water, resembling, in size and appearance, various animal bodies. 

''Being somewhat satisfied with our examination of this apartment, with our 
hearts glowing with wonder, love, and praise to the Architect of Nature, we 
moved slowly and rather pensively along this solitary and hitherto unexplored 
mansion, through devious wiles of 'incognita loca/ in quest of new discoveries. 

" Having reached the extreme end of this spacious dome, we found that to pro- 
ceed farther, we had to ascend stupendous and almost inaccessible eminences, over 
craggy precipices and yawning gulfs, to the height of some fifty or sixty feet, 
when, by the dim light of our tapers, we discovered through a small opening an- 
other room, less extensive, but far more beautiful and picturesque ; for there ap- 
peared to the astonished beholder not only the representation of a part of (he 
animal creation, but a true delineation of a great number of inanimate objects, 
6uch as cones, altars, pyramids, tables, candle-stands, with a. facsimile of some ot 
nature's choicest productions: and it really appeared as if she, in her wild and 
playful moments, had intended to mock the curiosities of art." 



General Daniel Newnan died in this comity. He merits the re- 
membrance and respect of the people of Georgia. In the Indian 
wars, he proved himself a good soldier. Besides holding many high 
offices in the State, he was a member of Congress from 1831 to 1833. 



3V. i 3 r 1 1 1 n it r n n s . 

A gentleman who resided among the Gherokees for many years, 
has furnished us with the following items : — 

Strawberry was a huge town, situated upon the head waters of 
Amuehee, len miles I), of La Fayette. 

Dogwood was situated upon the head waters of Chicamauga. 



670 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

The principal chief was Charles Hicks, a man of vigorous mind and 
of ardent piety. He was a member of the Moravian Church. 

Elijah Hicks was the son of Charles Hicks — a man, it is said, 
" who would not have disgraced any circle, either in appearance, man- 
ner, or conversation.*' 

Richard Taylor was a distinguished chief among the Cherokees. 
His name is affixed to the treaty made at Washington, March 22, 
1816. 

Chestnut Tow r n was on Pea Vine Creek. The head chief was Par- 
tridge. 

Crayfish Town was situated west of Chestnut. The principal 
chief was George Lowrey. 

The first Court in Walker was held at this place, Judge Hooper 
presiding. 

We have been favoured with the following letter from a gentleman, 
giving an account of an Indian ball-play which took place in this 
county, and at which he was present : — 

We started one fine morning in (he month of August, for the hickory grounds, 
having learned that two towns, Chattooga and Chicamauga, were to have a grand 
ball-play at that place. We found the grounds to be a beautiful hickory level, 
entirely in a state of nature, upon which had been erected several rude tents, 
containing numerous articles, mostly of Indian manufacture, which wete the 
stakes to be won or lost in the approaching contest. We had been on the ground 
only a short time when the two contending parties, composed of fifty men each, 
mostly in a state of nudity, and having their faces painted in a fantastical manner, 
headed by their chiefs, made their appearance. The war-whoop was then sound- 
ed by one of the parties, which was immediately answered by the other, and 
continued alternately, as they advanced slowly and in regular order towards each 
other to the centre of the ground allotted for the contest. 

In order that you may have an idea of the play, imagine two parallel lines of 
stakes driven into the ground near each other, each extending for about one hun- 
dred yards, and having a space of one hundred yards between them. In the centre 
of these lines were the contending towns, headed by their chiefs, each having in 
their hands two wooden spoons, curiously carved, not unlike our large iron spoons. 
The object of these spoons is to throw up the ball. The ball is made of deerskin 
wound around a piece of spunk. To carry the ball through one of the lines men- 
tioned above is the purpose to be accomplished. Every time the ball is carried 
through these lines counts one. The game is commenced by one of the chiefs 
throwing up the ball to a great height, by means of the wooden spoons. As soon 
as the ball is thrown up, the contending parties mingle together. If the chief of 
the opposite party catches the ball as it descends, with his spoons, which he 
exerts his utmost skill to do, it counts one for his side. The respective parties 
stand prepared to catch the ball if there should be a failure on the part of their 
chiefs to do so. On this occasion the parties were distinguished from each other 
by the colour of their ribbons; the one being red, the other blue. 

The strife begins. The chief has failed to catch the ball. A stout warrior has 



WALTON COUNTY. 671 

caught it, and endeavours with all speed to carry it to his lines, when a faster 
runner knocks his feet from under him, wrests the ball from him, and triumphantly 
makes his way with the prize to his own line ; but when he almost reaches the 
goal, he is overtaken by one or more of his opponents, who endeavour to take it 
from him. The struggle becomes general, and it is often the case that serious 
personal injuries are inflicted. It is very common during the contest to let the 
ball fall to the ground. The strife now ceases for a time, until the chiefs again 
array their bands. The ball is again thrown up, and the game is continued as 
above described. Sometimes half an hour elapses before either side succeeds in 
making one in the game. 

It is usual at these ball-plays for each party to have their conjurers at work at 
the time the game is going on; their stations are near the centre of each line. 
In their hands are shells, bones of snakes, &c. These conjurers are sent for 
from a great distance. They are estimated according to their age, and it is sup- x 
posed by their charms they can influence the game. On this occasion two con- 
jurers were present; they appeared to be over one hundred years of age. When 
I spoke to one of them, he did not deign even to raise his head ; the second time 
I spoke, he gave me a terrific look, and at the same time one of the Indian 
women came and said, " Conagatee Unaka " — go away, white man. 

I cannot resist the inclination I feel, to give you an account of an individual 
whom I met on this occasion. He was a Cherokee Indian belonging to a wealthy 
family, and had received a finished education at one of our Northern colleges. 
His talents were of a high order, and upon his return home, he was appointed a 
petty chief. He was dressed in fine calf boots, blue cloth pantaloons, silk velvet 
vest, fine beaver hat, with a silver band. His gown was made of red flowered 
calico, reaching nearly to the ground, with a cape over the shoulders trimmed 
with blue fringe. Judge of my astonishment when I ascertained this individual 
to be the distinguished Jim Fields. 



WALTON COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818 ; a part taken from Jackson, 
1818 ; a part added to Jasper, 1820 ; part added to, and taken from, 
Henry, 1821 ; apart set off to Newton, 1821. Length, 35 m. ; breadth, 
18 m. Named after the Hon. George Walton. 

Monroe is the county site, distant from Milled geville 66 miles. 
Social Circle is situated on the Georgia Railroad. 
Centreville and Broken Arrow are small places. 
The rivers are, the Appalachee and the Ulcofauhachee. 
The creeks are, Jack's, Cornish, &c. 

The climate is considered healthy. The most prevalent diseases 
are those of an inflammatory character. The instances of longevity 
are quite numerous. Mr. Carson died at the age of 100 ; Mr. Stark 
Brown, over 100 ; a negro woman, belonging to Mr. William Ander- 



672 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

son, died at the advanced age of 116 ; Tom, a negro, at 105 ; Mr. 
Swords died at 100; James Gunter, 80. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,191 ; families, 
1,191 ; white males, 3,531 ; white females, 3,365 ; free coloured 
males, 5 ; free coloured females, 11. Total free population, 6,912; 
slaves, 3,909. Deaths, 135. Farms, 864 ; manufacturing establish- 
ments, 56. Value of real estate, $1,151,865 ; value of personal estate, 
$2,384,532. 

Among the early settlers of this county may be named — Charles 
Smith, R. M. Echolls, O. Stroud, John Dickerson, Warren J . 
Hill, Jesse Arnold, Judge Colquitt, Jonas Hale, Vincent Har- 
ralSon, James Nowell, A. W. Wright, C. D. Davis, W. and R. 
Briscoe, R. Milligan, James Richardson. 



BATTLE OF JACK'S CREEK. 

Jack's Creek, in Walton County, is noted for a battle with the 
Indians, the particulars of which are given in the following letter 
from General Elijah Clarke to Governor Matthews : — 

Long Creek, Sept. 24, 1787. 
I had certain information that a man was killed on the 17th, near Greenesborough, 
by a party of six or seven Indians; and that on the 16th, Colonel Barber, with a 
small party, was waylaid by fifty or sixty Indians, and wounded, and three of 
his party killed. This determined me to raise what men I could, in the course 
of twenty-four hours, and march with them to protect the frontiers, in which 
space of time I collected 160 men, chiefly volunteers, and proceeded to the place 
where Colonel Barber had been attacked. There I found the bodies of the three men 
mentioned above, mangled in a shocking manner, and after I had buried them, 
proceeded on the trail of the murderers as far as the south fork of the Ocmulgee, 
where, finding that I had no chance of overtaking them, I left it and went up the 
said river, till I met with a fresh trail of Indians coming towards our frontier 
settlements. I immediately turned and followed the trail until the morning of 
she 21st, between eleven and twelve o'clock, when I came up with them. 
They had just crossed a branch called Jack's Creek, through a thick cane-brake, 
and were encamped and cooking upon an eminence. My force then consisted 
of 130 men, thirty having been sent back on account of their horses being tired 
and lost. 

I drew up my men in three divisions ; the right commanded by Colonel Free- 
man, the left by Major Clarke, and the middle by myself. Colonel Freeman and 
Major Clarke were ordered to surround and charge the Indians, which they did 
with such dexterity and spirit that they immediately drove them from their en- 
campment back into the cane-brake, where, finding it impossible for them to 
escape, they obstinately returned our fire until half past four o'clock, when they 
ceased, except now and then a shot. During the latter part of the action they 
seized every opportunity of escaping by small parties, leaving the rest to shift for 
themselves. About sunset I thought it most advisable to draw off, as the men had 



WARE COUNTY. 



673 



suffered for provisions for nearly two days, and for want of water during the ac- 
tion, but more particularly to take care of the wounded, which amounted to 
eleven, and six killed. From every circumstance, I am certain that there were 
not less than twenty-five Indians killed, and am induced to suppose that had I 
remained that night, I should have found forty or fifty dead of their wounds by 
the morning. In short, they were totally defeated, with the loss of their provi- 
sions, clothing, and the following articles: a gun, thirty-two brass kettles, thirty- 
seven large packs, containing blankets, &c. Colonel Freeman and Major Clarke 
distinguished themselves, and from the spirit and activity with which the whole 
of my little party acted during the action, I do not believe that had we met them 
in the open woods, we should have been more than five minutes in giviug them 
a total overthrow. 

R. M. Echolls, formerly President of the Senate, lived in this 
county. He died in Mexico, and his remains were brought to Wal- 
ton, and buried at his homestead, one mile from Broken Arrow. 

The first Court was held ort the 12th August, 1819, John M. Dooly, Judge. 



FIRST GRAND JURY. 



Jourdan Baker, Foreman. 
Joshua Reayes, 
Wilson Watley, 
Lewis Bradbury, 
Isaac Austin, 
Nathan Cental, 
E. Gardner, 
B. Hammock, 
W. Heflin, 
R. Stanfield, 
E. Daniell, 



J. Beeks, 

C. Austin, 

R. M. Echolls, 

R. Bond, 

J. Hobbs, 

R. R. Billups, 

J. Fletcher, 

J. F. Piper, 

0. Whitaker, 

J. J. Bentley. 



WARE COUNTY 



This county was laid out from Irwin in 1824, and named after 
the Hon. Nicholas Ware, formerly a member of the Senate of the 
United States, from Georgia. Length, 55 m.. ; breadth, 53 m. ; area 
square miles, 2,915. 

This section is well watered. Here are the head waters of the 
Suwanne and St. Mary's, besides numerous creeks. 

Waresborough is the county site, 163 miles from Milledgeville. 
The country is flat, and interspersed with numerous swamps The 
soil is light, and tolerably productive. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 561; families, 
561; white males, 1,824; white females, 1,773; 2 free coloured 

43 



674 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

males ; I free coloured female. Total free population, 3,600; slaves, 
288. Deaths, 18. Farms, 339. Value of real estate, $237,240; 
value of personal estate, $345,647. 

Among the first settlers of this county were — William Smith, 
A. Jernagin, Wm, Dryden, James Fulwood, John Williams, James 
Sweat, John Moore, Thomas Allman, Joseph Dyall, P. Bryan, 
Wm. King, Thos. Newborn, L. Walker, James Jones, M. J. Mil- 
ler, Thos. Hilliard, M. Addison. 



There is a remarkable swamp in this county, called by the Indians 
E-cun-fi-no-cau, from " Ecunnau," earth, and " finocau," quivering. It 
is 30 miles long and 17 broad. Several rivers have their head waters 
in this swamp. In it are numerous islands, one of which the Indians re- 
presented to be among the most blissful spots in the world ; that it 
was inhabited by a peculiar race of Indians, whose women w 7 ere in- 
comparably beautiful ; that this place had been seen by some of their 
hunters when in pursuit of game, who, being lost in inextricable 
swamps and bogs, and on the point of perishing, were unexpectedly 
relieved by a company of beautiful women, whom they called daugh- 
ters of the sun, who kindly gave them such provisions as they had, 
chiefly fruit, such as oranges, dates, &c, and some corn cakes, and then 
enjoined them to fly for safety to their own country, as their husbands 
were fierce men, and cruel to strangers. They also stated, that these 
hunters had a view of their settlements, situated on the elevated 
banks of an island or promontory, in a beautiful lake ; but that in 
their efforts to approach it, they were involved in perpetual labyrinths, 
and, like enchanted land, when they imagined they had just gained it, 
it seemed to fly before them, alternately appearing and disappearing. 
They resolved, at length, to leave the delusive pursuit and to return, 
which, after a number of inexpressible difficulties, they effected. When 
they reported their adventures to their countrymen, their young 
warriors were inflamed with a desire to invade and conquer so charm- 
ing a country ; but all their attempts proved abortive, never being 
able again to find that enchanting spot, nor even any road to it. 



WARREN COUNTY. 

This county was laid out in 1793, and portions set off to Jefferson 
in 1796 ; and in 1825, portions to Taliaferro. Length, 26 m. ; breadth, 
16 m.; area square miles, 416. It was named in honour of Major- 
General Joseph Warren, who fell at the battle of Bunker's or Breed's 
Hill. 

The north fork of the Ogeechee is on the western boundary of the 
county. Here Briar Creek rises, runs S. E., and after a course of 
100 miles, discharges itself into the Savannah River. 



WARREN COUNTY. 675 

Warrenton, a pleasant and flourishing town, is the seat of justice. 
It is situated, on the waters of Goulden's Creek, nearly in the centre 
of the county, distant from Milledgeville 45 miles E. N. E. 

From the Georgia Railroad there is a branch railroad terminating 
at Warrenton, 2f miles long. Mayfield, Double Wells, and Camak, 
are on this road. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,135 ; families, 
1,135 ; white males, 3,066 ; white females, 3,102 ; free coloured males, 
72; free coloured females, 77. Total free population, 6,317; 
slaves, 6,108. Deaths, 138. Farms, 605. Manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 42. Value of real estate, $1,751,790; value of personal 
estate, $4,148,853. 

The climate is mild and healthy. Most of the diseases occur on 
the water-courses. This county is remarkable for cases of longevity 
Six years ago, there were living the following persons : — Capt. Hill, 
aged 87 years ; Mr. John Jones, 85 ; Mr. G. Berry, over~9Trf"Mr 
D. Newsome, 80 ; Mr. H. Pool, over 85 ; Mr. H. Chalker, 85 ; Mr 
J. Burkhalter, 90 ; Mr. Crenshaw, over 80 ; Mrs. Persons, 92 
Mrs. Bass, 90; Mr. Brinkley, 85; Mrs. Hobbes, 100. 

The following individuals died in this county : — Mrs. Peoples, 100 
Mrs. Kilbrew, 100; Mrs. Heath, 90; Mrs. Walker, 93 ; Mrs.BATEs, 
90; Mr. Cason, 96; J.W.Jackson, 100; John Wilson, 92 : C. Stur- 
devant, 95; Mr. Bullock, 90; Mrs. Kent, 80; M. Rachel, 105. 

Mr. John Torrence died July 4th, 1827, aged 78 years. The ven- 
erable old patriot breathed his last a short distance from his residence, 
on his return from the celebration of the day in Warrenton, in which 
he participated with more than usual interest and feeling, as if he were 
conscious it was the last national jubilee he should ever witness. His 
countenance wore a peculiar cast of serene and heartfelt joy during 
the day, and his old acquaintances received many a cordial embrace. 

Henry Bonner died on the 1st of January, 1822, aged 98 years. 
He was an officer in the Revolutionary War. 

Jonas Shivers died on the 12th of November, 1826, aged 77, a 
soldier of the Revolution. 

James Draper died in the 83d year of his age. At a very youth- 
ful period, say sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the cause of Lib- 
erty, to fight the battles of freedom against the British Lion, and 
continued in that service for something like three years, animated 
by the principles of liberty which burned in his bosom. 

Among the early settlers were, Daniel Atkins, Solomon Newsome, 
David Neal, Wm. Johnston, Job Hunter, Cullen Braddy, Robt. 
Abercrombie, Henry Peoples, Wm. Hill,, A. Denton, Wm. Cason, 
S. Burnley, B. Upton, E. Perryman, E. Conner, A. Brinkley, 
Wm. Jenkins, A. Jones, M. English, C Lowe, Sen., D. A. Simp- 
son, Thos. Maddux, E. Ivy, John Burkhalter, E. Wilson, T. Per- 
sons, T. Lockitt, Samuel Bell, Jonas Shivers, Peter Newsome, 
John Newsome. 



676 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



A Return of the Commissioned and Acting Elect Officers in Lieutenant- Col- 
onel Samuel Alexander's Regiment of Militia, including all Volunteer 
Corps attached thereto, for the ISt/t dag of December, 17l>7. 

The First Battalion, commanded by Major John Lavvson. 

Captains. — David Neal, commissioned Dec. 15, 1788; Absalom Cobbs, Nov. 
26, 1795j James*- Wilson, Jan. 28, 1797; Chapman Abercrombie, April 13. 
1797. 

Lieutenants. — William Landrum, commissioned Nov. 15, 1795; Benjamin 
Mitchell, Jan. 20, 1797; John Barnes, Jan. 28, 1797; A. Jones, April 18, 1797. 

Ensigns or Cornets. — Daniel Hutcheson, commissioned Nov. 15, 1795; Charles 
M. Lawson, Feb. 10, 1797; Moor Carter, Jan. 28, 1797; Benjamin Oliver, Jan. 
20, 1795. 

The Second Battalion, commanded by Major Solomon Slatter. 

Captains. — Jesse Bunkley, commissioned May 11, 1793; Nicholas Jones, Nov. 
26, 1795; William Smith, Nov. 26, 1795; William Hill, Nov. 26, 1795; Abner 
Fluellin. Jan. 29, 1797. 

Ensigns. — Joseph Carter, commissioned Nov. 26, 1795; John Brantley, Nov. 
26, 1795 ; Joseph White, Nov. 26, 1795; Peter Clowers, Nov. 16, 1796; Wm. 
Cox, Jan. 29, 1797. 

Lieutenants. — M. Womack, commissioned Nov. 26. 1795; Mountain Hill, Nov. 
26, 1795; Burrell Perry, Nov. 26, 1795 ; Gibson Flournoy, Nov. 26, 1795; Thos. 
Cox, Jan. 29, 1797. 

I hereby certify that the above return contains all acting, commissioned, and 
elect officers, of the Regiment of the Warren County Militia, under my com- 
mand. July 12, 1798. 



Saml. Alexander. 



The Hon. David Meriwetheb, Brigadier-General. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

This county was established in 1784. It then included all the 
territory " from the Cherokee Corner, north, extending from the 
Oo-eechee to the Oconee, south to Liberty County. In 1786 a por- 
tion of it was added to Greene ; in 1793, a part to Hancock ; in 
1807, a part to Baldwin; in 1811, a part to Laurens; in 1.812, a 
part to Baldwin ; and in 1826, a part to Baldwin. Length, 38 m. ; 
breadth, 38 m. ; area, 1,444 square miles. 

The streams are, the Oconee, Ogeechee, and Ohoopee, besides a 
number of creeks. 

Fine burrstone is abundant. Near Saundersville are five or six 
lime-sinks, or caves, as many of them may be properly called, in 
which fossil teeth, ribs, and shells of endless variety are gathered in 
almost any quantity. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 677 

Saundersville is the capital, 28 miles E. of Milledgeville. 

The climate is moderate. The instances of longevity which have 
come to our knowledge are, Wm. Rachel, who died at the age of 
118 years; Mr. Bedgood, at 112; Mr. Peacock, 85; Elisabeth 
Hanson, 93 ; Wm. Williams, 86 ; Thomas Love, 90 ; Mr. John Jour- 
don, a Revolutionary soldier, at a very advanced age. 

Major Nicholas Curry died in this county, aged sixty-seven. 
He entered the Revolutionary army a private soldier, and left it with 
the rank of Captain of Dragoons, after a hard service of five years. 
During that period he shared in many of the perils and hardships of 
the war, and was always active and efficient upon the field of battle. 

Extract from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 1,077 ; families, 
1 ,077 ; white males, 3,004 ; white females, 2,989 ; free coloured 
males, 19 ; free coloured females, 16. Total free population, 6,028 ; 
slaves, 5,738. Deaths, 159. Farms, 632. Manufacturing estab- 
lishments, 6. Value of real estate, $1,259,121; value of personal 
estate, $3,295,936. 

Among the early settlers of this county were, Alexander Irwin, 
John Rutherford, Wm. Johnson, Elisha Williams, Jared Irwin, 
Jacob Dennard, John R obe rtson, Joseph Beddingfield, Philemon 
Franklin, Aaron Sinquefield, Joseph Avent, John Sheppard, Jas. 
Thomas, John Daniel, William Irwin, Joshua Williams, Samuel 
Sinquefield, Benjamin Tennille, John Martin, John Burney, 
Hugh Lawson, John Shellman, Wm. Sapp, Miles Murphy, John 
Jones, John H. Montgomery, John Stokes, Mr. Saunders, John 
Irwin, James Thomas, George Galphin, John Dennis, John Nutt, 
D. Wood, Geo. Fluker, Wm. Warthen, Jacob Kelly, Wm. May. 

The early settlers of this county suffered much from Indian de- 
predations. The following particulars were derived from old news- 
papers loaned to the compiler by Mr. Ralston, of Macon : — 

29th March, 1788. — The Indians killed and scalped Lieutenant Hogan, near 
Kemp's Fort. On Friday after, Mr. Daniell met with the same cruel death ; and 
shortly afterwards they killed Mr. David Jackson's family, consisting of his wife 
and four children, his brother and two negroes. 

The same year, in the neighbourhood of Williamson's Swamp, the Indians were 
constantly attacking the inhabitants. On the 12th of March a party of savages 
were discovered on the plantation of Mr. Sikes, by the barking of the dogs. Mr. 
Sikes went over the fence to see what they were barking at, when he was fired 
upon by the foe, and received three balls in his arm, shoulder, and hip. He 
then made his way over the fence to the house, and as he was going received 
another shot, which broke his leg. Notwithstanding his severe wounds, he pre- 
pared to defend his wife and four children ; but the Indians did not attack the 
house. A young man from a neighbouring family hearing the reports of the 
guns, came to the house, and upon seeing Mr. Sikes's condition, went to a fort 
near by, for assistance, and returned immediately with Allen Spurlock, who 



678 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

placed Mr. Sikes on a bed in his sledge, with one of his daughters, about nine 
years old, his wife's sister, about sixteen years old, walking, and Mrs. Sikes on 
horseback, with one child before and one behind her, and proceeded towards the 
fort; but before they reached it they were fired upon by the Indians, who had 
come in their rear. They all ran and left Mr. Sikes. In attempting to gain the 
fort, the young woman and Spurlock were shot and scalped. The little girl car- 
rying a bottle of rum in her hand, begged the Indians to accept of it and spare 
her life, but they cursed her and the rum, and said they wanted her scalp, upon 
which they knocked her down and scalped her. They then pursued Mrs. Sikes, 
who, with her children, must have fallen into their hands, had not Major Wood 
come to her assistance. The little girl came to the fort about half an hour af- 
terwards. 

April 7, 1793. — On this day, a son of Colonel Francis Pugh was killed by the 
Indians ; they also plundered seven families of all their clotfiing, furniture, pro- 
visions, horses, and negroes. 

The first Superior Court for this county was held on the 22d day 
of May, 1787, his Honor Henry Osborne, Judge. 

NAMES OF THE GRAND JURORS. 

Alexander Irwin, Foreman. Samuel Sinquefield, 

Elisha Williams, Joseph A vent, 

Wm. Johnson, Wm. Irwin, 

Philemon Franklin, Wm. Shields, 

John Robertson, Sen., John Sheppard, 

John Burney, John Rutherford, 

John Martin, Jacob Dennard, 

James Thomas, Joseph Bhddingfield, 

Benj. Tennille, Aaron Sinquefield, 

Joshua Williams, JohnJ2^niel ; Sen. 

The following was communicated to us by a gentleman in Macon : 
In one of the excursions of a party of Indians against the whites, they came 
to the house of a Mr. Browne, one of whose daughters and a negro woman had 
left the house for the purpose of milking the cows. Mr. Browne having stepped 
to the door, was shot down by the savages. His wife hearing the firing of the 
gun, hastened to the door, and to her surprise found her husband dead, and in the 
act of dragging him into the house, received a shot from one of their rifles, 
which broke her arm. She succeeded, however, in shutting the door, and took 
down her husband's rifle, and, with the aid of Tempa, her daughter, about eight 
years of age, she placed it between the logs of the house, and fired at the In- 
dians. By showing Tempa how to load, she was enabled to keep up a fire a long 
period, at the same time crying out "Hurrah, boys!" At length the Indians re- 
treated; not until, however, they had set the house on fire. Twice she extin- 
guished the fire with milk, not having it in her power to procure water. The 
daughter and negro woman, who were milking the cows, as soon as they saw 



WHITEFIELD COUNTY. 679 

the Indians, ran off and gave the alarm to the nearest neighbours, who collected 
with all possible dispatch, and went to the aid of Mrs. Browne. Upon their 
arrival at the house, they found that she had fainted. Being too few to carry her 
off, they hid her in the top of a fallen tree, with Tempa to mind her, and went 
after the savages, but did not overtake them. 



WAYNE COUNTY. 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1803. Part taken from Glynn, 
1805 ; part added to Camden, 1805 ; part taken from Camden, 1808 ; 
part taken from Camden, 1812 ; a part taken from Glynn in 1820 ; a 
portion added to Glynn, 1822; organized in 1805. Named in honour 
of Major-General Anthony Wayne. Length, 33 m. ; breadth, 18 m. ; 
area square miles, 594. 

The Great St. Ilia runs through the southern part of the county. 
The Alatamaha washes the north side ; the Finholloway, or Phen- 
nohaloway, (a Creek word meaning turkey,) flows into the Alata- 
maha. 

Wayneville is the seat of justice, 176 miles from Milledgeville. 
The soil is generally poor. 
The climate is healthy. 

'Extract from the Census o/1850. — Dwellings, 182; families, 182; 
white males, 549 ; white females, 539 ; free coloured males, 2 ; free 
coloured females, 3. Total free population, 1,093 ; slaves, 406. 
Deaths, 10. Farms, 172. Value of real estate, $232,145 ; value of 
personal estate, $195,079. 



WHITEFIELD COUNTY. 

This county was laid out from Murray, in 1851, including an ex- 
tent of country " beginning at the southwest corner of the County of 
Murray ; running from thence east with the line between Murray and 
Gordon Counties, until it strikes the mouth of the Connasauga River ; 
thence up and with the meanders of said river, to the mouth of Sugar 
Creek ; thence with the meanders of said creek to the Tennessee line ; 
thence west with said line, to the line of Walker and Murray Coun- 
ties ; thence south with the line of Murray and Walker to the place 
of beginning." 

Dalton is the county town, situated on the Western and Atlantic 
Railroad, 100 miles N. of Atlanta, and 35 S. E. of Chattanooga. 

The lands are fertile, producing abundantly all the necessaries of 
life. 



680 



HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 



Recent discoveries prove that the mineral resources of this section 
of the State are great. In the vicinity of Dalton copper mines are 
said to be found, and a strong- impression prevails that beneath the 
ridges, with which Dalton is surrounded, lie imbedded vast amounts 
of copper, silver, and lead. 




TUNNEL OF THE WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD. 



The tunnel of this road is 1,477 feet in length, height 18 feet, width 
in the clear 12 feet. It is cut, in a great measure, through solid rock. 
The lateral walls are of rock, six feet thick at the base, and five 
feet at the top. The approaches to the tunnel are protected on both 
sides by massive masonry. 



This county was named after the celebrated George Whitefield. 
Many particulars in regard to his connection with Georgia, and the 
establishment of his Orphan House, are given under the head of 
" Chatham County," to which we refer the reader. 

He was the son of Thomas Whitefield, and was born in 1714, at 
the Bell Inn, in Gloucestershire, England, which was then kept by 
his mother. At twelve years of age he was sent to a grammar 
school in Gloucester. There he made considerable progress in the 
Latin classics, and in oratory. From this school he was transferred 
to Pembroke College, at Oxford, where he became acquainted with 
the Wesleys, and attached himself to a religious club, of which they 
were the leaders. 

On the 30th of June, 1736, he was ordained by Bishop Benson, and 
on the next Sunday preached his first sermon in the church in which 
he was baptized. A week after this he went to Oxford, where he 



WJLKES COUNTY. 681 

took his Bachelor's degree, and then complied with an invitation to 
visit London, where he continued two months, preaching with great 
effect to large and admiring audiences. About this time he received 
a letter from the Wesleys, who were then in Georgia, which induced 
him to determine to offer himself as a missionary to the Trustees. 
His offer was accepted, and he arrived at Savannah on the 7th of 
May, 1738. 

Having resolved to establish an orphan house, he left Georgia for 
the purpose of collecting money to enable him to accomplish his ob- 
ject. Arriving in Charleston, he preached on several occasions to im- 
mense crowds, and then embarked for London, and after a voyage ol 
nine weeks, he arrived at Limerick. Remaining there a short time, 
he sailed for England, and arrived September 30, 1738. 

The Trustees of Georgia received him cordially, presented him 
with the living of Savannah, and granted him five hundred acres upon 
which to erect an orphan house. Crowds attended his ministry. It 
was no unusual thing for twenty thousand people to assemble to hear 
him. Having collected about £ 1,000, he set sail from England, and 
landed at Philadelphia. After preaching in various places in New- 
York, New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania, he arrived at Savannah on the 
llth of June, 1740. 

He died on the 30th September, 1770, fifty-six years old. 



WILKES COUNTY. 

Laid out in 1777. Part set off to Elbert, 1790 ; part to Warren, 
1793; a part to Lincoln, 1796; part to Greene, 1802; parts to Ta- 
liaferro, 1825 and 1828. Length, 23 m. ; breadth, 17 m. ; area 
square miles, 391. Named after John Wilkes, the great champion of 
American liberty. 

The streams are Broad and Little rivers. 

The surface of the country is undulating. 

The soil is productive, though much worn. 

Washington is the county town, 60 miles N. E. of Milledgeville. 
The railroad is completed to Washington, at which place evi- 
dences of improvement greet the eye in every direction. 
Mallorysville and Danburg are small villages. 

Statistics from the Census of 1850. — Dwellings, 709; families, 
709; white males, 1,883 ; white females, 1,922; free coloured males, 
10; free coloured females, 1 1 . Total free population, 3,826 ; slaves, 
8,281. Deaths, 193. Farms, 468 ; manufacturing establishments, 9. 
Value of real estate, $1,772,515 ; value of personal estate, $4,359,015. 

The climate is subject to great changes. 

A few years ago there were living, Thomas Anderson, aged 81 ; 



682 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

William Williams, 90 ; Mrs. Sarah Freeman, 85 ; Thomas Tal- 
bot, 80 ; D. Carrington, 80. Mrs. H. Minton died at the age of 95 ; 
Wm. Jones, 80 ; Andrew Wolf, 80 ; Mrs. Callaway, 90 ; Isham 
Richardson, 86. 

Mrs. Hannah Clarke,, relict of Major-Genera] Elijah Clarke, died 
ia this county on the 26th of August, 1827, aged 90 years. Mrs. 
Clarke had attended her husband through many interesting periods 
of the American Revolution, and had often experienced some of the 
distressing vicissitudes of war. She once had her house burnt, with 
all its contents, during the absence of her husband, by a pillaging 
party of British and Tories, who ravaged that part of the country in 
which she then resided, and was turned out to seek shelter as she 
could, with a family of several children then in her charge. She 
was afterwards robbed of the horse on which she was riding to 
meet her wounded husband near the North Carolina line. During 
part of the campaigns in which General Clarke was engaged, she 
accompanied him, and on one occasion, in attempting to remove 
from a place of danger near which an engagement was soon ex- 
pected, she had her horse shot under her, while two children were 
on his back with her. She was at the siege of Augusta, and present 
when the garrison under Browne capitulated, and many of the prison- 
ers, then and at other times taken by her husband, experienced her 
benevolence and hospitality. She lived to behold and rejoice in the 
prosperity and happiness of that country which she had frequently 
seen desolated by cruelty and bloodshed ; and in the enjoyment of the 
esteem and affection of a large circle of friends, she attained a good 
old age, and at last, after a short struggle, was liberated from all 
earthly cares, and entered " into that rest which remaineth for the 
people of God." Her remains were interred at Wooburn, near the 
resting-place of her husband, who had twenty-eight years before closed 
a life of patriotic exertion in the cause of his country. 

Mr. John Wright died on the 28th of March, 1831, aged 102 
years. He was a soldier under Braddock in 1755, an armed patriot 
during the whole Revolutionary War, and an active and able parti- 
san in repelling the murderous inroads of the Indians into Georgia, in 
the earlier periods of her history. 

Ezekiel Harris, aged 71 ; Colonel Samuel Jack, 65 ; Major 
Samuel Wellborn, 60 ; Captain Abraham Simons, 79 ; Joseph 
Johnson, 98, all soldiers of the Revolution, died in this county. 

Among the early settlers in this county were, S. Heard, Wm. 
Downs, John King, Absalom Biddle, Benjamin Catching, Henry 
Ware, George Walton, John Rutherford, H. Freeman, John Tor- 
rence, William Moss, William Terrell, John Wingfield, John 
George, Benjamin Taliaferro, Thomas Wooten, Andrew Burns, 
John Cunningham, James Tate, Wm. Moore, John Talbot, Walton 
Harris, Henry Monger, James Marks, T. Ledbetter, B. Jordan, 
Josiah Cole, Jeremiah Walker, Edward Jones, Wm. Stokes, James 
Shepard, Wm. Pollard, Micajah Williamson. 



WILKES COUNTY. 683 

BATTLE OF KETTLE CREEK. 

Kettle Creek is famous as the battle-ground where Clarke, Dooly, 
and Pickens, distinguished themselves in the war of the Revolution. 
When Savannah was taken, Colonel Campbell advanced to Augusta. 
Colonel Boyd, who had just returned from New-York, was to notify the 
disaffected, and excite the Tories on the western parts of North and 
South Carolina, and force his way to join Colonel Campbell at Au- 
gusta. Colonel Campbell immediately moved up Savannah River, 
with several hundred mounted men ; and after manoeuvring in the 
neighbourhood of where Petersburg now stands, and Kerr's Fort, in 
order to effect a junction with Boyd, he was compelled by the Whigs 
to return. Colonel Pickens, with only three hundred and twenty men, 
after driving back Campbell, pursued Boyd, and forced him to cross 
the river eighteen miles above the junction of Savannah and Broad 
rivers. He then crossed at their junction, and was joined by Dooly 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, with about one hundred dragoons. 
Colonel Dooly, with great patriotism, gave the command of all the 
forces to him. They pursued Boyd rapidly, who had taken a circui- 
tous route through the Cherokee Nation, until they overtook him, in 
a few days, on the east bank of Kettle Creek, in Georgia, just as his 
men had shot down some beeves, and were preparing their breakfast. 
Colonel Pickens had divided his forces into three divisions, Colonel 
Dooly commanding the right, and Clarke the left, with directions to 
flank the enemy, while he commanded the attack from the centre, giv- 
ing strict orders not to fire until within thirty-five paces of the foe. 

Colonel Boyd was a brave, active man, but was shot down early 
in the engagement. After close fighting for half an hour, the Whigs 
drove the enemy through the cane, and over the creek. They fought 
with desperation, and left a great many dead and wounded upon 
the field. They rallied on a rising ground on the west bank, and re- 
newed the fight, the Whigs finding great difficulties in passing through 
the cane. However, the victory was complete. The Whigs had 
four hundred and twenty, and the Tories upwards of seven hundred ; 
and out of that number, not more than three hundred ever reached 
Colonel Campbell, in Augusta. This success was of far more impor- 
tance than the number engaged would indicate. It broke up the To- 
ries throughout North Carolina, who never afterwards assembled, ex- 
cept in small parties, or under the immediate protection of a foreign 
force. Although they were dreaded for their desperate and malignant 
outrages upon the country, yet they acted more for the plunder and 
murder of individuals than for concerted and manly warfare. This 
battle of Kettle Creek decided their fate. 



This county has produced a number of men who would have done 
honour to any country. 

Colonel John Graves died in the seventy-seventh year of his age. 
He was born in Culpepper County, Virginia. He entered the army, in 



684 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

1776, as a lieutenant in the Eighth Virginia Regiment, and when he 
retired from the service, had the rank and command of a Major. 
He was at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, 
and at the siege of York. When General Greene, in 1781, had to 
cross the Yadkin River, Colonel Graves was intrusted with the com- 
mand of two hundred men, detached by the General to protect the 
passage of the troops. This small band, headed by their gallant com- 
mander, sustained a desperate encounter with the army of Cornwallis, 
and succeeded in protecting the passage of the American troops and 
themselves, in crossing the Yadkin, with the loss of only nine men 
killed and five wounded. 

During the eventful and critical period of the American Revolu- 
tion, Colonel Graves was constantly in the field, defending, with 
consummate energy and bravery, the liberties of his native country. 
He never for one moment despaired of the great cause of which he 
was so gallant a champion. Amid the distresses of the Southern army, 
after the defeat of Gates at Camden, and during the retreat of the 
Americans before the victorious Cornwallis, Colonel Graves, with 
cool intrepidity, supported every privation, and with the greatest for- 
titude waited for a change in the gloomy prospects that were before 
the army at that time. 

Shortly after peace, Colonel Graves settled in Georgia. In 1786, 
he was in command of a regiment against the Creek Indians, who 
had committed acts of hostility upon the inhabitants of the State. 

Colonel Nicholas Long died on the 22d of August, 1819, in the 
fifty-sixth year of his age. He was a young, active, and meritorious 
officer of dragoons, attached to the Virginia and North Carolina lines 
during the Revolutionary War. In the last war with Great Britain, 
he was appointed to the command of the Forty-third Regiment of 
United States Infantry, raised for the maritime frontier of North and 
South Carolina and Georgia. His exposure in this service impaired 
his constitution, and produced a pulmonary disease. He was an early 
settler of Wilkes. 

Rev. Jesse Mercer. — This gentleman was the son of Silas Mer- 
cer, and was born in Halifax County, North Carolina, December 16, 
1769. Before he was twenty years of age, he was ordained to the 
ministry of the Baptist Church. 

Such was his thirst for knowledge, that after his marriage and or- 
dination, he went to school two years, to the Rev. Mr. Springer, a 
Presbyterian clergyman, under whom he made considerable profi- 
ciency in the learned languages. 

In 1798, Mr. Mercer was a member of the Convention which was 
appointed to amend the State Constitution. His services in that body 
were highly valuable. A lawyer moved that ministers of the Gospel 
be ineligible to the office of legislator, which was warmly advocated 
by both doctors and lawyers. Mr. Mercer offered an amendment, to 
the effect that both these professions be included in the contemplated 











! 



■ 



WILKES COUNTY. 685 

act. The motion was speedily withdrawn. He offered himself once 
for Senator in the county in which he then resided, but was not 
elected. Afterwards, he was urged to allow his name to be used for 
the office of Governor, but positively declined the honour. 

His approach to the tomb was gradual, having been in a low state 
of health for years before his death. This event, deeply lamented by 
thousands, took place in Butts County, September 6, 1841. His re- 
mains were taken to Penfield, and buried near the site of Mercer Uni- 
versity, named in honour of him. 

His estate, which was large, was bequeathed to the above Univer- 
sity, and other benevolent objects.* 

Duncan G. Campbell came to Wilkes in 1807, and took charge of 
a female school. For several years he represented the county in the 
State Legislature. He was also one of the Commissioners who ne- 
gotiated a treaty with the Creeks at the Indian Springs. He died on 
the 31st of July, 1828. 

General Elijah Clarke was a native of North Carolina, who 
came to Georgia in 1774, and settled in Wilkes County. Endowed 
with hardihood and decision of character, he was fitted for any en- 
terprise. His first appearance in the history of Georgia dates in the 
year 1776, as Captain of a company intrusted with the care of some 
wagons, loaded with provisions for the army. Whilst crossing a small 
stream, he was attacked by a body of Indians, who, after a severe 
contest, were put to flight. In Howe's expedition against East Flo- 
rida, he rendered important services. In the battle of Kettle Creek, 
he increased his military fame. 

After the victory at Kettle Creek, many of the citizens of Georgia 
who had gone to South Carolina for safety, returned with their families 
and property to Wilkes County, but shortly afterwards were much 
alarmed by the approach of a body of Indians ; and to Colonel Clarke 
was committed the highly responsible duty of remaining on the fron- 
tiers to guard the forts. This was a trying period. The enemy had 
devastated the fairest portion of Georgia. Colonel Clarke's house 
was pillaged and burnt, and his family ordered to leave the State. 
The love of freedom, a persuasion that Heaven would favour the 
righteous cause of the Americans, inspired Clarke with hope ; and 
the loss of his property, and the indignities offered to the helpless fe- 
males of his family, did not in the least intimidate him, but nerved him 
to renewed action. Accordingly, he succeeded in recruiting men for his 
regiment, and gave the enemy so much trouble, by cutting off their 
supplies, that it was determined to bring him to a general action. 
Colonel Innis pursued him to Warlord's Iron Works, where his ground 
had been judiciously chosen. Clarke waited the attack, and bravely 
defended his post. His constant annoyance of the foraging parties 
of the enemy became so provoking, that Colonel lnnis resolved to 
augment his force, and drive him from the country. Having re- 

* See Mallory's Life of Jesse Mercer. 



686 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

ceived reinforcements, Clarke met the enemy about four miles north 
of Musgrove's Mill, and defeated him. 

In the battle of Long Cane, Colonel Clarke was severely wounded, 
and carried off- the field. After his recovery he joined the command 
of General Pickens, and was sent by him against Major Dunlap, 
whom he compelled to surrender. Shortly after this affair he was 
attacked with the small-pox, but in a very brief period had so 
so far recovered as to resume his command, and was present when 
Augusta surrendered to the Americans. Indeed, he had gallantly 
confined the British garrison to their works for weeks before Colonel 
Lee arrived. 

With the Indians, Colonel Clarke was engaged in several battles, 
the principal of which was the battle of Jack's Creek, fought in 1787, 
in which he defeated the Creeks. 

In 17 — , Clarke made an attempt to settle on the Indian side of the 
Oconee River, and also crossed the St. Mary's to the Florida side, and 
drove in the Spanish posts. For these acts he incurred the displea- 
sure of the United States Government. His merits as a soldier 
may be easily known, when it is remembered that he was solicited by 
two great European nations to engage in their service. He died De- 
cember 15, 1799. 

The following will explain the nature of the settlement which 
Clarke made on the Oconee :- — 

In May, 1794, Governor Matthews receiving information that some 
adventurers, supposed to be in the French interest, were making set- 
tlements on the southwest side of the Oconee River, ordered General 
Irwin to direct the settlers immediately to disperse, and was informed, 
a few days afterwards, that they had obeyed the injunction. On the 
14th of July, the Governor received a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel 
Gaither, stating that Elijah Clarke, lately a Major-General in the 
Militia of Georgia, with a party of men, had encamped on the south- 
west side of the Oconee, opposite to Fort Fidius. General Irwin sent 
two officers to Clarke, ordering him to move off without delay, which 
he refused to do. On the 28th of July, the Governor issued a pro- 
clamation, forbidding such proceedings ; and also wrote to one of the 
judges, directing him to issue his warrant, and have Clarke appre- 
hended. At the Superior Court for Wilkes County, Clarke surren- 
dered himself to the judge, who referred the case to some of the jus- 
tices of the county, whose decision was as follows : — 

State of Georgia, Wilkes County. 

Whereas, a proclamation was issued on the 28th day of July last, by his Excel- 
lency George Matthews, Governor of this State, stating that Elijah Clarke, Esq., 
late Major-General of the Militia of this State, has gone over the Oconee River, 
with an intent to establish a separate and independent government, on the lands 
allotted to the Indians for their hunting-grounds, and commanded, in the said 
proclamation, all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs, and other officers, and all the citizens 
of this State, to be diligent in aiding and assisting in apprehending the said Elijah 



WILKES COUNTY. 687 

Clarke and his adherents, in order that they may severally be brought to justice; 
and whereas, the said Elijah Clarke, who is the object of the said proclamation, 
has this day personally appeared before us, the undersigned Justices of the Peace 
for the County of Wilkes, and surrendered himself into custody; and it being our 
duty to do speedy justice to the said State, as well as to the party charged, we 
proceeded to the most mature consideration of the cause, and after an examina- 
tion of the laws of the State, and the treaties made, and the laws passed by the 
United States, do give it as our decided and unanimous opinion that the said 
Elijah Clarke be, and is hereby discharged. 

(Signed,) R. Woosham, J. P. 

R. Christmas, J. P. 

G. WOOLDRIDGE, J. P. 

William Bell, J . P. 

This decision greatly encouraged Clarke's party, and the settle- 
ments were pushed with vigour. The measure had become popular, 
and it was thought that the militia would not march against them. 
Under these circumstances, Clarke's works were completed ; houses 
w T ere erected within his forts, and a town was laid off at Fort Ad- 
vance. He was chosen Major-General, and placed at the head of the 
enterprise ; a Committee of Safety was appointed, and everything 
wore the appearance of a permanent settlement. 

Governor Matthews, upon learning this, directed that one-third of 
the militia should hold themselves in readiness to march, and, in the 
meantime, sent Generals Twiggs and Irwin to General Clarke to in- 
duce him to remove. These officers visited him at his post, but were 
unsuccessful in their efforts. General Twiggs gave orders to Major 
Adams to cross the river and endeavour to prevail upon Clarke to 
abandon the settlement ; but his life was threatened, which so exas- 
perated the inhabitants in that neighbourhood, that they held a meet- 
ing, at which it was determined that Major Adams should go to 
Augusta and request the Governor to give him orders to dispossess 
the people. 

A few days afterwards, a Cornet and eighteen men, of Colonel 
Fauche's dragoons, came to the post, and took one of Clarke's 
lieutenants prisoner, and made arrangements to cut off supplies. In 
the meantime, Clarke made every effort to strengthen his post. 
General Irwin collected a party of militia, and took post at Town 
Creek, nine miles from Fort Fidius, and encamped on the bank opposite 
Fort Advance ; whilst Colonels Melton and Lamar, and Major Adams, 
crossed with 130 men, and cut off the communication on the south 
side of the river. Irwin promised Clarke, if he would evacuate the 
post, himself and men should be protected in their persons and pro- 
perty. Accordingly, a party of the militia took possession of his 
works, and set the fort on fire, when Clarke abandoned the enterprise. 



Here is a proper place to introduce the name of Mrs. Hillhotjse, 
a lady of great energy and enterprise. Upon the death of her hus- 



OSS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA. 

oand. in 1804, she took charge of his newspaper, called the Moni- 
tor and Impartial Observer, and conducted it for several years. The 
Journal of the House of Representatives of Georgia was printed in 
her office, and sent to Louisville, then the seat of government. 



W ILKINSON CO D N T Y . 

Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1803 : a part added to Baldwin in 
1807 : a part set off to Twiggs in 1809. Named after General James 
Wilkinson. 

The Oconee is the principal stream. 

The creeks are. Commissioners. Black Tehee. Buck. &c. 

The face of the country is somewhat undulating. There is much 
variety in the soil. The productions are cotton, corn, wheat, &c. 

Irwinton is the county site, twenty-one miles from Milledgeville. 
It was made the seat of justice in 1811, and incorporated in 1816. 
Gordon and McDonald are on the Central Railroad. 

There is nothing which distinguishes the climate. 

The instances of longevity are, R. Rosier. Sen.. John Meadows and 
Wm. Jenkin, who lived to an advanced age. Mr. Myers died at 80; 
Mr. Bloodworth. SO ; Thomas Gray, a soldier of the Revolution. 81 ; 
Wm. Biyins. a soldier of the Revolution. S3. Mrs. Jackson. 82, Josiah 
Ramage. 90, Wm. Fraser. 80, were living twelve months since. Mrs. 
Marshall was over 90 when she died : Mr. Hatfield. 80 : Mrs. 
Clay. 90 : Rev. R. Taliaferro. 88 ; Wm. Chambers, 90. 

Extract from the Census o/1850. — Dwellings. 9S3 : families. 983 : 
white males. 2,811; white females. 0.050. Total free population. 
5.40? : slaves. 2,745. Deaths. 87. Farms. 015 ; manufacturing 
establishments. 5. Value of real estate. $713,307 ; value of personal 
estate. 11,708,105. 

Anions the first settlers of this county were, Samuel Beall. 
Charles C. Beall. Solomon B. Murphy. John Hoover. John Mere- 
dith, Abner Hicks, Alexander Passmore. John Freeman. Joel 
Rivers. Samuel Bragg, John Lavender. Isaac Hall. Green B. 
Burnet, Wiley Shepherd. Joseph Hill, Wm. Lord. Jesse Pitt- 
mann. M. Carswell. Anson Ball, Wm. Lindsey, Ellis Harvill, 
and others. 



The first Superior Court for Wilkinson County was held in 1S0S. 
Hon. Peter Early. Jud^e. 



INDEX TO TABLES. 



I. Population by counties — Classification of ages, color, and 

condition — Aggregates. 

II. Population of cities and towns. 

III. Nativities of the population. 

IV. Births, marriages, deaths, dwellings, and families. 
v V. Progress of population from 1790 to 1850. 

, VI. Deaf and dumb, blind, insane, and idiotic. 

VII. Colleges, academies, schools, &c. 

VIII. Attending school during the year, as returned by families. 

IX. Adults in the State who cannot read and write. 

X. Professions, occupations, and trades of the male population. 

XI. Agriculture, farms and implements, stock, products, home 

manufactures, &c. 

XII. Newspapers and periodicals. 

XIII. Libraries other than private. 

XIV. Churches, church property, &c. 



At the last meeting of the General Assembly of the State of 
Georgia, the following Counties were laid out : — 

Catoosa, , County site, RingolJ. 

Calhoun, " 

Charlton, " 

Chattahoochee, ' ! 

Clay, " Fort Gaines. 

Coffee, '•' 

Dougherty, " Albany. 

Fannin, Morganton. 

Fulton, " Atlanta. 

Hart, « Hartwell. 

Kinchafoonee, " Mcintosh. 

Pickens, " Jasper. 

Worth, " Isabella. 



2 Census of 1850. 

TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Classification of Ages, Color and Condition.— Aggregates. 













W EL I T E S . 










COUNTIES. 


Under I, 


1 

and under 

5. 


o 

and under 
10. 


10 

and under 

15. 


l 
and 


under 
>. 


So 

and under 

SO. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 1 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M 


F. 


M. 


F. 




50 
62 
38 
55 
20 
55 
107 

27 
104 

140 
129 
101 

1-:; 
68 
11 

113 

it; 

124 

77 

62 

73 

186 

97 

75 

39 

93 

76 

123 

74 

136 

120 

143 

9 

41 

63 

180 

111 

139 

4 1 


49 

GO 
37 
49 
30 
40 
64 
67 
2J 
li- 
llO 
125 
103 
78 
162 
59 
2 
116 
29 
116 
62 
47 
80 
167 
86 
71 
28 
89 
56 
10S 
55 
98 
114 
120 
18 
35 
38 
159 
79 
132 

;- 


195 
367 
189 
471 

67 
243 
334 
257 
151 
423 
620 
781 
432 
383 
899 
327 

41 
895 
229 
577 
303 
204 
344 
781 
4-25 
296 
141 
460 
295 
494 
385 
607 
683 
650 

42 
447 
296 
679 
638 
564 
265 


218 
316 
171 
430 
81 
203 
315 
245 
154 
404 
630 
756 
481 
337 
858 
301 
32 
821 
223 
563 
279 
183 
324 
755 
307 
300 
130 
443 
265 
459 
357 
548 
688 
604 
43 
389 
268 
607 
558 
538 
264 
459 
323 
657 
427 
214 
449 
283 
236 
272 
227 
217 
142 
124 
406 
512 
291 
241 
105 
531 
552 
4 43 
100 
198 
-- 
639 
516 
260 
409 
580 

198 
205 
545 

455 


246 
369 
248 
540 
115 
237 
383 
305 
159 
499 
746 
901 
482 
436 
1,038 
356 
58 
1,021 
- 
664 
370 
203 
376 
904 
474 
297 
158 
50 1 
310 
562 
458 
690 
712 
763 
59 
4 4 -J 
371 
710 
6-3 
597 
317 
545 
384 
826 
510 
254 
552 
330 
306 
328 
280 
245 
160 
148 
473 
626 
343 
270 
99 
590 
707 
510 
1 
277 
1,095 
825 
6L2 
35 4 
509 
7:;- 
325 
246 
212 

49b 


215 

3 -J 4 
217 
454 

93 
246 
31- 
270 
185 
489 
701 
830 
504 
381 
963 
424 

39 
998 
247 

cry: 
308 
247 
359 
903 
444 
278 
165 
505 
2*0 
551 
415 
660 
761 
731 
39 
414 
367 
704 
577 
574 
276 


196 
293 
212 
413 

80 
198 
326 
262 
132 
414 
597 
745 
426 
353 
852 
373 

40 
944 
228 
572 
330 
175 
335 
796 
415 
248 
132 
477 
265 
483 
414 
546 
662 
600 

46 
419 
341 
629 
565 
508 
283 
508 
349 
716 
490 
250 
44'1 
300 
239 
234 
235 
203 
137 
160 
393 
593 
279 
242 

91 
512 
598 
482 
113 
259 
864 
715 
5-' 

296 
412 
649 
247 
256 

17" 
577 
504 


176 
281 
216 
456 

71 
202 
299 
2 
125 
412 
605 
713 
443 
343 
754 
379 

34 
862 
251 
574 
277 
171 
305 
780 
405 
229 
128 
462 
233 
491 
350 
530 
597 
554 

38 
369 
323 
593 
495 
494 
26s 
529 
325 
710 
454 
201 
490 
262 
■j.; < 
258 
255 
198 
138 
153 
395 
586 
297 
254 

76 

187 
■ 9 
501 

9( 
28.' 
818 
721 
535 
326 
368 

283 
J 96 
161 
565 
528 


ill 
227 
217 
341 

64 
157 
216 
207 
117 
334 
435 
585 
420 
282 
615 
375 

40 
57- 
194 
461 
236 
116 
229 
612 
292 
190 
102 
369 
215 
383 
269 
431 
502 
423 

24 
260 
280 
480 
390 
383 
266 
390 
260 
641 
361 
151 
342 
252 
192 
226 
177 
162 
115 
140 
300 
429 
219 
200 

68 
335 

187 
387 
102 
184 
673 
534 
534 
223 
307 
470 
207 
192 
144 
394 
400 


122 
230 
230 
453 

64 
161 
244 
222 
112 
346 
481 
597 
437 
303 
672 
369 

32 
685 
196 
487 
288 
145 
247 
655 
307 
174 

99 
392 
221 
384 
308 
4 5 2 
509 
44- 

38 
303 
287 
529 
434 
422 
219 
385 
30 l 
560 
385 
156 
397 
261 
188 
214 
188 
1 52 
101 
117 
348 
* 475 
223 
200 

62 
398 
512 
444 
101 
249 
634 
629 
499 
238 
327 
542 
227 
220 
104 
425 
1 469 


189 
403 
411 
666 
88 
207 
598 
314 
161 
472 
642 
923 

1,163 
454 
927 
493 
42 
910 
353 
744 
401 
203 
416 
967 
471 
439 
172 
620 
285 
586 
480 
634 
708 
652 
47 
428 
400 
718 
583 
587 
351 
525 
363 
788 
549 
221 
543 
396 
300 
340 
302 
280 
146 
194 
413 
625 
368 
282 
127 
555 
642 
626 
148 
332 

1,168 
888 
671 
380 
463 
775 
327 
284 
167 
673 
858 


203 


ker 


399 


bb 


288 
640 




87 




235 




446 




309 




180 




454 
647 




809 
949 
481 
985 

485 




37 


bb 


939 




314 
678 




351 
212 




403 


iKalb 


1,042 




461 




411 


fingham. . . 

bert 


179 
580 




277 
554 


oyd 


385 

645 




763 

622 




65 




452 


ibersham. . 

ill 


392 
750 
608 
676 




374 




37 

64 

131 

85 
56 
98 
61 
61 
64 
44 
59 
34 
31 

82 

133 

65 

71 

17 

97 

112 

76 

34 

61 

257 

125 

127 

60 

134 

117 

56 

40 

30 

124 

70 


78 
47 
102 
88 
51 
90 
49 
53 
73 
39 
59 
36 
31 
;:-, 

124 
73 
62 
15 
87 

131 
77 
24 
55 

205 

119 

125 
55 
92 

IK 
58 
32 
29 

119 
69 


480 
348 
693 
510 
228 
499 
294 
283 
265 
262 
217 
155 
139 
416 
565 
272 
282 

94 
457 
64.". 
492 

91 
237 
955 
666 
576 
288 
448 
659 
250 
130 
21 : 
630 
472 


563 
3178 

813 
510 
273 
527 
285 
279 
29 
270 
232 
145 
161 
425 
707 
325 
302 
91 
554 
710 
510 
101 

249 
984 

634 

340 
461 
7:: 1 

242 

199 
644 
516 


5 4 1 




370 




785 


juston 


552 
205 


ek<on 


585 
405 




327 

303 




287 


e 


261 


berty 


154 




187 




400 
674 
352 




315 




101 

497 
631 

542 




128 
295 


""ay 


1,022 
395 
673 


aulding 


355 
464 

677 




329 
291 




165 


anJoIph 

ichmond 


647 
791 



Statistics of Georgia. 
TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Scriven 

Stewart 

Sumter 

Talbot 

Tailaferro. . . 

Tatnall 

Telfair 

Thomas 

Troup 

Twiggs 

Union 

Upson 

Walker 

'Walton, . 

Ware 

Warren 

Washington . 

Wayne 

Wilkes 

Wilkinson.. . 



WHITES 



26 

130 

145 

101 

38 

44 

30 

78 

116 

38 

128 

88 

186 

110 

65 

54 

84 

19 

38 

77 



26 

120 

137 

111 

24 

38 

23 

86 

139 

33 

133 

74 

184 

103 

66 

81 

79 

24 

39 

90 



M. 



290 
670 
509 
558 
113 
191 
170 
364 
499 
262 
560 
296 
854 
47 
270 
415 
401 
83 
24-1 
452 



F. 



209 
625 
491 
520 
122 
166 
14 -J 
344 
472 
259 
526 
316 
842 
495 
301 
414 
400 
89 
260 
400 



and under 
10. 



M. 



270 
725 
515 
632 
167 
200 
ISO 
423 
594 
275 
613 
374 
964 
557 
305 
511 
463 
107 
270 
463 



F. 



275 

715 
515 
609 
137 
199 
182 
404 
610 
251 
557 
380 
938 
505 
34* 
481 
431 
91 
313 
47 2 



Total 7,894 7,271 37,844 35,698 42,642 41,118 37,075 35,674 28,497 30,C85 l 44,873 43,527 



M. 



2.70 
657 
434 
587 
132 
168 
140 
399 
565 
261 
518 
330 
865 
510 
270 
420 
410 
82 
264 
385 



F. 



226 

607 
404 
525 
114 
161 
147 
360 
617 
233 
474 
355 
783 
433 
256 
373 
420 
72 
273 
378 



M. 



130 
464 
359 
439 
118 
122 
106 
286 
481 
191 
387 
27.7 
621 
400 
246 

310 

58 

235 

285 



168 
518 

353 
460 

119 

:••" 

115 
273 
605 

218 
398 
2!)7 
641. 
407 
190 
321 
34.7 
61 
212 
256 



ao 

and under 
80. 



M. 



245 
723 
567 
647 
194 
194 
168 
393 
661 
314 
523 
384 
970 
611 
'.'7.7 
558 
562 
70 
2H1 
496 



F. 



249 
680 
511 
636 
190 
197 
153 
358 
580 
27 4 
591 
392 
974 
600 
277 
559 
500 
77 
313 
435 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties- -Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 













WH I 


PES. 










COUNTIES. 


80 

and under 
40. 


40 

and under 
50. 


50 

and under 
60- 


60 

and under 

TO. 


70 

and under 

SO. 


SO 

and under 

90. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 




135 
292 
232 
548 

6P 
132 
374 
197 
115 
263 
388 
557 
976 
263 
578 
259 

13 
602 
209 
481 
214 
133 
271 
.77- 
307 
181 
105 
357 
156 
325 
312 


116 
190 
164 
417 

57 
122 
247 
175 
108 
263 
355 
521 
679 
250 
542 
303 

17 
582 
213 
394 
205 
133 
204 
580 
270 
170 
100 
346 
175 
296 
253 


65 

162 
167 
301 

50 
103 
223 
132 

77 
192 
303 
3.79 
462 
161 
399 
200 

15 
405 
130 
312 
126 

73 
173 
426 
191 
116 

83 
234 
107 
215 
214 


73 
136 
148 
257 

42 

99 
188 
125 

68 
193 
257 
283 
357 
158 
360 
213 

14 
347 
108 
248 
149 

69 
147 
373 
182 
110 

73 
212 
123 
234 
175 


45 

84 

100 

170 

27 

50 

91 

79 

44 

104 

156 

198 

202 

125 

224 

116 

17 

188 

116 

163 

105 

32 

100 

214 

96 

49 

58 

130 

68 

145 

103 


43 

59 

Mi 

134 

25 

49 

134 

70 

45 

91 

148 

169 

221 

99 

208 

146 

12 

189 

93 

141 

97 

39 

103 

240 

108 

47 

47 

130 

58 

111 

6S 


24 
38 

45 
75 
15 
31 
53 
54 
27 
53 
94 

106 
95 
50 

130 

4 
153 
49 
71 
62 
32 
45 
141 
49 
14 
21 
93 
40 
81 
51 


21 
1 

50 
67 
7 
32 
56 
43 
25 
47 
66 
79 

122 
50 

113 

76 

3 

111 
70 
71 
48 
24 
40 

110 
46 
13 
21 
84 
35 
65 
41 


11 
ll 
19 
29 

9 
18 
17 
17 
14 
27 
32 
36 
28 
22 
46 
35 

1 
4.7 
23 
40 
21 
10 
2.7 
52 
20 

3 

12 
30 
20 
30 
t 16 


6 

8 
19 
24 

3 
11 
15 
17 
12 
27 
32 
37 
47 
25 
41 
33 

o 

35 
22 
39 
17 
12 
14 
48 
20 

3 
10 
40 
15 
22 

9 


4 
1 
6 

9 


5 


Baker 




Baldwin 


6 
5 






Bullock 

Burk> 


4 

6 

9 

4 

8 

13 

13 

4 

3 

19 

16 

11 
4 

10 
8 
2 
3 

15 
5 

1 
9 

7 

13 

5 


3 
3 


Butts 


8 




6 


Carroll 


4 
13 


Cass 


17 


Clark 


11 

25 

11 


Clinch 







7 




11 
12 




7 
3 




1 




12 
5 




1 




15 




5 
12 




5 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE I.— Population by Countias— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 



COUNTIE.- 



"W KITES 



80 40 

and under and under 

4'l. 50. 




60 70 80 

and under and under and under 

70. 80. 00. 



M. F. M. F. M. F. M. F. M. 



Forsyth 

Franklin 

Gilmer 

Glynn 

Gordon 

Greene 

Gwinnett 

Hambersbam 

Hall 

Hancock. 

Harris 

Head 

Henry 

Houston 

Irwin 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson . 

Jones 

Laurens 

Lee 

Liberty 

Lincoln . • 

Lowndes 

Lumpkin... . 

Macon 

Madison .. 

?>IcIntosb 

Marion 

Meriwether. . 

Monroe 

Montgo nery. 

Morgan 

Murray 

Muscogee 

Newton . 

Oglethorpe.. 

Paulding 

Pike 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Rabu i 

Randolph . . . 
Richmond.. . 

Scriven 

Stewart 

Sumter 

Talbot 

i Taliaferro. .. 

Tatna'l 

Telfair 

Thomas 

Troup 

Twiggs 

Union 

Upson 

Walker 

Walton ..... 

Ware 

Warren 

Washington. 

Wayne 

Wilkes 

Wilkinson.. . 

Total... 



362 
414 
427 
55 
258 
254 
399 
360 
321 
2 

230 
442 
35!) 
133 
338 
245 
218 
216 
164 
193 
110 
107 
231 
414 
237 
200 

90 
335 
409 
332 

86 
222 
701 
640 
- 
273 
277 
444 
212 
177 

98 
I - 
638 
175 
485 
366 
400 
125 
112 
118 
270 
304 
192 
331 
233 
553 
343 
149 
308 
309 

45 
207 
309 



28 II 3 



360 
441 
400 
- 
230 
244 
421 
374 
325 
214 






215 
47 

323 
134 
336 
207 

214 

146 

99 
112 
240 
407 
175 
197 

76 
332 
437 

.-- 

61 
174 
614 
544 
377 
232 
239 
414 
201 
165 
109 
365 
491 
186 
390 
301 
344 

95 
109 
104 
243 
334 
180 
300 
232 
524 

130 
337 
312 
54 
186 
275 



259 
309 
282 
36 
192 
173 
- 
249 
230 
159 



168 

369 
244 

91 
223 
139 
144 
134 
123 
111 

74 

80 
213 
280 
157 
130 

47 

334 
217 
50 
159 
440 
454 
262 
177 
150 
307 
129 
128 
72 
306 
381 
122 
345 
224 
272 
63 
73 
69 
1-1 
292 
130 
241 
162 
379 
224 
110 
215 
209 
41 
146 
17'i 



284 


159 


152 


82 


- 


203 


202 


121 


239 


144 


150 


97 


--- 


20 


17 


11 


175 


95 


94 


45 


187 


132 


96 


71 


- 


189 


213 


119 


251 


179 


167 


108 




149 


151 


90 


U - 


: 




77 


_-. : 


146 




81 


147 


1 ' 


62 


36 


330 


210 


154 


104 


- 


142 


120 


- 


-• 


50 


41 


-. 


24 


155 


162 


104 


i ; 


99 


84 


70 


- 


72 


- 


48 


l v- 


74 


34 


57 


138 


- 


61 


66 


I - 


62 


39 


31 


- ' 


45 


45 


; 


81 


53 


60 


40 


165 


99 


90 


57 


264 


14- 


156 


94 


107 


87 


87 


37 


147 


77 


82 


52 


57 


41 


28 


10 


•- - 


120 


114 


81 




188 


156 


95 


238 


207 


171 


94 


47 


35 


31 


14 


HI 


74 


79 


42 


385 




194 


141 


359 


254 


188 


104 


270 


17- 


186 


117 


164 


81 


84 


54 


177 


95 


-- 


51 


271 


174 


157 


92 


117 


84 


56 


37 


124 


89 


-: 


55 


73 


42 


■ 


37 


; 


150 


112 


85 


345 


193 


201 


91 


94 


68 


66 


36 




157 


125 


82 


196 


126 


126 


74 




203 


155 


99 




54 


49 


32 


- 


58 


56 


33 


70 


41 


40 


31 


140 


106 


90 


46 


274 


137 


148 


100 


124 


67 


69 


46 


221 


112 


103 


89 




98 


105 


74 


357 


233 


210 


115 


2:4 


157 


148 


93 


114 


73 


51 


42 


222 


139 


136 


75 


223 


134 


140 


78 


34 


26 


24 


12 


150 


: - 


94 


52 


163 


101 


115 


71 


403 


10,891 


10,125 


6,202 




40 

106 

57 

■ 

95 

71 

43 

56 

43 

25 

27 

33 

41 

74 

41 

69 

15 

50 

109 

73 

20 

- 

101 

114 

103 

58 

41 

35 
41 
34 
64 

103 
28 
72 
58 
73 
31 
30 
25 
45 
79 
54 
77 
57 
91 
73 
26 

100 

80 

7 

50 

74 



j. 147 2,329 



M. 



725 



Statistics of Georgia. 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 





WHITES. 


FREE COLORED. 


COUNTIES. 


90 

and under 

100. 


100 

and upwards. 


Age 
unknown. 


Cnder 
1. 


1 

and under 

5. 


5 

and under 
10. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. \ F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 










2 






1 2 


2 


3 


3 
1 


1 


Baker 






1 




6 
1 










1 

] 




1 
1 








2 
3 
1 


1 
1 


3 


Bibb 


3 






1 


2 


3 










. 1 


Bullock 








o 












Burke 


1 
1 










4 


2 


9 
1 


8 


15 


15 


Butts 


1 


1 
































1 




1 






1 




1 


1 






Carroll 


1 


7 


2 
o 

3 






Cass 








4 
40 

1 


1 
40 


2 
36 


1 






1 

1 

3 






3 


9 


56 










1 






1 
1 


1 


10 


19 




1 


1 


2 


Clark 


3 


1 


1 














g 

1 

o 






Cobb 


4 
3 
3 


4 

o 

3 
1 
1 






3 
























1 


6 


4 


5 




1 


1 








2 








::::: .. 






r> 




Dade 


1 
1 




































DeKalb 


4 

4 


1 
1 


1 
1 










1 
1 


3 


1 


Dooly 


I 






















































1 


Elbert . 


1 
g 


4 
1 














1 


1 

I 


1 
1 

2 


1 






I 








1 






6 


3 






















1 




1 
5 
3 


4 
3 


1 
1 
1 










o 
9 


4 


2 
3 


1 




2 






- 


4 






I 






















■ I 
2 
5 
4 
5 
1 


1 
1 
2 
1 

2 
































•j 




o 


7 


4 


6 


Gwinnett 

Hrbersham 

Hall 






4 
26 


■j 
22 


1 




















4 

1 


i 




1 

10 






1 








1 
3 


4 
1 
g 

4 


7 








2 


i 


2 




1 
















o 
4 

: 

l 
5 
2 
2 










1 


2 


1 




















1 




3 


1 






1 
2 














2 










1 .. 


1 






] 
2 


4 


5 


2 














3 

4 
1 

1 
2 
2 

1 


4 5 
4 4 


o 




1 
1 




1 
1 






1 


D 








1 

g 
1 
1 
1 

1 


1 
1 

t 
1 


1 








1 




1 
















1 
















o 


1 


3 




g 
4 
1 
3 


3 
6 
1 


1 
1 
2 




S 


6 


1 


1 
4 




















1 








1 


1 










1 




3 


1 


4 




1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
3 
1 
4 
1 
o 

4 
2 




1 


] 


1 






















: 
1 
1 

3 
1 
1 
4 
2 














1 


: 
























1 




■ 


1 
4 
1 


2 

2 
4 
4 


1 


Mnrrav 


g 


1 


1 
10 




1 




- 


•J 






1 






2 


2 


Paulding 

Pike 






1 


























1 


1 3 


1 
1 

1 


6 
2 
2 


4 


Pulasfl 








2 














1 3 


2 




1 
























1 


1 










1 




2 






1 


1 


13 


11 


22 


14 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties- -Ages, Color, and Condition-Aggregates-Continued. 





WHITES. 


FREE COLORED. 


COUNTIES. 


90 

and under 

100. 


100 
and upwards. 


Age 
unknown. 


Under 
1. 


1 

and under 

5. 


5 

and under 
10. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. [ F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 






1 
4 
1 
2 


1 
3 






















1 
1 

1 

o 


1 
1 


3 


2 


















1 


1 


5 

4 
3 
1 


1 
2 

5 
3 


1 


Talbot 


7 
1 


4 




3 




2 




4 


3 


Tatna'l 


o 


1 
1 
1 
1 

1 

1 

2 

1 
2 

1 

1 






2 


Telfair 


1 


1 


5 


3 










Thomas . 














Troup 




l 










1 


] 
4 
1 


3 
3 


4 




1 

2 
1 






2 


2 


3 














1 




1 


o 












Walker 


2 




4 


4 

o 


7 
1 


3 


Walton 


1 

1 
1 










3 








1 










1 












1 
1 


9 


14 


15 


8 












o 


2 3 


3 




2 
1 
3 
















Wilkes 






4 








2 


1 


4 


1 




1 






















1 1 




Total 


119 


149 


26 


[ 2? 


104 


94 


44| 30 


178[ 165J 221 


202 



TABLE I— Population by Counties-Ages, Color and Condition-Aggregates-Continued. 











FREE COLORED 


• 








COUNTIES. 


10 

and under 

15. 


15 20 

and under and under 

SO. JO. 


80 

and under 

40. 


40 

and under 

50. 


50 

and under 
60. 




M. 


F. 


M 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F 


Appang 

Bibb 


1 
3 


1 

1 

3 


1 


1 3 


1 
2 

1 
9 






1 


1 


3 




3 

1 


1 

4 


4 
1 
2 


6 


1 
5 
3 


1 

3 
3 






o 


o 


3 


2 


Bryan 
















10 
1 

1 


7 


11 


6 


11 


9 

1 


6 


12 


5 


3 


4 


4 
























1 




*^ amt . ,, 






o 

1 

3 

35 
1 

1 
1 


1 


1 


















2 

1 

26 
















55 


o 
44 


1 
37 


1 
73 


1 
31 


1 
51 








1 




29 


40 

1 


11 


38 




1 




1 

1 


1 
1 


1 
1 


2 


1 


2 
1 










1 
























1 

8 
2 


1 
6 
2 
















3 


3 


9 
3 
o 


3 
3 


1 


5 
3 


2 

1 


1 


1 


4 
1 




1 


4 


1 




























o 
2 
1 








1 




D Kalb 


1 
1 


5 
1 




3 


3 


4 


2 


1 
1 


1 


1 






V •] 


1 
1 














Effingham 


1 
1 

3 


1 


1 
o 
4 


1 
2 


1 
2 
1 




1 
1 

1 1 






1 




1 


1 






2 
1 


5 


1 


















2 




1 













Statistics of Georgia- 7 

TABLE I.— Population by Counties-Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 





FREE COLORED. 


COUNTIES. 


10 

and under 
15. 


15 

and under 

40. 


20 

and under 

80. 


80 

and under 

40. 


40 

and under 

50. 


50 

and under 

60. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 1 F. 


M. 


F. 






l 
2 


l 

1 


l 
3 


1 
5 
1 


1 
6 
1 


2 
1 
3 


1 
3 












3 


1 




1 


















































6 
3 


o 
1 
1 


3 


2 


1 


5 


3 


4 
1 


3 


1 


I 






1 


1 










Hall 






1 
5 


6 










1 






4 


3 


1 
3 


3 
1 


3 


4 
3 


1 
1 


1 
1 


1 
1 


Head 


1 










1 




1 
1 




1 
1 

2 

1 

1 


1 
1 










1 




1 






o 














1 

4 
1 


o 




2 

1 
2 
5 

1 


6 
1 
3 

1 


I 

1 
6 


2 








1 




3 

1 
o 
o 
1 
1 
1 
1 


1 
1 

4 




1 

2 

2 
1 


1 
1 


1 




4 

1 


1 


3 

2 


j- 




Tee 


1 
1 
3 

1 
3 






2 

] 
1 

1 
1 












1 
3 
2 

1 

o 


1 


1 
3 


1 
1 
1 


1 


o 


Lincoln . ... • 


1 




3 
3 


1 
1 




2 


2 


o 




Ml'" 






















1 




5 


3 
2 

1 


3 

1 


3 

o 


10 

1 


3 


4 

o 


7 


5 


o 


3 


2 

1 








1 
















1 


2 




































3 


1 



3 
] 


1 

1 
1 


2 
5 
5 
1 


1 




1 
1 
5 


2 
1 
5 

1 






1 






2 


1 
3 
o 






3 
6 


6 
1 

1 


2 


1 

3 


5 


















1 
4 
2 










Pike 


1 
3 
1 


6 

3 
3 


5 
3 
1 


2 
2 
2 


6 
3 

2 


12 
4 
4 


1 
2 
1 


2 
1 


I 


1 






3 




1 


1 


1 




























1 
8 


1 
L2 








19 


IS 


If 


13 


24 
1 
1 

1 


52 


12 


14 


2 


8 












1 
1 

2 
4 


1 
1 








] 

1 
2 


1 




1 
1 

7 
4 


1 
1 

2 

1 






1 


1 


1 
1 
1 




Talbot 


1 
2 






TatnaU 


2 
1 


3 


3 

1 


2 
1 


2 


















1 

2 


3 
1 


E 


2 
4 


1 
1 

4 


3 

2 


1 
3 










Troup 


1 

5 


4 
o 


1 












1 










IT 


























Walker 


1 


I 


2 
1 


4 

a 




4 
1 


1 


1 
1 




1 


1 
















1 




Warren 


IE 

1 


i 


15 

! 1 

1 

1 1 


is 

i 


S 
1 


14 

1 
] 


7 

4 
1 


2 


6 

2 


6 


5 








Wilkes 


1 


i 


S 


1 


1 








Total 


sor 


18( 


) 147 


171 


193 


28' 


131 


17L 


97 


9C 


65 


99 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE I. —Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates-Continued. 





FREE COLORED. 


COUNTIES. 


60 

and under 

ro. 


TO 

and under 

80. 


• WO 
and under 
90. 


90 

nnd under 

100. 


100 

mid upwards- 


Age 
unknown. 




M. 


F. 


M. 1 F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


A 1 






















































o 


o 




.:::.. .. 
















1 














1 






















































2 


2 


3 


i 




1 














T , 
















] 


1 
















































1 
















































. 8 


O.J 


11 


15 




6 


3 


7 






















1 






















Clark 


1 


1 


3 


1 




1 


















































4 


2 


1 


1 


























































































o 
























1 










1 






1 












1 
































































Elbert 








1 




1 
















1 




1 




















































































Franklin 

Gilmer 


1 


o 


1 
1 
1 


1 


l 






























1 






















c J i 11 




















.-, 


1 


1 




o 


















ene 


















H b 1 






















































1 
1 


1 








1 


1 














1 


1 












H d 




















y. 




1 


3 


1 

1 




















2 






































T | 
















1 










T " * 




1 

1 


4 


1 
















Jefl'erson 


1 




1 
1 


1 


1 
1 


1 


















T 


















j 


























T 1 




] 




1 
2 




















2 








































T k' 




















1 






M 
























HI i- 






1 


1 
1 


l 


1 














Mcintosh 


o 


4 




1 
























M tl 


























M 


























1U 


























M 


























M 




























3 










2 










1 










l 












n l i 






1 


















Paulding 

Pike 


1 






















1 

1 








1 

1 
























2 












P 




















"R 1 


























-r, j 1 i 




























£ 


1 


3 


i 


1 1 















Statistics ok Georgia. 
TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 





FREE COLORED. 


COUNTIES. 


60 

nnd under 

TO. 


~0 
nnd under 

80. 


80 

and under 

90. 


90 

and under 

100. 


100 

and upwards. 


Agc 
Unknown. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F." 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 
















































































Talbot 




1 
3 
1 
























2 




1 


















Tatnall 








1 










Telfair 














































1 














1 










Twiggs 






1 


































































Walker 






























1 


1 


1 








1 














1 

1 


















3 


1 


1 
1 


1 

1 








1 














1 




















Wilkes 




















































Total 


























44 


67 


35 


44 


8 


18 


9 


14 


2 


<l 





TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 















S E A V E 


S. 












COUNTIES. 


Under 1, 


1 

and under 
5. 


5 

and under 
10. 


10 

and under 

15. 


15 

acid under 
20. 


SO 

and under 

SO. 


SO 

and under 

40. 




M, 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


Appling 


8 
38 
53 
39 
22 
18 

146 
43 
30 
19 
15 
41 

105 
31 
8 
63 
1 
3D 
43 
60 
72 
4 
51 
30 
47 
52 
27 
85 
14 


35 
54 
55 
32 
23 

148 
36 
25 
32 
20 
44 

155 
29 
21 
63 
2 
31 
45 
59 
57 
2 
41 
37 
43 
58 
15 

115 
11 


37 
257 
330 
346 
158 
119 
733 
228 
276 
106 

83 
214 
586 
166 

78 
404 

10 
166 
663 
425 
333 

10 
296 
212 
217 
283 
129 
535 

74 


24 
258 
315 
389 
147 
111 
728 
211 
320 
115 

62 
225 
724 
141 

90 
386 

10 
171 
656 
454 
331 

11 
281 
223 
201 
264 
134 
495 

70 


34 
290 
366 
343 
156 
136 
724 
232 
267 
140 

81 
256 
686 
151 
103 
43S 

11 
17s 
612 

427 

387 
7 
289 
239 
204 
*73 
111 
532 
70 


41 

253 
341 
375 
125 
129 
744 
220 
335 
134 
111 
234 
784 
157 

84 
41ii 
9 
194 
603 
425 
344 

11 
304 
224 
200 
281 
152 
459 
102 


33 
280 
337 
323 
120 
132 
7S3 
225 
261 
119 

93 
217 
745 
123 

86 
393 

175 
579 
412 
379 

15 
259 
193 
198 
243 
119 
426 

80 


36 
270 
336 
365 
120 
110 
703 
208 
301 
124 

86 
195 
854 
116 
102 
369 

10 
159 
526 
381 
322 

16 
241 
235 
219 
235 
104 
465 

70 


24 
246 
270 
299 
110 

60 
591 
146 
185 

85 

86 
205 
659 

92 

67 
308 
8 
137 
482 
3 
285 

10 
201 
168 
151 
187 

96 
345 

58 


19 
240 
290 
340 
120 

81 
546 
177 
235 

86 

68 
197 
713 
102 

91 
372 
6 
156 
547 
356 
272 

10 
190 
195 
186 
1<)3 

74 
333 

02 


32 
375 
374 
503 
186 
122 
1,005 
246 
350 
134 

94 
284 
1.375 
121 
113 
462 

12 
172 
719 
504 
435 
9 
319 
251 
258 
201 
145 
560 

95 


30 
385 
428 
554 
224 
120 
968 
25] 
378 
133 

91 
272 
1,292 
148 
100 
49H 

16 
197 
733 
526 
393 

16 
346 
257 
282 
299 
150 
540 

80 


20 

195 

203 

331 

136 

56 

581 

132 

257 

50 

56 

1 '• 

1,017 

65 

41 

294 

8 

111! 
382 
232 
219 
3 
185 
135 
121 
194 

9! 
288 

37 


18 
195 


Baldwin 

Bibb 


242 
367 


Bullock 


140 
69 
623 


Butts 

Camden 

Campbell 


124 

280 

84 

53 


Cass 


155 


Chattooga 

Cherokee 

Clark 


1,069 
82 
63 
319 

7 


Cobb 


139 


Coweta 

Crawford 

Dade 


431 

278 

222 

7 


Decatur 

DeKalb 

Dooly 


184 
173 
142 


Early . . 


221 


Elbert 


95 
304 


Emanuel 


39 



10 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 















S L, AV E 


S. 




















1 




5 


10 


15 


SO 


80 


COUNTIES. 


Und 


er 1, 


and under 
5. 


nnd under 
10. 


and 
1 


under 


and under 
SO. 


and under 
80. 


nnd under 
40. 




M, 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 




30 


33 


172 


151 


143 


160 


168 


151 


127 


118 


150 


183 


95 


94 


Floyd 


31 

23 


40 
18 


227 

94 


240 
64 


224 

107 


254 
80 


220 
79 


222 
63 


17( 
62 


17b 
71 


272 

76 


25C 
113 


141 

39 


160 


Forsyth 


49 


Franklin 


29 


34 


192 


196 


198 


202 


168 


19] 


141 


142 


180 


191 


95 


117 




5 

44 

3 

97 
44 


4 

42 

5 

115 

37 


23 
291 

65 
598 
172 


16 

320 
62 
581 
192 


19 

251 

70 

632 

180 


14 
256 

70 
611 

185 


11 
271 

65 
576 
157 


12 
267 

69 
561 
139 


193 

64 

496 

165 


14 
179 

54 
500 
152 


14 
312 

75 
803 
210 


28 
41( 

751 
202 


8 
211 
28 
403 
104 


11 




281 




36 




421 




106 




18 


8 


106 


93 


102 


99 


97 


98 


65 


1 1 


96 


86 


6( 


74 


Hall 


29 


28 


120 


105 


124 


97 


108 


95 


72 


66 


99 


117 


52 


06 


Hancock 


75 
106 
33 

126 


90 
87 
31 
72 
104 


534 
572 

189 
41(1 
710 


505 
605 
175 

361 

770 


632 
676 
212 
398 
713 


521 
609 
215 

387 
697 


501 
602 
196 
372 
722 


558 
592 
192 
405 
674 


433 

458 
137 
288 
617 


451 
494 
151 
384 
593 


684 
753 
184 
390 
980 


576 
719 
21( 
473 
948 


335 


381 




359 
101 

219 
506 


420 


Heard 


125 




235 




576 




8 
41 


10 
49 


37 
228 


41 
234 


50 
270 


40 
260 


30 
215 


26 
230 


26 
173 


22 

199 


39 

210 


43 

241 


14 
120 


27 




149 




92 

79 


82 
80 


565 
497 


531 

350 


579 

265 


550 
375 


558 
409 


527 

367 


380 
283 


440 
325 


600 

473 


603 
454 


357 
292 


328 




297 




85 
32 


82 
28 


461 
260 


492 
192 


500 
266 


477 
248 


447 
228 


437 
201 


386 
174 


374 
152 


580 
259 


578 
226 


278 
122 


323 




156 




76 


72 


210 


239 


258 


280 


235 


269 


227 


211 


373 


331 


237 


188 




49 
5(1 


44 
62 


454 
283 


474 
239 


375 

289 


402 
269 


343 
285 


350 
276 


273 
215 


261 
226 


479 
357 


513 
334 


362 
186 


410 




145 




34 


37 


182 


186 


226 


201 


162 


184 


133 


132 


168 


193 


117 


146 




11 


6 


75 


86 


85 


77 


70 


57 


58 


40 


84 


80 


51 


35 


45 
40 


48 
33 


22(1 
133 


263 
145 


200 
157 


221 
106 


175 
142 


210 
165 


165 
117 


189 
114 


277 
154 


306 
160 


140 
75 


160 




106 




36 


56 


373 


aso 


345 


346 


294 


238 


174 


177 


335 


384 


286 


300 




60 
106 


59 
105 


287 
607 


295 

578 


275 

638 


256 
650 


241 

591 


253 

577 


215 

519 


225 

488 


359 

730 


367 
795 


167 
362 


178 




380 




135 


129 


766 


777 


742 


792 


780 


775 


671 


690 


890 


861 


463 


495 


Montgomery 


12 


16 


47 


56 


45 


54 


54 


38 


29 


45 


48 


55 


28 


27 


74 


95 


490 


474 


507 


494 


438 


500 


440 


471 


665 


051 


386 


392 




37 


33 


122 


159 


151 


151 


145 


124 


119 


114 


198 


184 


83 


87 


80 


92 


527 


552 


594 


582 


500 


551 


449 


506 


813 


826 


438 


457 




75 


70 


431 


401 


407 


389 


427 


368 


311 


338 


441 


418 


242 


262 




103 


122 


565 


638 


618 


656 


532 


620 


462 


509 


640 


693 


374 


393 




15 


10 


113 


123 


111 


127 


122 


133 


79 


77 


122 


142 


66 


61 


Pike 


70 
41 


76 
34 


400 
212 


434 
216 


405 
224 


424 
193 


442 
204 


395 
198 


337 
151 


395 
176 


522 
235 


519 
251 


237 
153 


316 




150 




88 


94 


558 


529 


609 


543 


523 


475 


471 


469 


613 


630 


404 


384 




1 

76 


1 

85 


8 
330 


6 
342 


8 
356 


12 
415 


8 
334 


8 
371 


10 
308 


335 


10 
504 


14 
514 


2 
247 


3 




221 


28 


34 


444 


474 


450 


488 


453 


484 


337 


353 


710 


730 


540 


557 




19 


23 


284 


2S3 


292 


279 


203 


263 


194 


199 


326 


288 


232 


176 




94 


126 


542 


568 


599 


562 


487 


490 


407 


449 


714 


729 


361 


399 




70 


61 


295 


2!-* 


278 


293 


276 


242 


237 


235 


381 


400 


183 


181 


Talbot 


126 
43 


119 
53 


692 
244 


644 

246 


716 

258 


752 
210 


613 
199 


659 
198 


511 
194 


537 

185 


755 
264 


785 
246 


451 
126 


417 


Taliaferro. .. 


153 


TatiKill . . 


12 


12 


66 


74 


70 


72 


78 


51 


51 


36 


73 


60 


28 


46 


Telfair . 


20 


11 


78 


79 


95 


77 


64 


66 


52 


58 


74 


73 


28 


43 




59 


63 


465 


438 


403 


409 


372 


364 


258 


374 


416 


527 


2i3 


235 




130 

28 


-157 
25 


681 
350 


700 
325 


718 
331 


717 
312 


641 

305 


677 
305 


536 

286 


634 

268 


779 
486 


816 

428 


415 
273 


440 




209 




75 


4 

84 


24 
345 


23 
314 


19 

398 


22 
342 


15 
302 


15 

364 


15 

275 


18 

289 


30 
453 


29 
397 


20 
206 


14 


Walker 


218 


33 


20 


112 


124 


145 


150 


136 


121 


99 


99 


131 


172 


66 


97 




54 


53 


273 


286 


315 


326 


297 


291 


224 


270 


326 


335 


165 


191 




2 
71 


2 
62 


17 
451 


26 
424 


26 
511 


32 

480 


17 
464 


18 

459 


21 

362 


19 

3*8 


26 
536 


22 

536 


14 

289 


14 




257 




81 


71 


445 


' 405 


465 


419 


418 


397 


385 


310 


472 


507 


294 


276 




14 
107 


2 

115 


34 

571 


29 

628 


34 

599 


35 

618 


27 
561 


36 
559 


15 
530 


21 
543 


27 

726 


42 

814 


10 
423 


20 


"Wilkes 


432 




41 


39 


179 


228 


207 


218 


175 


200 


135 


196 


270 


250 


133 


127 


Total 


4,730 


4,889 


27,984 


28,070 


28,941 


28,711 


26,834 


26,749 


21,865 


23,072 


33,959 


34,590 


19,146 


20,42-) 



Statistics of Georgia 



11 



TABLE I— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Appling 

Baker 

Baldwin 

Bibb 

Bryan 

Bullock 

Burke 

Butts 

Camden 

Campbell 

Carroll 

Cass 

Chatham 

Chattooga... 

Cherokee 

Clark 

Clinch 

Cobb 

Columbia . . . 

Coweta 

Crawford . . . 

Dade 

Decatur 

DeKalb 

Dooly 

Early 

Effingham.. 

Elbert 

Emanuel 

Gayette 

Floyd 

Forsyth 

Franklin. . . . 

Gilmer 

Glynn... . 

Gordon 

Greene 

Gwinnett . . . 
Habersham. 

Hall 

Hancock 

Harris 

Heard 

Henry 

Houston. . . . 

Irwin 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson 

Jones 

Laurens 

Lee 

Liberty 

Lincoln 

Lowndes. .. 
Lumpkin . . . 

Macon 

Madison. . . . 
Mcintosh.... 

Marion 

Meriwether. 

Monroe 

Montgomery 

Morgan 

Murray 

Muscogee... 
Newton .... 
Oglethorpe.. 
Paulding.. . 

Pike 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Rabun 

Randolph... 



SLAVES 



40 

and unde 
50. 



5 

100 

173 

229 

88 

38 

427 

73 

165 

27 

17 

80 

640 

33 

24 

183 

1 

49 

311 

142 

156 

3 

115 

78 

68 

97 

117 

194 

16 

50 

15 

56 

3 

161 

18 

260 

57 

23 

24 

262 

257 

55, 

98 

306 

11 

61 

227 

170 

175 

115 

229 

111 

58 

24 

85 

58 

184 

92 

233 

328 

9 

259 

55 

283 

148 

218 

45 

157 

94 

252 

2 

147 



11 

112 

162 

277 

112 

50 

383 

103 

161 

37 

34 

81 

801 

45 

37 

199 

3 

76 

271 

145 

150 

4 

129 

99 

100 

132 

53 

189 

30 

42 

102 

19 

71 

3 

205 

22 

272 

75 

31 

44 

214 

247 

141 

307 

12 

96 

236 

178 

210 

87 

106 

249 

136 

74 

28 

83 

57 

182 

107 

250 

320 

17 

236 

63 

344 

173 

229 

50 

180 

93 

209 

3 

162 



114 
47 
26 

235 
39 
82 
22 
4 
46 

402 
31 
13 
89 
2 
27 

174 
60 
70 
3 
52 
41 
29 
60 
70 

100 
4 
15 
49 
11 
44 
3 

106 
5 

157 
29 
10 
24 

156 

121 
30 
56 

156 

3 

37 

127 

106 
89 
41 
60 

134 
73 
35 
20 
48 
14 

139 
40 

117 

156 
8 

148 
25 

133 
68 
9' 
23 
72 



60 
81 

Ml 
55 
23 

235 
43 
93 
14 

37 

454 

15 

15 

121 

1 

28 

159 

70 

65 

3 

60 

49 

50 

36 

100 
11 
29 
4 

16 

45 

2 

147 
16 

138 
33 
20 
29 

124 
91 
35 
65 

143 

38 

122 
96 

102 
31 
50 

139 
52 
2 
19 
45 
31 

107 
40 
98 

161 
II 

124 
31 

166 
84 

132 
21 
66 
48 

133 



35 
56 
76 
50 
13 

187 
20 
89 
19 
2 
23 

310 

15 

8 

89 

1 

24 

120 
50 
40 
3 
47 
21 
19 



12 
18 
26 

6 
23 

1 
88 

9 
115 
14 
17 
11 
81 
79 
15 
45 
89 

1 
18 



46 
38 

110 
49 
31 
11 
35 
28 

110 
41 
64 
84 
3 
92 
18 
82 
47 
89 
14 
34 
31 



6 
36 
51 
88 
52 
12 
16 
27 
81 
15 
12 
35 
394 

8 

8 
68 

2 
2 

110 
4 
38 

2' 
33 
26 
33 
2' 
68 
13 
19 
3 

35 

2 
92 

8 
91 
22 
21 

9 
80 
73 
18 
51 
95 

2 
27 
74 
91 
62 
49 
40 
114 
47 
21 
13 
18 

16 

in 

25 

55 

71 

4 

69 
16 
96 
46 
91 
10 
37 
22 
80 
1 
49 



TO 

ami under 
HO. 



80 

and un-le 

90. 



10 
27 
20 

8 
4 

58 

26 
2 
3 

74 
3 

1 
2u 



35 
5 
5 
3 

30 

13 
1 
9 

23 

*l"5 

21 

33 

26 

23 

II 

17 

12 

5 

3 

15 

9 

41 

15 

36 

3 

35 

i- 
2 1 

9 
27 

4 
13 
10 
19 

1 

9 



3 

38 

23 

(i 
17 
34 

1 
13 
31 
28 
16 
17 
II 
51 
l.s 

1 

1 

5 

8 
20 

9 
13 
21 

2 
26 

4 
28 
17 
30 

1 
12 
10 
2 1 

2 . 
13 



90 

und under 
100. 



100 

a ,1 
upwards. 



12 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 















SLAVES. 
















COUNTIES. 


40 

an i under 
60. 


50 

and under 
60. 


60 

and unier 
TO. 


~0 

and uudi r 
80. 


80 

and under 

90. 


90 

un 1 under 

100. 


100 
n d 

upwards. 


Age 
unknown. 




M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 


F. 


M. 

14 

5 
1 
2 
2 
2 


F. 

10 
3 
1 
1 
3 
1 


M. 

3 

4 

.... 


F. 

2 
1 
3 


M. 


F. 


Richmond 

Scriven 


354 

120 

220 

10(1 

243 

98 

2' 

28 

132 

238 

185 

4 

165 

42 

120 

4 

187 

191 

10 

25i 

104 


377 
lis 
210 
135 
25fi 
106 

31 

28 
107 
282 
145 
4 
147 

42 
123 

13 
19b 
192 

14 
251 

79 


222 
84 

110 
62 

105 

47 

9 

12 

69 

146 
86 
1 
67 
17 
69 
2 

114 

102 

148 

29 


239 
59 

103 
34 

128 

52 

9 

12 

72 

132 
67 
3 
71 
19 
63 
2 
94 
80 
11) 

125 
38 


173 
60 
63 
25 
78 
35 
10 
12 
44 
7() 
47 

5 
63 

5 
42 

5 

66 
74 

5 
106 
35 


187 
59 
67 
34 
71 
45 

9 
33 

62 
54 

3 
39 
16 
46 

3 
71 
74 

95 

24 


45 

18 

20 

12 

28 

14 

5 

6 

6 

25 

14 


70 
15 
13 

4 
25 
18 

3 

12 

24 
12 


14 
5 
5 

4 

4 

"l 

5 


14 
1 
9 
2 
3 
1 
1 
4 
5 

12 
6 
2 
3 
1 

1 

8 
7 
1 
11 
6 


1 


Talbot 


2 


























Troup 


*"i 

' i 
.... 

3 


2 
5 
6 


.... 

1 


1 
2 
1 


.... 














Walker 


11 
3 
15 

2 
30 
31 

6 
31 
12 


11 

6 

8 


2 
4 
4 


2 
1 
2 


"i 


1 
1 
1 










Walton 








26 

27 


13 

5 


7 
5 


2 
3 


.... 


2 

1 












Wilkes 






22 
13 


10 
3 


2 


3 
2 


l 
l 










1 












Total 


12,10!) 


13,006 


6,584 


6,560 


4,585 


4,544 


1,399 


1,430 


480 


519 


142 


162 


81 


79 


27 


17 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 



COUNTIES 


TOTAL WHITES. 


TOTAL 
Free Colored. 


TOTAL SLAVES. 


H 2 




Males. 


Females. 


Total. 


Mnlea. 

16 
1 
19 
20 
10 


Females 

9 
3 
8 
33 
5 


Total. 

25 

4 

27 

53 

15 




Males. 


Female-. 


Total. 


< Si 




1,071 
2.310 
1,885 
3,619 

604 
1.435 
2.75!) 
1,888 
1,028 
2,893 
4 174 
5.333 
4,794 
2,628 
5,921 
2,710 

282 
5,872 
1,838 
4,223 
2,253 
1.246 
2,391 
5,702 
2,844 
1,909 
1,027 
3,374 
1,846 
3.451 
2,781 
3,950 
4,519 


1,249 
2.041 
1,634 
3,390 

560 
1,405 
2,359 
1,792 
1.041 
2,825 
4,078 
4/938 
4,358 
2.503 
5,709 
2,803 

224 
5,696 
1,779 
3,979 
2,089 
1,286 
2.227 
5,670 
2,736 
1,807 

980 
3,302 
1,7 15 
3,290 
2,421 
3,862 
4,:.:.; 


2,520 
4,351 

3.519 
7,009 
1,164 
2,840 
5,118 
3 680 
2,069 
5,718 
6,252 

10,271 
9.152 
5,131 

11,630 

" 5,513 

506 

11,568 
3.617 
8,202 
4,342 
2.532 


204 

1,903 

2,276 

2,632 

1,088 

728 

5,51 1 

1,392 

1,999 

726 

535 

1,524 

6.636 

832 

513 

2,757 

62 

1,079 

4,142 

2,657 

2,40 1 

67 

1,826 

1,380 

1,317 

1,712 

995 

3,165 

465 

974 

1,448 

520 

1.140; 


200 
1.862 
2,326 
3,005 
1,157 

732 
5,321 
1.413 
2,247 

781 

566 
1,484 
7,382 

848 

614 
2,832 
67 
1.193 
4,130 
2 758 
2 225 
' 81 
1,813 
1,544 
1,458 
1,817 

853 
3,102 

497 

991 
1,551 

507 
1 242 


404 
3,765 
4.602 
5,637 
2,245 
1,461 
10.832 
2,805 
4,246 
1,507 
1,101 
3,008 
14,018 
1,680 
1,157 
5,589 
129 
2,272 
8,272 
5,415 
4,629 
148 
3,639 
2,924 
2,775 
3,529 
1 848 
6/267 
962 
1,965 
2,9!!! 1 
1,027 
2,382, 


2.949 




8.120 




8,148 


Bibb 


12,69!) 




3.424 


Bullock 


4,300 




80 

3 
3 

o 

11 

296 

1 

6 

11 

"" i 

38 
5 


70 

1 
1 
4 
2 
10 
435 
3 

6 
2 

34 

11 
8 


150 

3 

4 

7 

4 

21 

731 

4 

13 

17 

o 

3 

72 
18 
13 


16,100 
6,488 




6,319 




7,232 


Carroll 


9.357 




13,300 




23,901 




6,815 




12.800 


Clark 


11,119 


Clinch 


637 


Cnbb --- 


13.843 




11,961 




13,635 


Dade 


8,984 
2,680 


DeKalb 


4,618 

11.372 

5.580 

3,716 

2;007 
6,676 
3,591 
6,741 
5,202 
: 812 
9,076 


3 

11 
4 
1 
4 
6 

14 
2 
3 
6 

30 


o 

21 
2 

5 

10 
10 
1 
1 
5 
25[ 


32 

6 

1 

9 

16 

24 

3 

4 

11 

55 


8,262 
14,328 




8.361 


Earlv 


7,246 


Elbert 


3,864 
12,959 




4,57 7 




8,709 


Floyd 


8,205 




8.850 




11,513 



Statistics of Georgia. 



13 



TABLE I.— Population by Counties— Ages, Color, and Condition— Aggregates— Continued. 



TOTAL WHITES. 



Total 



4,242 
355 
2,646 
2,420 
4.498 
3,962 
3,639 
2,133 
3'391 
2,295 
4,978 
3,358 
1,479 
3,372 
2,229 
1,88 
1,97 
1,740 
1,577 
1,021 
1,109 
2,716 
3,973 
2.091 
1,846 
690 
3,369 
4,269 
3,472 
819 
1,861 
6,604 
5,277 
4,110 
2,228 
2,873 
4,477 
1,896 
1,681 
1,210 
4,067 
4,140 
1,6 
4,480 
3.3411 
4 023 
1. 
1,221 
1,069 
2,576 
3,890 

1,79; 

3,536 
2,347 
5,803 
3,531 
1,824 
3,06'e 
3,008 
549 
1,883 
2,849 



266,233 



3,994 
341 

2,510 
2,324 
4,454 
3,713 
3,731 
2,077 
3,318 



4,764 
3.152 
1,404 
3,436 
2,092 
1,83 
1,92 
1,719 
1,448 
981 
1,078 
2 623 
4,0 
1,997 
1,917 
636 
3,298 
4,212 
3,338 
722 
1,773 
5,888 
5,07 
3,96 
2,154 
2'087 
4,209 
1,888 
1,619 
1,128 
3,790 
4,013 
1,548 
4,169 
3,123 
3,770 
969 
1,157 
1,027 
2,367 
3J901 
1,722 
3,419 
2,373 
5,605 
3,364 
1,773 
3,092 
2,983 
539 
1,922 
2,702 



TOTAL 
Free Colored. 



8,236 

696 

5,156 

4 744 

8,952 

7,675 

7,370 

4,210 

6,709 

4,520 

9,742 

6,510 

2,883 

6,808 

4,321 

3,717 

3,899 

3,459 

3,025 

2,602 

2,187 

5,33!) 

7,995 

4,088 

3,7 63 

1,326 

6,667 

8,481 

6,810 

1,541 

3,634 

12,492 

10,355 

8,077 

4,382 

5,560 

8,686 

3,784 

3,300 

2,338 

7,857 

8,153 

3.173 

8,649 

6,469 

7,793 

2,051 

2,378 

2,096 

4,943 

7,791 

3,51 

6,955 

4,720 

11,468 

6,895 

3,597 

6,158 

5,99 

1,088 

3,805 

5,551 



1 

126 
1 
3 
7 
6 
28 
10 



1,375 



TOTAL SLAVES. 



3 

281 

1 

5 

18 

18 

51 

18 



37 
17 

3 

159 

37 

5 
21 



1,556 



2,931 



94 
1,976 
404 
4,188 
1,141 
60-,' 
670 
3,741 
4,008 
1,159 
2,367 
4,965 
219 
1,396 
3,592 
2,704 
3,119 
1.575 
1,815 
2 87." 
1*920 
1,152 

49 

1,411 

930 

2,331 

1,787 

3,988 

5,062 

286 

3,551 

963 

3,930 

2,614 

3,743 

71 

2,699 

1,407 

3.826 

53 

2,434 

3.787 

1,906 

3,643 

1,925 

4,324 

1,528 

429 

470 

2,454 

4,388 

2,397 

141 

2,422 

795 

1,90 

130 
3,101 
2,969 
189 
4,065 
1,324 



188,85: 



106 
2,250 
424 
V' 
1,153 
616 
666 
3,505 
3,974 
1,24] 
2,602 
4,959 
231 
1,545 
3,542 
2,663 
3,160 
1.399 
1,812 
3,033 
1,860 
1,203 
442 
1,550 
1,003 
2,298 
1,817 
4,005 
5,108 

3 

3,543 

967 

4,220 

2,573 

4,131 

759 

2,859 

1,397 

3,642 

57 

2,574 

4,025 

1,707 

3,730 

1,910 

4,399 

1,516 

402 

460 

2,702 

4,660 

2,223 

137 

2,28i 

869 

2,002 

152 

3,007 

2,769 

217 

4,216 

1,421 



192,825 



200 


8,440 


4,232 


4,933 


828 


5,984 


8,266 


13,008 


2,294 


11,257 


1,218 


8,895 


1,336 


8,713 


7,306 


11,578 


7,982 


14,721 


2,400 


0,923 


4,909 


14,726 


9,924 


16,450 


450 


3,334 


2,941 


9,768 


7,134 


11,486 


5,367 


9,131 


6,279 


10,224 


2,974 


6,442 


3,627 


6,660 


5,908 


7,926 


3,7 so 


5,998 


2,355 


7,714 


939 


8,' 55 


2,961 


7,052 


1,933 


5,703 


1,6 ! 


6,027 


3,604 


10,280 


7,993 


16,476 


10,170 


16,985 


613 


2,154 


7,094 


10,744 


1,930 


14,433 


8,156 


18,578 


5,187 


13,296 


7,874 


12,259 


1,477 


7,039 


5,558 


14,306 


2,804 


6.627 


7,4b8 


10,794 


110 


2,448 


5,008 


12,868 


7,812 


16.246 


3,673 


6,847 


7,373 


16.027 


3,835 


10,322 


8,723 


16,534 


3,044 


5,146 


831 


3,227 


930 


3,026 


5,156 


10,103 


9,048 


16,879 


4,62! 


8,179 


278 


7,234 


4,704 


9,424 


1,00 


13,109 


3,90$ 


10,821 


28S 


3,888 


6,105 


12.425 


5,73t 


11,766 


40C 


1,499 


8,281 


12,107 


2,74f 


8,299 



381,682 906,18£ 



14 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE II.-POPULATION OF CITIES AND TOWNS. 



CITIES AND 


Counties. 


WHITES. 


FREE 
COLORED. 


h4 

O 
Eh 


SLAVES. 


H O 


TOWNS. 


M. 


F. 


Total. 


M. 


F. 


o 


M. 


F. 


—• 

o 
Eh 


a r 


Athens 

Atlanta 


Clark 

DeKalb... 
Richmond - 


665 
1,063 


793 

997 


1,658 
2,061 


3 
6 


13 


3 
19 


1,661 
2,079 


Cannot 
216 


be defin 

277 


ed. 

403 


2.572 


Buena Vista.. Marion 


169 

154 
1,818 

2 81 
137 
240 

:,-.; 

37 
368 

71 
1,7 13 

oo; 

71 

4 40;i 

100 

219 

48 


169 

143 
1,814 
307 
125 
249 
688 

27 
501 

63 

1,586 

510 

42 
3,986 

87 
240 

38 


338 

•.'07 

588 

489 

1,474 
64 








338 

298 
3,684 

402 

1,403 

64 

870 

134 

3,307 

1,196 

113 

0,081 

190 

402 


B8 
91 

1,020 

7 2 

133 

116 

373 

30 

304 

49 

1,034 

491 

Cannot 

2,040 

2 2 

Cannot 

50 


104 

113 

1,232 

65 

119 

130 

454 

25 

359 

34 

1,319 

529 

be defin 

3,282 

36 

be defin 

59 


192 

204 
2,258 

107 

252 
252 

827 
55 

653 

83 

2,353 

1,020 

ed. 

6,231 

58 

ed. 

109 


530 


Clarksville.... 

Columbus 

Dahlonega 

Decatur 

Griffin.. 


Habersham. 
Muscogee. . 
Lumpkin . . 

Mcintosh.. 
DeKalb... 

Pike 

Telfair.... 
Troupe 

Bibb 

Baldwin. . _ 

Macon 

Chatham... 

Chattooga.. 
Wilkes.... 
Burke 


23 

4 

22 

1 

4 


1 
29 

6 
14 

o 
15 


1 
52 
10 
36 

3 
19 


502 
5,942 

7:;:. 

550 

744 

2,320 

119 


La (i range 


B69 

134 


1 


.... 


1 


1,523 

271 


Milledgeville.. 
Oglethorpe.. .. 

Savannah 

Sunimerville. . 
Washington -- 
Waynesboro . . 


3.320 

1,174 

113 

B.395 

l-r 

459 

86 


14 
12 

204 
1 
o 

1 


24 
7 

422 

1 


38 
19 

:: 
3 
1 


5,720 

2,216 

15,312 

24S 

196 



* These are all the towns that can be ascertained from the schedules. 

tThe city of Augusta cannot be defined upon the schedules. The following statement of its popula- 
tion in 1852. is shown by the census taken by the local authorities, viz : 2.770 males and 2,477 female 
whites; 2 13 free colored ; 2.330 male and 2,38s female slaves. Total population, 11,753. 



TABLE ni-NATTVITIES OF THE WHITE AND FREE COLORED POPULATION. 



NATIVITIES. 


WHITES. 


FREE COLORED. 






M. 


F. 


Total. 


M. 


F. 


Total. 


o 
< 




63,159 

4,242 

208 


100.415 
50,428 

2,210 


304,070 

119,587 

5,452 

554 


1,221 

133 

12 


1,360 

170 

24 

4 


2,581 

303 

36 

11 




Born out of the State and in the United States. . 


110,800 
6,488 




565 






Total 


266,233 


255,33:' 


521,572 


1,373 


1,558 


2,931, 


524,503 







Statistics of Georgia. 
TABLE IV— Births, Marriages, Deaths, Dwellings, and Families— Continued. 



15 



COUNT1KS. 



Appling 

Baker 

Baldwin 

Bibb 

Bryan-.* 

Bullock 

Burke 

Butt* 

Camden 

Campbell 

Carroll 

Cass 

Chatham 

Chattooga 

Cherokee., 

Clark 

Clinch 

Cobb 

Columbia 

Coweta 

Crawford 

Dade 

Decatur 

D Kalb 

Dooly 

Early 

Effingham 

Elbert 

Emanuel 

Eayette 

Floyd 

Forsyth 

Franklin 

Gilmer 

Glynn 

Gordon 

Greene 

Gwinnett 

Habersham.. .. 

Hall 

Hancock 

Harris 

Heard 

Henry 

Houston 

Irwin 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson 

Jones 

Laurens 

Lee 

Liberty 

Lincoln ■ .. 

Lowndes 

Lumpkin 

Macon 

Madison 

Mcintosh 

Marion 

Meriwether 

Monroe 

Montgo nerj . .. 

Morgan 

Murray 

Muscogee 

Newton 

Oglethorpe 

Paulding 

Pike 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Rabu 

Randolph 

Ri'-lmi >n<l 



POPULATION. 



White (in I 

Inn- 
colored. 



2,545 
1,355 
3,546 
7,062 
1,179 
2,840 
5,268 
3,683 
2,073 
5,725 
8,256 

10,292 
9,883 
5,135 

11,643 

5,530 

508 

11,571 
3,689 
8,220 
4,355 
2,532 
4,623 

11,40-1 
5,586 
5,717 
2,016 
6,692 
3,615 
6,744 
5,206 
7,823 
9,131 
8,240 
701 
5,156 
4,802 
8,963 
7,677 
7,377 
4,272 
6,73!) 
4,523 
9,757 
6,5 !6 
2,884 
6,827 
4,352 
3,764 
3^945 
3,468 
3,033 
2,018 
2,218 
5,359 
8,016 
4,091 
3,770 

6,676 

8,483 
6,815 
1,541 
3,650 

12,503 

10,422 

8,109 

4,385 

5,562 

■-',:!- 

3,823 
3.326 
2,338 

8.434 



404 
3,765 
4,602 
5,637 
2,24 
1,460 
10,832 
2,80 
4,246 
1,507 

1,101 

3,008 
14,018 
1,680 
1,15 
5,589 

129 
2,27 
8,272 
5,415 
4, 62! I 

148 
3,639 
2,924 
2,775 
3,529 
1,1 
6,267 

962 
1,965 
2,999 
1,027 
2,382 

200 
4,232 

828 
8,266 
2 29 4 
1,218 
1,336 
7,306 
7,982 
2,400 
4,969 
9,924 

450 
2,941 
7,134 
5.367 

6 179 
2,974 
3,627 
5,908 
3,780 
2,355 

939 
2,961 
1,933 
1,6 9 
3,604 
7,993 
10,170 

613 
7,094 
1,930 
8,156 
5,187 
7,874 
1,477 
5,558 

7,468 

110 
5,008 

7 -12 



2,9 19 

8,120 

8,148 

12,699 

3,424 

4,300 

16,100 

6,488 

6,319 

7,232 

9,357 

13,300 

23.901 

6,815 

12,800 

11,119 

63 

13,843 

11,961 

13,635 

8,984 

2,680 

8,26 

14,328 

8,361 

7,246 

3,864 

12,959 

4,577 

S.709 

8,205 

8,850 

11,513 

8,440 

4,933 

5,984 

13,068 

11,257 

8,895 

8;713 

11,578 

14,721 

6,923 

14,726 

16,450 

3,334 

9,768 

I 1,486 

9,131 

10.224 

6,442 

6,660 

7,926 

5,998 

7,714 

8,955 

7,052 

5,703 

6,027 

10,280 

16,476 

16.985 

2,154 

10,744 

1 1,433 

18.578 

L3, 

7,039 
14,306 

6,627 
10,7 '1 

2,118 



Births 3 M m i iges dnnng 
the year endi'g June L, 1850 



Birthe. 
white 4 

Irt-u 

colored. 


Slaves. 


Total 
Births.* 


102 


15 


1 17. 


122 


73 


195 


75 


107 


182 


105 


94 


199 


50 


5 1 


104 


95 


41 


136 


177 


294 


471 


120 


79 


199 


48 


.,. 


103 


197 


51 


248 


280 


35 


315 


254 


85 


339 


221 


260 


481 


174 


1,0 


234 


345 


29 


374 


128 


126 


S54 


13 


3 


16 


229 


61 


290 


46 


88 


134 


240 


119 


359 


139 


129 


268 


109 


6 


115 


153 


92 


245 


353 


67 


420 


1,-:; 


90 


273 


146 


110 


256 


67 


42 


109 


182 


200 


382 


133 


25 


158 


237 


63 


300 


129 


71 


200 


234 


41 


275 


236 


63 


299 


263 


9 




27 


86 


113 


76 


8 


84 


103 


212 


315 


339 


81 


420 


190 


26 


216 


-Sr: 


57 


■ 


89 


165 


254 


168 


193 


361 


111 


64 


175 


234 


149 


383 


173 


230 


40.: 


107 


18 


125 


188 


PO 


27S 


111 


174 


275 


116 


159 


1 


138 


167 


305 


83 


CO 


143 


119 


148 


267 


70 


93 


163 


65 


112 


177 


158 


71 


229 


257 


17 


274 


L38 


93 


231 


133 


73 


206 


33 


92 


125 


184 


119 


303 


243 


211 


454 


15 


26 1 


111 


56 


28 


86 


116 


169 


285 


462 


70 




249 


172 


421 


252 


145 


397 


115 


225 


340 


226 


25 




229 


145 




115 


75 


190 


73 


L82 


' 


59 


2 


61 


243 


161 


40 1 


141 


62 





32 
33 
25 
53 
9 
24 
83 
53 
18 
53 

16 
96 
58 
69 

127 
30 

10 
120 

60 
132 
55 

27 
50 
132 

95 

39 
12 
57 
72 
69 
13 
6S 
83 
61 
20 
146 
26 
81 
38 
80 
38 
48 
36 
75 
79 
19 
76 
47 
21 
16 
15 
43 

4 
14 
71! 
83 
26 
22 

9 
61 
44 
45 
1 1 
17 
98 
49 

20 
94 
26 

16 

36 

62 

71 



Deaths during the year 
ending June 1, 1850. 



20 
62 

I I 
83 

25 
21 
92 

36 

10 

35 

56 

8 1 

193 

69 
64 



21 

119 
36 
28 
48 
95 
7:i 
21 
32 
52 
L9 
60 
24 
30 
56 
53 

15 

35 

75 

14 

54 

32 

35 

25 

86 

72 

L5 

60 

5 

42 

30 
52 

27 
29 
43 



36 
23 

31 
74 
51 
16 
40 

102 

30 
34 

54 

40 
10 
74 



I 
33 
in, 
38 
7 
234 
19 

51 
28 
14 
21 
192 
27 
12 
85 



3 
68 

9:1 

81 

o 

42 

23 

3 

34 

36 

9] 

6 
39 
25 

9 

40 

1 

91 

7 

187 

37 

3 

15 

96 

114 

16 

71 

129 



31 

1 25 
89 
52 
24 
65 
89 
65 
21 



32 

88 

41 

135 

159 

6 

176 

- 

84 

65 

141 

18 

74 

33 

120 

2 

1 23 



L26 
77 
179 
63 

28 
326 

55 

61 

63 

70 
10. 
385 

7 9 

Ml 
I 19 



U hlte & Free 
Colored Pop, 



mga 



24 
86 
218 
117 
30 
92 
118 
lio 
55 

68 

143 
2 
99 

49 

39 

96 

54 

106 

45 

24S 

I I ! 

17 

69 

1 28 

1 19 

41 

1 57 

201 
15 
91 

L80 

131 
85 
54 
117 
I L6 
94 
64 
45 



68 

111 

72 

•J 10 

216 

67 
186 

95 
175 

66 
150 

87 
160 

12 
129 
291 



410 

75 

6 1, 

1 . | 

212 
17 , 
1,01 

6 1 

400 

920 
L.379 
1 ,7 1 2 
1,91 

1 970 

76 
1,918 

751 

I I 

■I I] 
898 
1,792 
96 
61 1 
355 
1,177 

1 

t,19l 

866 

1,334 

1,546 

1,396 

1 I 

861 

854 

1,610 

1,338 

1,300 

761 

1,17 5 

724 

1,680 

1,138 

I It 

1,200 

Bl ! 

765 

739 
634 

:too 
378 
856 
1,381 
679 

692 

1,101 

1,428 

1,194 

236 

621 
2,047 
1,884 
1,37 1 

819 
1,059 
1,474 

701 

009 

1,408 

1.556 



The figures include those only who were smrdving on this day, and therefore are but approximate. 



16 Census of 1850. 

TABLE IV.— Births, Marriages, Deaths, Dwellings, and Families— Continued. 











Births <V Marriages during 


Deaths 


during the year 


White 


& Free 




POPULATION. 


the year endi'g June 1 


, 1850. 


ending 


June 1 


1850. 


Colored Pop. 


COUNTIES. 


























White mil 

free 

colored. 


Slave. 
1 


Total. 


Births, 

white* 

free 
colored. 


Slaves. 
42 


Total 

Births.* 


Married 
Whites. 


White & 

free 
colored. 


Slave. 


Total. 


No. of 
Dwell- 
ings. 


No. of 
amilii a. 




3,174 


3 673 


6.847 


52 


94 


52 


21 


11 


32 


507 


567 




8,654 


7.373 


16,027 


250 


220 


470 


109 


65 


91 


156 


1,432 


1,445 




6,487 


3.835 


1(1 ":2\ 


283 


131 


414 


81 


85 


55 


1411 


1,32? 


1,109 


Talbot 


7,811 


8,723 


16.534 


232 


245 


477 


.79 


76 


132 


208 


• 1,324 


Taliaferro 


2,102 


3,044 


5,146 


64 


96 


160 


24 


22 


66 


88 


408 


408 


Tatnall 


2,396 


831 


3,227 


82 


24 


106 


20 


9 


1 


10 


43 1 


434 


Telfair 


2,096 


930 


3,026 


53 


31 


84 


16 


9 




9 


340 


340 




4.947 


5,156 


10,103 


164 


122 


286 


54 


35 


90 


125 


838 


838 


Troup 


7,831 


9,048 


16,879 


255 


287 


542 


40 


48 


104 


152 


1,295 


1,333 


Twiggs 


3,559 


4,620 


8,179 


75 


53 


1 28 


6 


39 


68 


107 


696 


696 




6,956 

4,720 


278 

4,704 


7,234 
9,424 


261 

162 


11 
159 


272 

321 


62 
19 


62 
32 


2 

42 


64 

74 


1.141 
795 


1 141 




795 


Walker 


11,445 


1,664 


13,109 


372 


53 


425 


57 


113 


26 


139 


1,867 


1,867 


Walton, 


6,912 


3, 09 


10,821 


213 


107 


320 


95 


61 


74 


135 


1,191 


1,191 


Ware 


3.600 


288 


3,888 


131 


4 


135 


58 


16 


2 


18 


561 


561 


Warren 


6,317 


6,108 


12,425 


136 


133 


269 


90 


66 


72 


138 


1,135 


1,135 


Washington. .. 


6,028 


5,738 


11,7^6 


166 


152 


318 


41 


91 


68 


159 


1,077 


1,077 


"Wayne 


1,093 


406 


1,499 


43 


16 


59 


21 


6 


4 


10 


182 


182 


Wilkes 


3,826 


8,281 


12,107 


77 


no.) 


299 


28 


47 


146 


193 


709 


709 


Wilkinson 


5,551 


2,745 


8,296 
906.185 


167 


80 


247 


50 


63 


24 


,-7 


983 


983 


Total . . . 


524.503 


381.682 


15.23H 


9,619 


24,858 


4.977 


4,592 


5,331 


9,923 


91,011 


91,471 



* The figures include those only who were surviving on this day, and therefore are but approximate. 
TABLE V.-PR0GBE5S OF POPULATION FROM 1790 TO 1850. 





WHITES. 


FREE COLORED 


SLAVES. 


o 

a 



a 
■3 
c 

a, 

d"2 
x es 
5 

- 
o 

< 


o 

p, 

o 

Pn 

~s 

a 


COMPARATIVE TABLES. 




!> 


- 

92.25 
13 01 
30 . 3fi 
56.57 
37.36 
27.93 


u 


o 
"o 
O 


c 

Pi 


p. 

a 


> 

55 


c 

0> 

p, 

a) 


9 


S 

o 

c 


p. 
■_ 


> 

"2 
■a 
o 

« 
o 


"a . 

o £ 
0) _P 

_ o 

s > 
p-tj 

- c 

H ° 


o 

~t = 
o| 

p x 
a) a; 

a > 

7. .- 
"•a 

" o 
3 


03 

JS . 

c 

° s 

2 p. 
Ij 
o| 

eg" 
.2 p. 

o ~ 
— - 
c — 

Ph 


01 

■a . 

"" a 
o ^ 

— o 

.S 

2 b 

J3 O 

°% 

.2 p* 

is 


1790 

1800 

1810 

1820 

1830 

1840 

1850 


52,886 
101,678 
145.411 
189,566 
296,806 
107,695 
521,572 


398 
1,019 
1,801 
1,763 
2,486 
2,753 
•',031 






29,204 
59,404 

105,218 
149,654 
217,531 

•280,914 
381,682 


1 


82.51 S 
162,101 
252,433 
340,987 
516,823 
691,392 
906,185 


96.37 
55 72 
35.08 
51.56 
33.77 
31.00 


29,662 

66,423 
107,019 
151,417 
220,017 
283,697 
384,613 




64 07 

62 73 

57 . (i 

55.59 

57.43 

58.97 

57.56 


35 93 


156 03 
76.74 

41.0 
10.74 

6.4(5 




77.12 
42 23 
45 35 
29 15 
35.85 




4 


103.7 
77.12 

41.48 
45 3 

28 94 
35.57 




37.37 

42.4 

14.41 

42.57 

11.03 

12.44 



TABLE VI.-DEAF AND DUMB, BLIND, INSANE, AND IDIOTIC. 





WHITES. 


FREE 


■zs . 

2 ° 
3 

o 
H 


SLAVES. 




Nativities of White 
and Free Colored. 


CLASS. 


COLuRED. 


03 

03 

o 
X) 

a 

c 
o 
pq 


■- = 2 

o v o< 


c 

J| 

c c 
o 
c u 
o 
=P 






M. 


F. 


15 
o 


M. 


F. 


o 


M. 


F. 


o 
Eh 


c 
g 

o 
B 


Deaf and dumb* .... 
Blind 


107 
113 

151 
288 


101 

111 
140 
227 


208 
224 
294 
515 


.... 

2 


1 
3 

i 


1 

4 
2 
1 


209 
228 
296 

510 


30 

74 

8 

91 


27 
55 

20 
57 


57 
129 

28 
148 


266 
357 
324 
664 


165 
113 
176 

395 


42 
108 
107 

120 


2 

9 
1 






4 










Total 


6fi2 


579 


1.241 


3 


5 


8 


1,249 


293 


159 


362 


1,611 


849i 377 


19 


4 



1 The returns show 53 " deaf," (41 whites and 12 slaves,) which are not included in this table. 



Statistics of Georgia. 



17 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, &c. 





1. COLLEGES. 


COUNTIES. 


Number. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


ANNUAL INCOME. 


Endow- 


Taxation. 


Public 
funds. 


Other 


Total. 


& r 






































1 
1 


5 


56 

162 


83,200 






$500 
10,300 


$3,700 


Bibb 






10,300 
































































































































































































Clark 


1 


9 


117 


9.400 






5.850 


15,250 














































„ ' 














































































































1 


4 


50 








2,500 


2,500 
















































TV 












































































































C A 


















p 


1 


7 


128 


8,000 






3,000 


11,000 


r 








H 1 1 






















































H ' 


















Tj 1 


















TT 


















H t 


















• "•• 


















-r , 


















■r 


















I ff 


















-r*" 


















j 


















T 






















































T rl 


















T Y 


















M 




























































































1 


G 


CO 








1,000 


1,000 














2 


11 


263 


1,120 






as.ioo 


16,220 






























1 


5 


io: 








5,000 


5,000 








































































































1 
1 


4 
6 


• 

15C 








1.800 

10, OUt 


1,000 








$500 


10,500 



























18 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, &c. 





1. COLLEGES. 


COUNTIES. 


dumber. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


ANNUAL INCOME. 


Endow- 
ment. 


Taxation. 


Public 
funds. 


Other 

sources. 


Total. 




















Talbot 




































Tatna'.l 


















Telfair 




































Troup 


2 


20 


264 








$28,960 


$28,960 


Twiggs 












































Walker 


















Walton 


























































































Wilkes 


















Wilkinson 




































Total 


13 


84 


1,535 


$21,720 




$500 


83,210 


105,430 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, Ac-Continued. 





3. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 


COUNTIES. 


Number. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


ANNUAL INCOME. 


Endow- 
ment. 


Taxation. 


Public 
funds. 


Other 
sources. 


Total. 




12 
10 

4 
16 

8 
15 
10 
10 

4 
19 
18 
26 

5 
11 
26 
17 


12 
10 

6 
16 

8 
15 
10 
10 

4 
19 
18 
26 

6 
11 
26 
19 


222 

250 
85 
290 
100 
253 
150 
211 
70 
450 
700 
620 
340 
330 
650 
482 




$666 


$140 

413 

87 


$3,100 

4,780 

200 

3,000 

3,000 

800 


$806 


Baker 


413 






607 


3,794 

4,780 

300 


Bihb 








100 
150 
62 
171 
350 
276 
700 








3,150 


Burke 




805 
203 


3 866 


Butts 


374 




1 lnO 


Campbell 






276 


Carroll 






700 


Cass 


$500 


375 

254 

140 

1 194 

328 


375 




120 

581 


6,200 
4,675 






260 






Clark 


5,003 


Clinch 


Cobb 


6 

6 

15 

13 

7 

6 

28 

9 

6 

8 

20 

11 

7 

1 

15 

20 

8 

3 

12 


7 

6 

15 

13 

6 

28 

9 

6 

8 

20 

11 

1 

15 

20 

8 

3 

12 


210 
260 
346 
367 
250 
150 
728 
225 
109 
158 
1,202 
202 
253 
17 
370 
500 
20i 
29 
300 
















240 
500 

277 


240 
250 
136 


3,120 
3,215 


3,600 
3 965 






431 








638 


549 

283 


5,000 
7,280 
1,140 


5,638 
7,829 
1,523 


DeKalb 








Early 












1,095 
190 


1,406 

606 
1,587 


2,501 


Elbert 




700 


890 




606 


Fayette 




200 


219 


2 006 


Floyd 




Forsyth 






310 
325 

617 


1,602 
3,540 


1 912 


Franklin 




234 


4,099 
617 








400 
130 


400 








130 











Statistics of Georgia. 



19 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, &c.-Continued. 









a. 


PUBLIC 


SCHOOL?. 






COUNTIES. 


Number. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


ANNUAL INCOME. 


Endow- 
ment. 


Taxation. 


Public 
funds. 


Other 
sources. 


Total. 




12 

31 

1 

7 

8 

10 

14 

15 

15 

11 

11 

10 

17 

6 

7 

5 

4 

31 

20 

11 

9 

4 

18 

12 

30 

12 


12 

31 

1 

7 

8 

10 

14 

15 

15 

11 

11 

10 

7 

17 

6 

6 

4 

31 

20 

11 

6 
4 
18 
12 
30 
12 






$796 
550 






$726 


c 


800 
20 
209 
207 
206 
403 
350 
456 
176 
217 
213 
196 
350 
200 
136 
151 
78 
509 
1,170 
350 
191 
82 
466 
369 
750 
200 








556 


H h hi 




$350 


$200 
161 

2,727 


550 


Hall 




260 
■11- 
180 
240 


331 

175 


752 




623 




2,907 




240 


Henrv 


500 

96 

162 

142 


4.890 
2,105 
3,080 


500 






642 
96 


5,532 




192 




2,267 






228 


370 




3,080 






1,244 
472 




1,244 








472 


Lee 


67 

77 
112 

75 
635 
225 
182 
186 

99 


1,902 

1,800 
3,054 

198 


1,967 








77 






226 


2,138 




3,129 


T 11 1 " 






635 






4 -J 5 


848 




182 






500 

217 


686 




316 










737 






737 




360 




360 












20 


20 


300 






700 


409 


1,100 












15 
13 
13 
12 

6 
8 
14 
25 
18 
10 

12 

17 
6 

8 

8 

14 

48 

30 

41 
25 

(i 
18 
15 

4 
14 


16 

13 

13 

14 

6 

8 

14 

25 

18 

10 

27 

12 

19 

6 

8 

8 

11 

48 

30 
22 
41 
25 

6 
20 
15 

4 
14 
25 


393 
350 
324 
354 
127 
197 
644 
635 
720 
280 
660 
265 
492 
180 
130 
243 
266 
1,440 
210 
275 
650 
984 
680 

95 
470 
450 

4 2 
326 
460 




642 
442 
100 
650 
331 


566 
119 
250 
316 


3,005 


4,213 




561 




350 


Pike 


966 




331 




600 







600 




377 


7,640 
7,056 


377 






297 


7,937 






7,056 






132 

483 




132 






7,400 


7,883 




262 319 


581 


Talbot 




250 


250 






220 


220 


Tatna'I 




1,220 


1,220 


Telfair 






150 


150 










Troup 






14,400 
1,963 

9,840 

6,134 


15,055 




300 


150 
737 
215 


450 




2,700 






360 


575 




9,840 






244 


71 
217 
603 
211 


315 




247 








6,737 






452 


663 










752 
510 


155 

388 


7,500 
2,226 


8,407 
3,124 








1,251 


1,265 


32,705 


$500 


21,520 


16,959 


143,252 


182,231 



20 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, Ac-Continued. 







8. 


ACADEMIES AND OTHER SCHOOLS. 






Number. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


ANNUAL INCOME. 


COUNTIES. 


Endow- 


Taxation. 


Public 


Other 

sources. 


Total. 


4 1 




















1 

4 

8 


9 
11 


100 

133 

263 


















$4,450 
8,000 


$4,450 










8,000 
































6 
o 


6 
5 

o 


127 

85 
45 


$300 






2,900 


3,200 


T5 








r i 








450 


450 


C b 11 












2 
3 

1 
2 
6 


4 

2 
11 

1 
5 
8 


140 
80 

191 
20 
93 

240 
























r>\ .v, 








5,700 

400 

1,600 

4,450 


5,700 










400 


n , . ° ' 








1,600 










4,450 














3 
6 

7 


3 

6 
13 


130 
230 
454 




















3,600 
6,755 


3,600 


V, 








6,755 














1 
3 
3 


1 
4 
4 


60 
100 
140 
























DeKalb 








1,370 


1,370 














1 

1 


1 
2 


35 

50 














400 




$200 


600 


1,200 


























o 
13 

1 

1 
6 


2 

16 

1 

7 
1 
7 


47 

392 

35 

200 

30 

147 








503 


503 
































2,500 


2,500 


n-t 












1,109 






2,425 


3,534 


C 1 








p, 


3 

3 


4 
3 


122 
85 














1,000 






1,700 


2,700 


TT 1 1 








Hall 


1 
6 
4 


2 


67 

132 








700 


700 












TT 


7 


193 








3,925 


3,925 


TT J 










TT 


2 
3 


2 
6 


80 
160 












en y .. 








4,253 


4, 2 53 


T ' 










T k 


1 
6 
1 

4 
1 
5 
3 


2 

8 
1 
o 
4 
1 
5 
3 


50 
210 
35 
63 
120 
23 
95 
75 








700 


700 


T a 



















700 


700 


T 




























350 


350 


T '1 " 


300 






300 




















T k^ 


1 


2 


75 








500 


500 


AT 












1 
1 
o 

4 

o 


1 
1 
4 
6 

7 


40 

38 

130 

132 

155 


125 








125 


... , " 






1,000 


1,000 
























M 












•\T 














9 


11 


489 








13,600 


13,600 


Af 












5 
5 
4 


10 

7 
4 


255 

186 
212 


463 








463 


TV ^ 






3,598 
5,500 


3,598 


DM t>> "p" 


500 






5,500 


P° 1H • 








Pike 


4 


9 


184 


























3 

1 


6 
1 


134 
65 




































R' h i 


4 
2 


9 
2 


415 

1 60 


3,200 






8,400 


11,600 











Statistics of Georgia. 



21 



TABLE VII.-COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, &c.-Continued. 







C. 


ACADEMIES AND OTHER SCHOOLS. 




COUNTIES. 


Number. 


Teachers. 


Pupils. 


AN'XUAL INCOME. 


Endow- 
in -lit. 


Taxation. 


Public 
fun. Is. 


Other 

sources. 


Total. 




3 

I 
3 
1 


5 
1 
7 
1 


138 
30 

195 
30 








$1,750 


$1,750 








T 11 












t r f 
























Telfair 


o 

1 

o 


5 

2 


16 

160 
184 
































7,360 


7,360 










Union 




















3 


3 


125 


























4 


6 


160 








167 


167 














5 
3 


5 
2 

6 


121 

115 

13 

125 








1,920 


1,920 












W 












Wilkes 










































Total 


219 


318 


9,059 


$7,397 




$200 


101,386 


108,983 



TABLE VIIL— Attending School during the Year, as Ketumed by Families. 



COUNTIES. 


WHITES. 


FREE COLORED. 


6 
.t 

CG 


c 
to 




CD 

to 

CD 




M. 


F. 


Total. 


M. 


F. 


Total. 


CD 

to 

< 




121 
273 
195 
596 

83 
201 
366 
283 

99 
648 
754 
682 
601 
429 
937 
333 

10 
699 
262 
869 
437 
182 
198 
885 
451 
144 
158 
664 
187 
544 
242 
842 
920 
751 

81 
382 
605 
728 


97 
216 
115 
595 

72 
146 
288 
263 

89 
566 
629 
563 
579 
353 
766 
272 
3 
576 
212 
711 
351 
173 
153 
761 
371 
136 
130 
591 
112 
380 
200 
626 
748 
558 

70 
302 
473 
45ft 


218 

489 

310 

1,191 

155 

347 

654 

546 

188 

1,214 

1,383 

1,245 

1,180 

782 

1,703 

605 

13 

1,275 

474 

1,580 

788 








216 

486 

31C 

1,190 

15." 

347 

653 

546 

188 

1,212 

1,381 

1,243 

1.111 

782 

1,704 

605 

13 

1,275 

474 

1,580 

788 

355 

351 

1,646 

822 

280 

288 

1,255 

299 

923 

442 

1,468 

1,668 

1,309 

151 

684 




218 
489 
310 
1,191 
155 
347 
654 


Baker . 








1 
1 

1 





2 

66 

1 










Bibb. 
















Bullock 
















Butts 
















188 












Carroll 








1,383 
1,245 
1 180 


























782 




1 




1 


1 704 


Clark 


605 


Clinch 








13 


Cobb 








1 275 










474 










1 580 










788 


Dade 


355 

351 

1,646 

822 

280 

288 

1,255 

299 

924 

442 

1,468 

1,668 

1,309 

151 

684 

1,078 

1,186 








355 










351 


DeKalb 








1,646 
822 










Earlv 








280 










288 


Elbert 








I 255 










299 










924 


Floyd 








442 










1,468 










1,668 










1,309 










151 










684 










1,078 


1 078 


Gwinnett 








1,186 
1,022 




1,186 




527J 495 


l,022l 








1,022 



22 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE VLTI.— Attending School during the Year, as Keturned by Families- Continued. 



COUNTIES. 


WHITES. 


FREE COLORED. 


> 


a 

u 

o 


o 

to 




M. 


F. 


Total. 


M. 


F. 


Total. 


tc 
be 
< 


Hall 


687 

383 

684 

289 

1,047 

696 
189 
335 
390 

223 
391 
221 
249 
181 
200 
202 
652 
222 
185 
100 
491 
082 
581 
121 
590 
646 
723 
769 
425 
555 
863 
137 
367 
382 
539 
682 
159 
750 
490 
778 
204 

64 
126 
506 
884 
188 
615 
268 
971 
825 

89 
563 
483 

40 
347 
565 


565 
290 
598 
276 
851 
561 
137 
360 
277 
223 
309 
181 
220 
140 
130 
173 
501 
162 
196 

98 
484 
624 
566 

92 

53 
442 
768 
584 
382 
393 
834 
122 
331 
317 
385 
640 
122 
649 
400 
673 
164 

38 
105 
330 
893 
121 
487 
284 
729 
641 

46 
495 
353 

24 
209 
423 


1,252 

673 

1.2S2 

565 

1,898 

1,257 

326 

695 

677 

416 

700 

402 

469 

321 

330 

375 

1,153 

384 

381 

198 

975 

1,306 

1,147 

213 

643 

1,088 

1,491 

1,353 

807 

948 

1,699 

259 

698 

699 

924 

1,322 

2.-1 

1,399 

890 

1,451 

368 

102 

231 

836 

1,777 

309 

1,102 

552 

1,700 

1,466 

135 

1,058 

836 

64 

556 

988 








1,252 
673 

1,282 
565 

1,898 

1,257 
326 
695 
667 
446 
699 
402 
469 
321 
330 
375 

1,153 
384 
381 
198 
975 

1,306 

1,146 
213 
640 

1,086 

1,480 

1,353 
807 
948 

1,699 
259 
693 
699 
924 

1,320 
281 

1,399 
890 

1,451 
368 
102 
231 
836 

1,777 
309 

1,102 
552 

1,700 

1,466 
135 

1.058 

836 

64 

556 


1 
1 

3 

11 

5 

o 




1,252 

673 

1,282 


































1,898 

1,257 

326 




























































402 




















321 










330 










375 










1 153 










384 










381 










198 










975 










1,306 










1,147 

2 1 3 


















643 










1,088 










1, 19] 










1,353 

807 


















948 


Pike 








1,699 










259 










698 










699 










924 










1,322 
281 


















1,399 










890 


Talbot 








1,451 










368 


Tatnall 








102 


Telfair 








231 










836 


Troup 








1,777 


Twiggs 








309 










1,102 










552 


Walker 








1,700 


Walton 








1,466 








135 










1,058 










83G 










64 


Wilkes 








556 










988 
















Total 


42,365 


34,650 


77,015 


1 




1 


76,915 


101 


77,010 







Statistics of Georgia. 



23 



TABLE IX.- ADULTS IN THE STATE WHO CANNOT READ AND WRITE. 



COUNTIES. 


WHITES. 


Free Colored. 




c 
.SP 

5 
ft 


to 




M. 


F. 


Total 


M. 


F. 


Total. 


bo 

< 




132 

240 

5 

53 

24 

93 

243 

fi8 

55 

60 

421 

384 

107 

134 

042 

105 

25 

159 

10 

277 

86 

151 

146 

327 

339 

130 

18 

355 

253 

95 

35 

645 

94 

569 

14 

127 

151 

322 

256 

501 

49 

116 

126 

351 

282 

492 

197 

106 

52 

181 

269 

147 

73 

66 

195 

386 

51 

126 

30 

305 

141 

53 

61 

23 

295 

103 

132 

42 

285 

147 

271 


247 

368 

3 

108 

15 

157 

441 

6 4 

40 

78 

714 

528 

120 

225 

1.184 

189 

41 

238 

13 

528 

134 

224 

176 

370 

102 

20 
486 
482 
218 

50 
806 

88 
941 

1 - 
203 
230 
547 
202 
956 

65 
116 
215 
311 
525 

16 
364 
166 

90 
327 
441 
198 

96 
111 
261 
647 

28 
119 

52 
471 
234 

56 

62 

21 
555 

148 
205 

43 
518 

168 
458 


379 

608 

8 

161 

39 

250 

684 

132 

95 

138 

1,135 
912 
227 
359 

1,826 
294 
66 
391 
23 
805 
220 
37." 
322 
697 
861 
292 


4 

1 




4 

1 


382 

604 
8 
1 55 
43 
248 
704 
132 


1 
5 

6 

o 

28 

1 


383 




609 




8 


Bibb 








161 




1 


3 


4 


43 


Bullock --- 


250 




25 


23 
1 


48 
1 


732 
133 




95 










137 

1,132 

909 

196 

360 

1,824 

301 

66 

397 

33 

801 

221 

370 

324 

690 

862 

290 

38 


1 

4 

6 

214 

5 

4 
1 
5 
1 
11 


138 


Carroll 


1 

2 

54 

o 
4 


1 
129 
1 
1 
3 


1 
3 
183 
1 
3 
7 


1,136 




915 




410 




360 




1,829 


Clark 


301 


Clinch 


66 


Cobb 








397 




4 


6 


10 


33 




805 




1 


1 


2 


222 


Dade. 


375 




o 

1 
1 


1 
3 


3 
4 
1 


325 


DeKalb 


701 




862 




292 




38 

841 

735 

313 

85 

1.451 

182 

1,510 

32 








38 










841 
743 
310 

85 

1,452 

188 

1,510 

34 
330 
405 
868 
458 
1,457 
122 
234 
341 
640 
807 
500 
571 
272 
142 
516 
70S 
346 
169 
189 
463 
1,037 

79 
215 

82 
774 
375 
109 
123 

4 1 
833 
245 
336 

82 
803 
315 
742 
309 

04 
716 
163 

63 
541 
564 
387 


3 
1 

1 

o 

9 

1 

2 

1 

17 
6 
1 
3 

10 
4 
6 

13 


841 




5 


3 


8 


743 


Floyd 


313 








85 




1 

o 


1 

4 


6 


1,453 




188 


Gilmer 


1,510 




3 




3 


35 




330 




381 
869 
458 

1,457 
114 
232 
341 
662 
807 
508 
561 
272 
142 
508 
710 
345 
169 
177 
456 

1,033 

79 

245 

82 

776 

375 

L09 

123 

44 

850 

251 
337 

85 
303 
315 
729 
300 

64 
724 
166 

69 
549 
557 


12 
1 


12 


24 
1 


405 




870 




458 


Hall 








1,457 




3 


5 


8 
o 


122 




234 




341 










662 










807 




1 

6 


4 


1 

10 


509 




571 




272 




i 






142 




o 


6 


8 


516 




710 




2 




2 


347 




169 




4 
4 


8 
3 
o 


12 

7 

4 


189 




463 




1,037 




79 










245 










82 










776 




1 




1 


376 




109 










123 










44 










850 










251 










337 










85 










803 


Pike 








315 


Pulaski 


9 
3 


4 
6 


13 
9 


742 




98 202 


309 


Rabu-> 


28 
29 ! 
62 
28 
255 
245 
153 


36 
430 
104 

41 
294 
312 


64 




1 

1 


1 


1 


726 




167 




69 




3 
6 


1 


5 

7 


554 




564 




234 387 


387 



24 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE IX- ADULTS IN THE STATE WHO CANNOT READ AND WEITE.-Continued. 



COUNTIES. 


WHITES. 


Free Colored. 


> 


c 

.y 

"5 

c 


<u 

CD 

to 

< 




M. 


F. 


Total. 


M. 


P. 


Total. 




81 
53 
68 
26 
13 

4;:. 

130 
267 

lOi! 

292 

250 

303 

38 

19 

191 


137 

117 

83 

80 

103 

2 

750 

138 

425 

109 

493 

412 

508 

54 

21 

280 


214 

198 

136 

148 

129 

15 

1,225 

268 

692 

271 

78J 

662 

811 

92 

40 

471 


l 


12 


19 
1 


233 

199 

135 

148 

144 

15 

1 ,225 

26 S 

699 

273 

785 

663 

820 

92 

40 

468 


1 

1 

3 


233 


Tatna'l 


199 


Telfair 


136 










148 


Troup 


15 




15 


144 


Twiggs 


15 










1,225 










268 


Walker 


o 
1 
1 
1 
5 


5 
1 

4 


7 
2 
1 
1 
9 


699 




273 




786 




663 




820 




92 


Wilkes 








40 




"" 






471 










Total 


16,552 24.648 41.200 


208 


259 


467 


41,261 


406 


41,667 

















TABLE X,— Professions, Occupations, and Trades of the Male Population.* 



Actors 

Agents 

Asricultural implement ma- 
kers 

Apothecaries & druggists.. 

Architects 

Artists 

Auctioneers 

Authors 

Bakers 

Bankers 

Bank officers 

Barbers 

Barkeepers . 



13 

75 

3 

17 

3 

1 

66 

14 

40 

23 

57 

Black and white Smiths... 1,469 

Block and pump makers... 6 

Boardin^-house-keepers 21 

Boat builders 13 

Boatmen 85 

Bookbinders 15 

Booksellers 11 

Brass workers 7 

Brewers and distillers 26 

Brick makers 34 

Brokers 9 

Builders 3S 

Butchers 121 

Cabinet and chair makers. 325 

Carpenters 2,323 

Carriers 11 

Carters 37 

Caulkers 4 

Chemists 2 

City, county & town officers 203 

Civil engineers 5 

Clergymen 715 

Clerks 2,136 

Clock makers.. _.. 6 

Clothiers 2 

Coach makers 281 

9 

9 

33 

34 

54 

113 



Collectors. 

Colliers ! 

Comb makers 

Confectioners 

Contractors 

Coopers 

Coppersmiths 

Corders 

Cord wainers 

Cotton manufacturers. 
Daguerreoty pists 



Dealers 

Dentists 

Drivers _ 

Dyers 

Editors 

Engineers 

Engravers 

Factory hands 

Farmers 81 

Fishermen 

Gardners and florists 

Gas fitters 

Gatekeepers 

Gold and silver smiths 

Grocers 

Gunsmiths 

Hat and cap manufacturers 

Horse dealers 

Inn keepers 

Iron founders 

Ironmongers 

Jewellers - 

Laborers — 10. 

Lawyers 

Livery-stable keepers 

Lumbermen 

Machinists 

Manufacturers not speci- 
fied 

Mariners 

Masons 

Mechanics not specified 1 

Merchants 2 

Milkmen 

Millers 

Millwrights -. 

Miners 

Moulders 

Musicians 

Music teachers 

Opticians 

Ostlers 

Overseers 2, 

Painters and glaziers 

Pattern makers 

Pedlers 

Physicians 1 

Pilots 

Planters 1 

Potters 

Printers 



47 
79 

102 
j * 
45 

210 
5 

526 

364 

41 

50 

5 

30 
454 
104 
108 
4 
]68 



38 
859 

711 
32 
21 

149 



84 

111 

331 

773 

421 

5 

567 

171 

649 

45 

10 

22 

3 

96 

166 

199 

61 

,295 

45 

948 

21 
190 



Produce dealers 6 

Professors 21 

Publishers 1 

Quarrymen 5 

Railroadmen 127 

Refiners 7 

Rope makers 1 

Saddle and harness makers 232 

Safe makers 1 

Sad makers 4 

Sawyers 75 

Servants 15 

Sextons 4 

Shingle makers 18 

Ship carpenters 50 

Shoe binders 3 

Soldiers 18 

Spinners 21 

Stereotypers 1 

Stone and marble cutters.. 50 

Storekeepers 18 

Students 2,265 

Sugar manufacturers 27 

Surveyors 15 

Tailors 565 

Trainers and curriers 100 

Tar and turpentine makers. 7 

Teachers 1,313 

Teamsters 122 

Telegraph operators 9 

Tinsmiths 94 

Tobacconists and cigar mak- 
ers 43 

Toymen 9 

Traders 145 

Trimmers 40 

Turners 28 

Umbrella manufacturers... 1 
United States and State 

officers - 175 

Watchmakers 31 

Watchmen 38 

Weavers 27 

Wheelwrights 511 

Wood ("inters 38 

Wood dealers 3 

Wool combers <5c carders. 24 

Wool dealers 1 

Other occupations 173 

Total 123,243 



* The numbers here given are according to the statements of persons at their resiliences. By examining the 
statements given by proprietors of establishments producing over 8. r >(>il, we have the following number of males 
employed for some ofthe leading interests: cotton factories. B16; woolen fictories, 193; iron forges, foundries, 
and furnaces, 255 ; saw mills, 12m 1 : gold mining, 62 ; tanning and currying, 454; tar and turpentine making, 
63; brickmaking, 196; coach and car making, 494. 



Statistics of Georgia. 25 

TABLE XI— Agriculture— Farms and Implements, Stock, Products, Home Manufactures, &c. 



COUNTIES. 


Acres of Land in 
Farms. 


Value of Farms 
& Implements. 


LIVE STOCK. 


Improved. 


Unimproved. 


Cash value o 
Farms. 


I Vulueul 
farming itn 
plements & 
miichinery 


Horsc-B. 


Asses am 
mules. 


Milch 
cows. 


Work ii"-' 


OUSei 

cattle. 




9,957 
56,954 
71,44! 
44.919 
21,57" 
26,760 

190.910 
50,369 
2:.,222 
40,118 
38,522 
52,575 
31,88£ 
29,325 
50,535 
91,148 
3,118 
52,697 

147,684 
88,088 
72,857 
11,245 
45,478 
67,992 
59,859 
44,742 
21,784 
84,069 
35,092 
56,104 
32,358 
43.1 1(1 
09,416 
23,900 
20,472 
2:.,:i I.", 

104,658 
85,881 
44,798 
38,824 

125,691 

135,292 
42,691 

104, lit!) 

145,386 
14.325 
70,741 

139,948 
79,715 

138,972 
62,219 
56,074 
38,563 
48,320 
40,897 
31,962 
51,588 
45,708 
19,482 
61,938 

122,838 

157,797 
10,022 

138,163 
51,102 
78,015 
91,993 

219,712 
28,295 
82,563 
98,964 

134.829 
12,711 
93 211 


343,701 
215,043 
157,999 

90,321 
148.823 
473,233 
331,028 

63,505 
181,675 
101,300 

178.649 
15,591 

110,403 

78,186 
128,501 
107,105 

42,893 
155,557 
152,693 
160.500 
134,073 

36.61 1 
199,971 
153,739 
308,583 
135,632 
210,972 
229,375 
502,609 
156,094 

96,195 
107,37:' 
330,811 
121,876 

85,777 

83,512 
148,985 
197,210 
275,511 
201,558 
162,644 
150,911 

96,409 
215,952 
184,000 
320.433 
128.608 

89,875 
217,600 

99,617 
282,158 
112,242 
303,518 
101,668 
429,462 

9 1,899 
134,548 
loo.ooi 

83,090 
119,311 
180,223 
158,338 
177,244 

78,969 
163,470 
131,361 
125,993 

78,553 

62,685 
154,268 
138,657 

72,669 
120,634 
239 605 


$141,860 

1,545,007 

664,581 

913,835 

307,426 

348,258 

2,284 581 

671,343 

904,004 

854,604 

677,435 

1,513,034 

2,008,250 

787,401 

930,029 

1,062,876 

57,300 

743,237 

1,487,845 

1,848,923 

1,106,103 

235,070 

738,803 

1,119,181 

443,483 

720,943 

310,515 

1,563,526 

579, 070 

974,977 

1.084,362 

714,638 

1,068,663 

488,392 

7 62,055 

575,879 

1,767,288 

956,768 

457,511 

576,864 

1,323,711 

1,632,822 

723,990 

1,742,760 

2,747,247 

96,482 

733,164 

1,4-11,394 

1,353,618 

1,247,920 

408,951 

1,049,809 

776,650 

635,777 

848, 108 

620,852 

1,070,571 

578,420 

718,89" 

1,144,400 

2,070,826 

2.357,484 

117,922 

1,378,938 

1,622,680 

1.600,757 

1,215,031 

1,861,085 

728,465 

1,676,355 

729,979 

1,1 L5.575 

L 56,885 

1,319,699 


$10,676 
62,207 
30,971 
■1 1,637 
19,088 
16,707 

132,416 
38,797 
28,054 
52,763 
46,383 
56,412 

209,241 
38,917 
39 202 
61,589 
3,308 
56,933 

118,387 

102,425 
75,891 
11,593 
42,321 
65,309 
54,833 
38,149 
15,656 
93,236 
20,325 
62,539 
41,000 
41,13! 
83,742 
19,974 
31,347 
35,726 
78,154 
83,802 
39,198 
53,546 
81,927 
99,751 
48,650 
92,655 
95,432 
10,705 
51,831 
92,290 
97,005 
6 >,399 
30,972 
54,072 
32,868 
40,300 
44.415 
29,262 
56,773 
35,383 
73,751 
70,644 

108,310 

219,449 

8,905 

57,118 

58,225 

113,565 
73,236 

104,926 
35,090 
69,933 
30,193 
66,665 
10,449 
97,482 


642 

1,179 

1,150 

810 

481 

1,230 
2,891 

1,036 

655 

1,397 
1,879 
1,861 

426 
1,446 
1,783 
1,658 

151 
2,189 
1,824 
2,025 
1,254 

640 
1,530 
2,37 7 
1,664 
1,088 

763 
2,666 
1,453 
1,874 
1,196 
1,668 
2,969 
1,084 
1,114 
1,278 
2,434 
2,611 
1,812 
1,648 
2,242 
2,359 
1,212 
2,810 
2,120 

897 
L,620 
•j J 8 ! 
1,912 
1,521 
1,416 
1,052 

972 
1,217 
1,585 
1,510 
1,041 
1,300 

363 
1,156 

2,3,-7 
2,02,-' 

2,054 

2,617 
1,813 
2, -J 5o 
2,676 
L.375 
1,941 
1,222 
1,462 
604 
2,092 


29 
917 
63E 
671 
109 
79 

1,988 
614 
57 
457 
323 
609 
385 
344 
271 
404 
40 
480 

1,352 

1,238 
902 
117 
502 
519 
452 
508 
142 
619 
62 
517 
441 
212 
241 
147 
113 
363 
933 
403 
308 
282 
902 

1,445 
564 
9 

1,779 

58 

290 

1,324 
868 

1,153 
351 
802 
128 
445 
457 
222 
685 
161 
62 
912 

1,546 

1,811 
87 
945 
535 
966 
801 
651 
311 
866 
417 

1,265 
39 

1,056 


7,483 
6,125 
2,101 
1,646 
3,455 
o,i": i 
5,054 
1,305 
5,624 
2,026 
3,005 
2,452 
1,876 
1,937 
2,511 
2,189 
1,748 
2,783 
4,408 
3,114 
2,001 
817 
0,495 
2,500 
7,372 
4,384 
4,020 
3,584 
8,653 
2,442 
1,834 
2,075 
3 51! 
1,642 
1,982 
L,565 
3,337 
3,286 
2,810 
2,17 7 
3,145 
3,407 
1.663 
3,279 
3,454 
9,200 
2,027 
2,407 
2,005 
2,486 
5,740 
3,684 
5,427 
1,910 
12,457 
2,13 1 
2,485 
1,811 
2,686 
2,825 
2,475 
3,565 
5,603 
2,291 
3,325 
2,648 
2,157 
3,654 
2,120 
2, 5^-' 5 
5,935 
2,261 
992 
5,052 


112 
610 
37 5 
597 
252 
107 
612 
150 
525 
750 
1,217 
1,224 
158 
619 

1,115 

833 

11 

1,273 

1,280 

1,017 

738 

29 

829 

1,173 

,-2 5 

613 

30 

1,296 

190 

973 

624 

111!) 

1,57 7 

565 

526 

514 

1,026 

1,227 

816 

83! 

1,294 

1,425 

| 

1,535 

1,307 

2 1, 

759 

1,104 

571 

971 

579 

554 

723 

580 

265 

780 

590 

734 

293 

680 

1,445 

1,668 
202 

877 
1,066 

947 

995 
1,478 

764 
1,265 

588 

705 

227 

1411 


10,141 




21 748 




5,6 o 
4,761 


Bibb 




(1,11)!) 


Bullock 


L0,400 

9,374 
2,272 






10,375 




2,57 3 


Carroll 


6,556 




4,482 
3,673 




4,026 




4,834 


Clark 


4,542 


Clinch 


3,811 


Cobb 


5,198 




7,095 




1,1 93 

5,195 


Dade 


1,381 




17,427 


DeKalb 


4,146 




19, 837 


Early 


21,171 




7,072 


Elbert 


5 12 






Fayette 


4,1 85 


Floyd 


2,969 


Forsvtli 


•J. 5 59 


Franklin 


6,156 




3.354 


Glynn 


3,594 
2,728 




6,331 




4,962 






Hall 


2,755 




8,537 




7,511 




3,917 




5.197 




9,390 




13,373 




3,515 




4,913 




7,547 




6,127 




13,533 




9,478 




9,300 




4,001 




26,266 




3,276 




6,392 




•J, 535 




,5,465 




6,316 




5,774 
8,323 




8,001 




5,818 




6,539 




8,254 




4,751 




7,061 




3,943 


Pike 


5,511 




8,050 




5,984 




2,106 




9 678 



26 Census of 1850. 

TABLE XI.— Agriculture— Farms and Implements, Stock, Products, &c— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 


Acres of Land in 
Farms. 


Value of Farms 
& Implements. 


LIVE STOCK. 


Improved. 


Unimproved. 


ViiJue of 
Cash value cf farming im 
Farms, plemeuts & 
machinery. 


Horses. 


Asses find 
mules. 


Milch 
cows. 


Working 
oxen. 


Other 
cattle. 




37,644 
56,008 

145,821 
68,165 

136,933 
39,184 
14.244 
15,360 
63,933 

128,190 

101,619 
31,316 
73,512 
36.191 

101,490 
11,316 

135,115 

117,433 

5,356 

97,545 

75,721 


111,592 
454,748 
233,130 
157,748 
159,251 

89,823 
379,369 
183.235 
383,453 
130,900 
142,171 
147,967 

89,792 

72.917 
126,883 
265,315 
236,236 
308.4V8 

69,727 
190,547 
239,951 


$1,165,463 

609,375 

2,238,361 

1,252.168 

2,100'407 

616,829 

229,888 

168,793 

1.11)4,240 

1,980,186 

575,990 

476,518 

991,904 

852.90.". 

1,015,731 

169,770 

L,680,835 

1,331,638 

91,079 

1,344,855 

912,086 


$50,934 

4:1,142 

115,636 

72,40£ 

116,444 

34.683 

13 396 

11,633 

108,041 

132,572 

241,501 

25,288 

65,891 

30.4K 

69,491 

12,191 

92,392 

93,340 

5,038 

83,481 

69,370 


936 
1,494 
2,846 
1.681 
2,44!) 
1,108 

766 

665 
1,707 
2,758 
1,345 
1,655 
1,141 
1,731 
2,601 

760 
2,572 
2.710 

264 
2,140 
1,863 


687 

576 

1,551 

172 

1,647 

365 

44 

77 

786 

1,761 

930 

189 

985 

458 

498 

21 

748 

566 

7 

1,027 

486 


1,813 
6,238 
5,196 
3,919 
3,576 
1,546 
5,099 
5,154 
8,846 
2,947 
2,013 
2,387 
1,504 
2,098 
2,815 
8,631 
3,262 
4,423 
3,465 
3,775 
3,114 


218 
139 

1,404 
957 

1,331 
458 
206 
359 
296 

1,285 
824 
379 
850 
757 

1,132 
56 

1,420 

1,306 
89 

1,111 

1,122 


4,034 




21,381 


Stewart 


9,302 
5,322 


Talbot 


9,823 




3,849 


Telfair 


11,158 
13,136 


Thomas , 


14,113 




6,344 
5,100 




4,112 




4,277 


Walker 


4,121 


Walton 


4,612 




12,306 

6,230 
10,381 




5,972 


Wilkes 


7,437 




8,248 






Total 


6,378,479 


16,442,900 


95,753,445 


5,894,150 


151,331 


57,379 


334,223 


73,286 


690,019 







TABLE XL— Agriculture— Farms and Implements, Stock, Products, Home Manufactures, &c. 



COUNTI ES. 



Appling , 

Baker."; 

Baldwin 

Bibb 

Bryan 

Bullock 

Burke 

Butts 

Camden 

Campbell 

Carroll 

Cass 

Chatham 

Chattooga. -. 

Cherokee 

Clark 

( Jlinch 

Cobb 

Columbia 

Coweta 

('raw for J. .. 

Dade 

Decatur 

DeKalb 

Dooly 

Early 

Effingham. . . 

Elbert 

Emanuel 

Fayette 

Floyd 

Forsyth 

Franklin 



LIVE STOCK. 



Sheep. 



2,328 

3,985 
4,398 
2,630 
1,721 
6,844 
7,778 
3,064 
1,649 
3,532 
4,812 
5,873 
2,80 
4,24 
8,932 
4,693 
293 
8,015 
7,632 
6,265 
5,552 
1,478 
7,3 
5,468 
6,6*1 
5,198 
6,779 
7,452 
8,872 
5,088 
5,165 
6,213 
11,472 



20,835 
28,365 
15,049 

15,470 

7,573 
18,677 
40,536 
15,288 

8,767 
18,544 
25,827 
24,149 

3,067 
18,789 
27,273 
17,074 

3,409 
26,965 
29,619 
29,878 
22,822 

9,036 
25,639 
24,449 
28,283 
29.252 
12,660 
25,092 
22,635 
21,941 
19,258 
19.848 
24,924 



$171,318 
336.160 
207,349 
204,890 
102,465 
200,509 
510.103 
186,920 
143,563 
190,300 
279.835 
284,062 
105,683 
181,549 
214,194 
253,310 

43,747 
286,879 
420,338 
389,280 
280,053 

70,834 
257,967 
285,965 
330,693 
279,532 
130,856 
354,460 
250.902 
235,899 
165,801 
189,842 
337,222 



$29,902 

p69,737 
43,117 
51,402 
16,875 
36,530 

111,100 
43,130 
22,319 
53,596 
57,137 
68,846 
2,704 
47,950 
63,366 
67,291 
6,063 

106,664 
80,241 
98,588 
83,641 
16,231 
63,045 
72,170 
76,985 
48,175 
26,462 
83,075 
48,570 
81.236 
42,001 
60.121 
99,634 



Produce during the year ending June 1, 1850. 



800 

862 

7,496 

3,581 

10 

766 

3,471 

7,216 



11,485 
21,071 
29,153 



! 5,891 
32,921 
14,229 
11 
34.936 
15,326 
11,402 
12,089 

2,098 

131 

22 118 

6,018 

2,360 

391 

31,070 

2,98 
13,430 
16,179 
23,206 
34,800 



Rye. 



17 
161 
521 

91 



25 

889 



32 

454 



3,21' 

46: 



1C0 

92 
197 
215 

10 
106 

65 



23 

1,296 

144 

144 

69 
391 
233 



53,794 
284,595 
255,910 
255,275 

54,927 

98,612 
643,608 
224,930 

63,478 
271,500 
316,871 
497,769 

57,427 
301,180 
444,984 
289,575 

17,350 
318,738 
434,: 
516,910 
339,426 
147,849 
275,497 
432,435 
289,378 
223,037 

87,794 
614,966 
121,874 
318,113 
251,722 
339,954 
447,050 



2,038 
11,762 
20,962 
30,312 

1,778 

2 237 
28,260 
24,690 
126 
27,236 
40,803 
55,119 

4,650 
36,481 
60,008 
65,710 
200 
52,790 
94.641 
93,104 
35,284 
17,965 

8.817 
86,047 

9,301 

28,020 

271 

65,183 

2,259 

34,365 

15,370 

72,855 

104,764 



Rice, 
pounds of. 



30,800 

L5.225 

100 



,409,387 

112,475 

36,380 

1,540 

,400,940 

4,975 

430 



53,750 

43 

142 

2,475 



29,531 



6,365 

21,020 

63 

55,303 

1,275 

10,825 

48,790 

257,901 

2,509 

8,824 

420 

53 

5,135 

16,288 



Statistics of Georgia. 27 

TABLE XI.— Agriculture— Farms and Implements, Stock, Products, &c— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 



Gilmer 

Glynn 

Gordon 

Greene 

Gwinnett 

Habersham.. 

Hall 

Hancock- 

Harris 

Heard 

Henry 

Houston 

Irwin 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson 

Jones 

Laurens 

Lee 

Liberty 

Lincoln 

Lowndes 

Lumpkin 

Macon 

Madison 

Mcintosh.. .. 

Marion 

Meriwether.. 

Monroe 

Montgomery. 

Morgan 

Murray 

Muscogee . .. 

Newton 

Oglethorpe.. 

Paulding 

Pike 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Rabun 

Randolph 

Richmond. .. 

Scriven 

Stewart 

Sumter 

Talbot 

Taliaferro 

Tatnall 

Telfair 

Thomas 

Troup 

Twiggs 

Union , 

Upaon 

Walker 

Walton 

Ware 

Warren 

Washington. 

Wayne.. 

Wilkes 

Wilkinson... 



Total... 



LIVE STOCK. 



5,06 
8-2 
4,09 
9,01 
6,82 
8,019 
6,50 
8,433 
6,999 
4,042 
7,90 
9,516 
3,315 
4,571 
6,433 
8,958 
8,490 
8,0 
4,715 
4,609 
4,245 

11,'262 
6,485 
5,311 
4,459 
1,554 
5,743 
7,784 
9,610 
4,241 
5,070 
6,910 
4,430 
6,189 
8,998 
3,055 
5,698 
5,974 
5,558 
2,498 
9,445 
2,291 

11,311 
8,105 
6,152 
8,336 
3,151 
5,298 
6,627 

11,851 
7,032 
4,133 
8,202 
4,768 
6,249 
5,888 
919 
8,764 

11,388 

616 

7,22? 

6,633 



560,435 



18.949 

2,59'! 
15.529 
30,323 
26,494 
19,410 
18,419 
30.919 
36,958 
18,101 
24,812 
40,969 
26,496 
16,773 
31,289 
28,386 
26,634 
24,038 
23,542 
10,006 
L4.260 
35,000 
23,1.57 
21,493 
12,257 

4 761 
21,212 
38,912 

9,880 
12,464 
27,368 
29,864 
26,881 
25,116 
27,275 
20,801 
26,898 
21.819 
25,280 

9,090 
36,54* 
15,004 
23,915 
43,560 
29,422 
40,086 
13,331 
15,496 
19,237 
20,410 
41,620 
23,656 
23,410 
23,30.7 
24,503 
25,596 
26,054 
30,710 
41,40 1 

7,156 
28,197 
30,070 



2,168,61" 



$135,73 

72,384 
174,98 
392.9' 
295,57 
220,154 
180,770 
39 1,893 
495J43I 
206,261 
387,608 
527.592 
202,596 
200.7? 
399,12 
327,410 
326,34 
■265,42 
273,785 
176-046 
183,024 
356,032 
167,27-1 
227,216 
163,464 

74,8 
301,510 
472,951 
605,620 
126,129 
327,764 
313,888 
398, 
280,909 
302,293 
195,973 
340,98 
254,984 
324,132 

74,010 
4-18,090 
201,340 
361,020 
540,865 
326,063 
499.18 
146 20 1 
137,010 
167,309 
376,480 
514,591 
302,149 
176,325 
274,149 
176,313 
335,323 
203,146 
379,422 
392,454 

62,082 
349,697 
328,318 



$40,677 
11,189 
45,019 
91,925 
75,852 
55,61? 
49,301 
96,004 

135, 999 
50.319 

105,265 

148,740 
37,010 
52,009 
89,42; 
66,665 
86,398 
50,877 
71,421 
28,557 
47,496 
66,703 
65,446 
63,085 

.43,011 
13,928 
68,193 

114,756 

139,516 
18,282 
93,65 
90,400 
66,641 
71,626 
95,444 
43,084 
86,268 
65,140 
77,551 
18,060 

139,523 
81,573 

107,583 

111,249 
84,798 

122,38 
36,480 
29,106 
31,502 
75,576 

128,774 
86,731 
46,366 
63,416 
49 310 
84,635 
31,107 

113,481 

106.249 
11 ',472 
78,216 

105,171 



Produce during the year ending June 1, 1850. 



3,805 



19,161 
13,882 
29,2! 16 
10,082 
19,910 
12,160 
24,130 
12,047 
36,489 
15,106 

1,199 
23,072 
18.730 

6,282 
13,859 

8,992 

2,116 

100 

9,546 

83? 

6,630 

6,162 

16,525 

12 

9,857 

25,014 

40,003 
1,241 

19,145 

19,596 
9,547 

16;224 

14,257 
8,634 

12,204 
2,058 

17,785 

256 

3,713 

4,064 

3,560 

12,152 
7,258 

28,349 

8,879 

1,132 

1,04? 

249 

17,644 
5,892 
2,176 

19,701 

11,913 
21,494 

388 
19,155 
11,550 
60 
12,649 
12,149 



25,728,416 6,339,762 1,088,534 53,750 30,080,099 



3,362 

10 

322 

569 

99 

3,50? 

422 

566 

593 

11? 

2fi I 

33? 

19 

10 I 

31)4 

279 

512 

291 

222 

5 

113 

65 

2,459 

471 



119 

931 
662 

28 

139 
162 
129 

101 

711 

45 

235 

24? 

413 

3,195 

524 

1,005 

1,283 

323 

15? 

169 

62 

6 



338 

565 

13,012 

289 

258 

213 

11 

902 

1,895 



163 
2,194 



214,193 
49,739 
285.360 
480,326 
436,2 !" 
268,695 
295,759 
•1 10,699 
554,895 
265,242 
514,796 
662,600 

89 000 
309.272 
460,680 

35-1/36 
402,360 
211,958 
297,614 
114,310 
204,591 

'2;j:j,569 

242,717 
258,364 
195,421 

34,715 
333,904 
594,601 
724,670 

55,365 
411,857 
518,745 
399,113 
463,130 
445,575 
256,019 
418,990 
229,815 
392,821 

64,699 
454,533 
297,780 
264,860 
684,499 
354,842 
655,802 
193,327 

71,740 

77,805 
353,920 
687,205 
37 9,53? 
274,315 
343,01? 
371,760 
126, 516 

68,270 
428,364 
446,730 

21,545 
418,176 
323,976 



24,894 

1*470 
20,586 
96,787 
102,056 
48,683 
67,914 
72,875 
82,181 
35,034 
88.897 
46,830 

4,006 
63,72? 
62 B98 

5,073 
54,208 

7,535 
21,210 

2 122 
64,472 
11,396 
40,746 
28,477 
28,777 
150 
16,009 
98,050 
108,766 

1,57? 
86,990 
56,588 
3-1,731 
60,315 
99,771 
24,062 
46,442 

5,840 
45,205 

9,771 
56,959 
27,458 

5,830 
70,624 
3-1,051 
89,185 
28,690 

3,775 

4,958 

1.6,598 

120,302 

8,758 
40,428 
48,131 
51,969 
92,660 

2,843 

44,119 

11,261 

82 

133,213 

17,615 



3,820,44 38,950,691 



28 Census of 1850. 

TASLE XI.-AGRICULTXJUE-FAKMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, &c.-Continued. 



Appling 

Baker 

Baldwin 

Bibb 

Bryan 

Bullock 

B urke , 

Butts 

Camden 

Campbell , 

Carroll 

Cass 

Chatham , 

Chattooga. 

Cherokee 

Clark , 

Clinch 

Cobb , 

Columbia , 

Coweta 

Crawford 

Dade 

Decatur 

DeKalb 

Dooly --.. 

Early 

Effingham 

Elbert 

Emanuel 

Eavette 

Floyd 

Forsyth 

Franklin 

Gilmer 

Glynn 

Gordon 

Greene 

Gwinnett .. 

Habersham 

Hall . 

Hancock 

Harris 

Heard , 

Henry 

Houston 

Irwin 

Jackson , 

Jasper 

Jefferson 

Jones - ., 

Laurens 

Lt-e 

Liberty 

Lincoln 

Lowndes 

Lumpkin 

Macon 

Madison 

Mcintosh 

Marion 

Meriwether 

Monroe 

Montgomery. 

Morgan 

Murray 

Muscogee 

Newton 

Oglethorpe 

Paulding 

Pike 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Rabun 

Randolph 

Richmond 

Scriven 

Stewart 

Sumter 



PRODUCE DURING THE YEAR ENDING JUSE 1, 1850. 



Tobacco, 
pounds of. 



210 
100 



280 
265 



2,489 
7,201 

5,7 35 



r,360 

r.oso 



2,170 



605 
157 

4,773 

157,937 

1,930 



3,858 

711, 

54 5 

450 

59,5 18 

18,207 

14,752 



1,130 



5,901 

12,508 

22,767 

70 

350 



.(cu pounds 
eHch. 



100 



489 
3,395 

467 



5,401 

4,006 



3 
115 



100 

950 

(,74-. 

8l£ 



Wool, Peas and 
pounds of. beans, 
bushels of. 



63 
8,820 
4,483 
3,394 

536 

594 

19,175 

4,110 

858 
3,040 
1,243 
2,385 

580 
1,668 

4,572 

106 

2,H11 

11,336 

10,369 

7,477 

15 

5,308 

2,397 

5,962 

4,354 

15 

8,565 

559 

4,253 

1,976 

472 

2,653 



1,036 

184 

12,600 

2,531 

36 

205 

11,374 

11,935 

3,384 

9,352 

19,362 

112 

1,202 

9,899 

10,441 

9,006 

3,883 

9,342 

1,883 

5,447 

2,912 

14 

5,773 

2/219 

'520 

7,149 

12,862 

15,012 

2 9 'J 

11,541 

159 

8,50 

6,938 

12,249 

1,439 

8,002 

5,50 

8,62 



10,533 

1,U8 
3.936 
19,16 



3,925 

9,633 

7,160 

4,116 

2,773 

12,687 

18,238 

4,761 

2,680 

6,769 

9,550 

7,165 

2,799 

6,963 

13,489 

7,576 

84 

12,793 

18,710 

11,527 

7,578 

2,826 

14,385 

8,820 

16,988 

9,995 

15,639 

12,981 

25,787 

7,494 

4,429 

11,196 

19,740 

8,609 

1,554 

13,940 

10,858 

16,438 

11,207 

12,171 

11,767 

5,442 

12,857 

14,726 

7,652 

8,427 

10,421 

17,251 

12,592 

14,849 

9,821 

8^Go 

7,925 

22,420 

11,843 

9,768 

8,000 

300 

7,509 

11,326 

16,624 

10,923 

9,111 

11,779 

2,224 

7,490 

12,62-. 

5,362 

8,862 

10,261 

8,395 

6,603 

15,085 

5,578 

37,76u 

11,190 

9,241 



3,750 

28,151 
2.159 

11,002 
9,519 
6.805 

36,075 
4,457 
7,677 
7,730 
5,811 
6,483 
9,415 
7,808 
3,330 

25,172 
3,411 
8,699 

25,724 
2,107 
6,161 
575 
8,784 
3,999 

13.611 

13, '-5 

11,046 

32,589 
8, 125 
6,726 
3,85 1 
6,sl3 

19,686 

584 

7,290 

921 

38,456 
2,983 
2,758 
7,656 

39,411 

20,41". 
182 

13,411 
5,310 
6,2 -'I 
8,43 

15,524 
4,870 

23,750 
6,616 

26,470 

22,929 
1,433 

25,166 
1,385 

22,178 

2,315 

4,895 

611 

19,155 

L8.962 
2,551 
3,022 
1,538 

2;,:, j 
1,180 

12,201 
5,796 
^,u, i 

11,195 
4,307 
3,232 

411,061 

19,6:6; 
9,175 

33,596 

22, i; ; 



Irish 

potatoes 



48 

864 

668 

2,063 

46 

100 

1,792 

1,200 

597 

1,423 

5,852 

3,66 

7,125 

2,962 

3,855 

4.182 



1,567 
2,378 

825 
1,259 
3,276 

847 
1,171 

150 



332 
5,929 

219 
2,907 
2,764 
7,365 
8,426 
4,151 

301 
1,674 
4,035 
2,283 
6,076 
5,746 
3,967 
4,32-. 
80 
3,83 
3,056 

221 
2,012 
3,251 

119 
2,796 

118 

325 

13 

1,660 

30 

6,15n 

2,768 

896 



4,911 

8 836 



3,175 
12,076 



3 

3,221 
2 393 

899 
334 
1,450 
4,089 
228 
2,233 
9,801 
1,896 
2,561 



35,234 
80,170 

47,127 
80,240 
38,117 
60,610 

111,232 
51,339 
52,328 
44,434 
73.943 
66,429 
33,815 
52,986 
78,465 
48,942 
5,385 
54,850 
78,115 
91,357 
93,100 
12,257 

105,889 
73,070 
94,645 
76,377 
37,252 
61,777 
49,339 
54,456 
36,818 
78,333 

114,331 
20,097 
55,100 
31,016 
85,296 
78,307 
57,491 
48,206 

119,205 

109,926 
41,354 

106,905 

188,224 
51,437 
49,866 
78,764 
61,841 
84,677 
82,995 
71,993 

115,119 
32,123 
80,776 
42,110 
93,557 
31,365 
53,165 
81,370 

116,791 

166,584 
28,710 
66,299 
67,391 
83,425 

104,20; 
76,407 
44,378 
85,558 
60,976 

9,868 
151,13 

51,045 
131,620 

171,791 
120,333 



2,780 

203 

5 



1 
100 
210 



1,005 



1,66: 



1 

223 



3 

270 



28 
11 



lOu 
151 

lo 



:h-,rd pro- 
dollars. 



20 
280 



453 
11 



Statistics of Georgia. 



29 



TABLE XL-AGRICULTURE-FARMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, &c.-Continued. 







PRODUCE DURING TUE TEAR 


ENDING JUNE 1, 1850. 


COUNTIES. 


Tobacco, 
pounds of. 


Ginned cot 

ton bales o 

400 pounds 

each. 


1 

Wool, 
pounds of. 


Peas and 

beans, 
bushels of. 


Irish 
potatoes, 
bushels of. 


Sweet 
potatoes, 

bushel 8 of. 


Barley, 

bushels of. 


Buckwheat 
bushels of. 


Value of or- 
chard pro- 
ducts in 

dollars. 


Talbot 


410 
360 


13,732 

5,170 

321 

572 

7,667 

14,481 

9,689 

7,443 
359 

5,599 

394 

9,994 

7,445 

87 

12,024 

1,920 


11,360 

4,743 

9,933 

11,585 

26,990 

11,441 

0,403 

16,829 

• 7,494 

9,585 

8,980 

1,727 

12,904 

20,968 

1,133 

12,061 

10,077 


18,477 
2,825 

2,924 

6,376 


432 

878 

5 

1 


162,819 

29,061 

46,227 

l !,25l 

146,022 

1.42,884 

76,323 

30,867 

68,71 I 

40,501 

103,178 

44,522 

123,825 

112,576 

24,433 

59,525 

99,490 


444 
103 


1 


$105 




45 






Telfair 












2,204 
1,190 

20 

ii, -j; 










18,819 

11,447 

82 

11,768 

586 

18,851 

4,033 

61,429 

18,067 

457 

7,929 

41,337 


. 8,729 

960 
4,418 
2,419 
3,630 
3,351 
8 
3,156 

429 

115 
7,141 


151 
o 

68 




25 


Twiggs 






20 


20 




195 


Walker 


9,795 
2,100 






48 

5 

88 

17 




150 




1,499 




664 
37 












Wilkes 


20 
80 


64 

18 


















Total 


423,924 


499,091 


990,019 


1,142,011 


227,37916,986,428 


11,501 


250 


92,776 



TABLE XI.-AGRICULTURE-FARMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, &c.-Contmued. 





PRODUCE 


DURING 


THE 


YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1850. 


COUNTIES. 


Wine, 

gallons 

of. 


Value of 
produce 
ol mar- 
ket gar- 
dens. 


Butter, 

pounds 

of. 


Cheese, 

pounds 

of. 


Hay, 

tuns of. 


Clover 

bushels 
of. 


Other 
grass 

sred?. 

bushels 

of. 


Hops, 

pounds 

of. 


den- -rot- 
tod, 
U'llS of. 


A 






22,549 
44,448 
24,484 
34,985 

13,458 
24,278 
4!), 104 
31,649 

14,191 

47,596 
95,125 
59,834 

10,158 
48,080 
66,021 
91,209 
2,165 
86,980 


1,734 
1,520 

228 

120 
632 


















5 
1,376 

4 

1,000 

7 

115 




























$4,812 






































































535 

10 


276 


















20 
























12 
16,295 


300 

6,391 
147 


7 

1 

52 












3 














41 












Clark 


73 


480 


44 






20 












Cobb 


50 


4,194 




747 


























96,671 

49 064 
27,237 
27,841 
60,779 
21,371 
18,460 
13,478 

122,946 
22,780 
51,672 
47,321 
70,539 

145,314 

52,833 

9,939 

' 39,063 

68,412 

94,821 


145 














6 


4 








13 
36 






645 

610 


o 




42 
































730 




































21 






2 




Elbert - 


















5,945 

100 

280 

170 

1,910 

20 
316 

75 


































41 














197 

18,082 
39 

150 


1 




























5 






5 
15 

10 






25 






















2,913 
• 3 












100 























30 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE XI.-AGMCTTLTUHE-FARMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, &c.-Continued. 





PRODUCE DVKIXG THE TEAK ENDING JUNE 1, 1850. 


COUNTIES. 


Wine, 
gallons 

oi". 


Value o 
produce 
oi mar- 
ket gar- 
dens. 


Butter, 

pounds 

Of. 


Cheese, 

pounds 

of. 


Hay, 
tons of. 


Clover 

set d, 

bushels 

of. 


Other 

grass 

seeds, 

bushels 

of. 


Hops, 

pounds 

of. 


Hemp, 
dew-rot- 
ted, 

tons of. 






SH 
1C 


61,482 
71,019 
75.026 
72,57-. 
42,108 
76,991 
44,475 
14,724 
74,408 
57,088 
36,267 
48,404 
17,119 
40,225 
20,615 
35,142 
28,852 
49.447 
27,566 
61,193 
7,150 
31,045 
64,737 
86,697 
11,206 
63.048 
76,208 
48,460 
4 0.3 15 
133,362 
40.9IHI 
67,7H9 
20,967 
49.634 
27.548 
B2.023 
32,965 
93,23.3 
70.729 
46,100 
73,348 
30,669 
16.005 
6 B0' 
24.00] 
79 06"! 
22,110 
51,501 
38,692 
17,857 
78,473 
12,77:i 
80,244 
41.044 
10,444 
71.381 


2,737 
107 

4 


310 
2 

2,134 




16 

8 


12 




Hall 








80 


7 




Harris 




11 




Heard .. 














Henry 






25 

18C 

2,703 

19(1 

20 


1 


























31 
2C 


2 




















23 






20 


























*{ 55 :::::: 


1,909 


4 
























Lre 






















295 


759 
























Lowndes 






44o 
2,461 
















2 li : 
































608 












Mcintosh - 






509 










Marion 


















3 
























6 


1,960 


































56 


340 


85 


28 






















12 

1,310 


2,167 






1 




















12." 


772 






3 




Pike 
















































Rabun 




3,47! 

21 587 


2,221 


104 


7 


221 


24 






40 
320 






546 


1,599 


40 










34 


90 




















10 


2< 














Talbot 


120 




























Tatnall 


















Telfair 






95 




























Troup 






630 


3,441 










Twij [s 


















6,483 

70 


3,156 
10 

70 

1,959 


102 












5 










Walker 


53 
3 




7 






Walton, 


3 










































490 
96 
















5 










Wilkes 




















41,107 
































Total 


796 


76,500 


4,640,559 


46,976 


23,449 


132 


428 


261 









Statistics of Geokgia. 



31 



TABLE XI.-AGRICULTURE-EARMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, fee-Continued. 





PKOUUCE DURING THE YEAR ENDING 


JINE 1, 


1850. 


COUNTIES. 


H«mp, 
water- 
rotted, 
10119 of. 


Flax, 

pounds 

of. 


FlflXS ('« 

bushela 

or. 


M.K 

cocoons, 

pounds 

of. 


Map c 

sugar, 

pa .i"i 
of. 


Cane 

sugar, 
hbds. ol 
1,000 lbs 


Molassee, 
gallons of. 


and boney, 
pouni '■: 


Value of 
hi Diemade 

manufac- 
tures. 














17 
669 


4,50: 
10,417 


4,878 

2,578 

195 

7,930 

431 

180 

10,391 

13,301 

1,645 

12,966 


$10 785 














14,051 

947 














Bibb 








100 








7 4 50 












4 

30 


2.99C 
1,12S 
3,10S 


3,811 

8,441 
5 673 








































9,715 














4! 


7,502 














16,570 


















27,316 


















4,389 

3.769 

13,315 
6,550 

300 
3,891 


19,070 

1,217 
17,872 
20,120 
















246 








20 


5 


















Clark 






1 










13,621 












10 




1,412 














55,438 
11,293 


































21,141 

16,554 
4,510 
1,445 

10,013 

1.318 

9,370 

80S 

15,128 

! 5 : 5 : 

317 

10.113 

20,259 

3,641 

1,80 ; 

8,373 
1,769 

10,53(1 

36,627 

150 

29 575 

1 1,289 

1,475 

8,104 

1.3,899 

159 

9,561 

434 

540 

3,048 

6,642 


25,477 










4 






1,457 


19,729 

14,761 


Dade 




70 


2 










35 




65 


30,703 


13, 7 20 










32.284 






100 


400 


1 




8 
16 

22 


12.26E 
10,158 

3,580 


33,502 




















3,553 

27,062 






















5 




21 


5,564 


21,436 








1 


30,307 


























M 








57,162 
105,066 




















1,973 


57 










19,997 










71 


5,766 






















1 
30 










1 5.7 1 2 






120 

85 










2" :,', t 
















Hall 












31,556 














-. 309 








1 


11 








25,901 














34,734 






50 












70,944 
23.439 














8,167 
7,521 














37 


12,134 






10 




14 




27,145 

1 ,.:; 2 


























■200 


12,782 
















16,455 














] 


5,205 

9,190 

11,640 

9,302 


I 














32,962 














24 


4,737 














8,064 














198 


21,721 
















2,026 
8,212 

4.10", 

125 

10 
30,105 
35,999 

340 


21.050 
















2,180 


25,210 
21,276 






50 


1 


505 












3 

6 


7,217 

3,547 
















13,637 










21 




20,571 














240 
5,202 
















9 
















5,625 


















47,556 
















100 


20 

8,77f 

1,406 

3,517 

18,692 

556 

274 

10,355 

34.070 

2,474 

46,396 
11,671 


9,441 










20 






15.015 


Oglethorpe 




- 










18,963 


















10,247 


Pike 




20 












41,934 














1,700 


7,263 
















9.469 


Rabun 




1,268 


45 








2 

7.493 


19,363 










4 


31.270 


Richmond 












2,351 


Scriven 














4,585 

65 

13,332 


12.762 


Stewart 








5 






15,247 
20,855 










50 





32 Census of 1850. 

TABLE XI.-AGRICULTTJEE-FARMS AND IMPLEMENTS, STOCK, PRODUCTS, &c.-Continued. 





PRODUCE DURING THE TEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1850. 


COUNTIES. 


Hemp, 

rotted, 
tons of. 


Flax, 

pounds 

of. 


Silk 
flaxseed cocoons, 
bushels pounds 
of. of. 


Mttpie 
sugar, 

pounds 
of. 


Cane 

hide, of 
1,000 lbs. 


Molasses, 
gallons of. 


Beeswax 
and honey, 
pounds of. 


Value of 
homemade 
manufac- 
tures. 


,, 








50 






90 


26,028 

3,688 

165 

30,545 

766 

1,949 

12,278 

573 

15,620 

9,680 

11,473 

6,647 

1,320 

23 

11,762 


$29,698 
7,819 
























20 

43 

109 


1,426 

5,319 

9,312 

170 


6,283 












7,800 













23,561 






400 


6 10 




23,702 
15,256 














1,174 


53 











24,665 
10,477 


















60 


2 










11,513 
















59,812 
















2,792 

94 

85 

540 


9,526 










13 






3,818 












200 
10 


24,116 














2,336 














16,422 
















50 


19,875 






















5,387 


622 


813 


50 


1,642 


216.150 


732,514|l, 838,908 



TABLE XII.-NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. 



Character. 



Literary & miscellaneous 
Neutral and independent 

Political 

Religious 

Scientific 

Total 



No. 



Circula- 
tion. 



29,638 
3,040 

20.900 
4,600 
9,300 



No. of copie 
printed 
annually. 



1,411.976 
747,340 

1,491,350 
239,200 
181,000 



67,434! 4,070,866 



How often Issued, 



Daily 

Tri and semi-monthly 

Weekly .... 

Monthly & semi-monthly 

Total 



No. 



No. of copies 

printed 

annually. 



1,086,110 
146,380 

2,609,776 
228,600 



51! 4,070,866 



TABLE XHI.-LIBRARIES, OTHER THAN PRIVATE. 





PUBLIC. 


SCHOOL. 


SUNDAY 
SCHOOL. 


COLLEGE. 


CHURCH. 


TOTAL. 


COUNTIES. 


No. 


Vols. 


. No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 




























Baker 




























1 


3,000 










3 


4,500 






4 


7 500 


Bibb 


































































































































5 


550 










5 


























































































































































Clark 


1 


1,500 










3 


12,001) 






4 


13,500 


Clinch 
















Cobb 


























































1 


500 














1 


500 
































1 


100 











1 


100 



Statistics of Georgia. 
TABLE XIIL-LIBRARIES, OTHER THAN PRIVATE.-Contimied. 



33 





PUBLIC. 


SCHOOL. 


SUNDAY 
SCHOOL. 


COLLEGE. 


CHURCH. 


TOTAL. 


COUNTIES. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 


No. 


Vols. 
































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































o 


450 










2 


450 








































































































































4 












4 


488 




















































































































































































































































































;■; 












































































































































































1 


200 








1 


200 














1 


















3 


5,000 






3 


5,000 






































































































































~ 


200 










2 


























1 


2,000 


















1 
10 






10 


1,300 














1 300 
































































1 
























| 
























| 








































































































































































































Ware 








































































































































































Total 


3 


6.500 


11 


1,800 


15 


1,988 


9,21 500 




38 


31,788 



34 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE XIV.-CHTTRCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c. 





BAPTIST. 


CHRISTIAN. 


CONGREGATIONAL. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
churches 


Aggregate 
datioua. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 

$560 
2,000 
3,000 
5,100 
400 
1,405 
10,348 
2,800 


No. of 

churches. 


Aggregate 

accommo- 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 

churches. 


Aggregate 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


Appling 


10 
2 
6 
4 
9 
9 
7 


1,050 

10,000 

950 

2,450 

400 

2,025 

3,600 

3,099 
























1 


150 


$400 






























Bullock 






















1 


250 


$2 700 




























12 
3 

12 

7 

16 

7 


2,950 
300 
4,200 
4,200 
1,550 
4,700 
2,350 


2,040 


1 


200 


100 








Carroll 








Cass and Gordon 


3,300 
23,000 
1,800 
3,485 
4 650 




















































































Cobb 


3 

10 

12 

10 

4 

3 

13 

15 

9 

6 

11 

13 

7 

3 

16 

13 

4 


1,100 
5,000 
5,700 
3,000 

300 

525 
5,400 

275 
2,200 
1,200 
5,400 
2,025 
2,870 

900 
5,050 
4,050 

750 


2,950 
2.U00 
6-500 
3,000 
100 
750 
























































Dade 


1 


60 


50 
















DeKalb 
































3,000 
3,000 
6,900 
1,850 

1,770 




























Elbert 










































Floyd 
















4,015 

3,350 

600 














































































10 

14 

18 

8 

7 

18 

13 

20 

11 

6 

5 

15 

6 

10 

6 

7 

6 

6 

14 

21 

12 

5 

4 

13 

11 

16 

3 

12 

17 

1 

9 

10 

10 

14 

8 

5 

7 

16 

6 

7 

17 


6,800 
4,050 
7,200 
2,800 
2,500 
9,400 
3,900 
8,450 
6,300 
1,300 
2,000 
6,100 
3,200 
4,000 


8.005 
3^500 
18,000 
2,150 
4,700 
8,500 
5,100 
6,250 
9,050 
580 
1,700 
4,350 
2,350 
5,200 










































Hall 










































































































































































2,100 
9,600 
2,850 
3,750 
4,200 
1,175 
1,350 
1,100 
4,250 
4,450 
8,000 
475 
6,000 
5,500 
2,000 
4,650 
6,800 
3,550 
6,100 
2,580 
1,950 
1,232 
3,350 
4 300 


3,600 
1,633 
4,550 
2,850 
2,000 
1,460 
1,170 
3,700 
3,550 
4,705 
600 
190 
4,800 
2,460 

20,000 
5,000 

13,500 
2,695 
6,510 
4.205 
1,750 
745 
4,825 

l » son 




























































































































































































































































Pike..... 


1 


500 


1,500 








Pula&ki 




















































1 


800 


10,000 










1,400| 13^000 
fi.nfsn 7 in n 
























11 2,75o| 3,200 















Statistics of Georgia. 35 

TABLE XiV- CHURCHES, CHTJKCH PEOPEETY, &c- Continued. 





BAPTIST. 


CHRISTIAN. 


CONGREGATIONAL. 


COUNTIES. 


\o. of 
churches 


Aggregate 
> accommo- 
dations. 


Total value 

of cburch 
property. 

$5,200 
2,000 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 
datum. 


Total value 
ot church 
properly. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregi te 
accommo- 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 

propeity. 




13 
3 

6 
4 

8 
16 


5,200 
1,572 
850 
400 
2,900 
5,650 




























Tatna'l 














Telfair 


400 

2,850 

14,900 




























Troup 






























14 
16 
23 
15 

15 

15 

4 

8 

13 


5,880 
5,000 
















5,000 












Walker 
















8,050 
600 
6,320 
3,750 
485 
4,051) 
3.000 


4,850 
400 
6,580 
3,800 
1,695 
9,700 
5,000 






































































Wilkes 










































Total 


879] 319,293 


390,801 


5 


1,7101 812,050 


1 


250 


$2,700 



TABLE XIV.-CHUECHES, CHUECH PEOPEETY, fcc.-Continued. 





EPISCOPAL 


FREE. 


FRIENDS. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
churches 


Aggreg't 

motiat's. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 

churches 


moiiat's. 


Total 

value of 
chnmb 
property 


No. of 
churches 


Aggreg't 
llioJat's. 


Total 
value of 

church 
property 






















Baker. 






















1 

1 


300 
300 


$2,850 
6,000 














Bibb 














Bryan 














Bullock 




























1 


200 


8200 








Butt* 
















1 


250 


2,000 




























Carroll 




















Cass and Gordon 


1 
1 


500 

700 


800 
35,000 














Chatha m 














































Clark 


1 


300 


5,000 














Clinch 














Cobb 


1 


550 


10,000 




























































Dade 




































DrKalb 


1 


175 


2,000 




























Early 






















1 


250 


800 














Elbert 






















































1 


350 














Forsyth 














Franklin 








































2 


250 


5,900 





380 


150 


























































1 


400 


1,500 














Hall 














Hancock. 









































36 



Census of 1850. 
TABLE XIV.-CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c.-Contmued. 





EPISCOPAL* 


FREE. 


FRIENDS. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
churches 


Aggreg't 
modat's. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches 


Aggreg't 
accom- 
modate. 


Total 

value of 
church 
prope rty 


No. of 
churches 


Aggreg'l 
mudat's. 


Total 
value of 

church 
property 


























































































































































































































































2 


900 


$2,000 




















































































1 


300 


$1,500 


















































1 

o 


1,000 
300 


5,000 
GO 




























































1 


2.000 


15,000 


































































































































































1 


i,oou 


15,000 




































































Talbot 


1 


400 


1,500 


































































































































































2 


500 


$400 






















































































1 


250 


300 














































































Total 


20 


9,325 


109,910 


6 


1,730 


2,6501 2 


500 


400 











Statistics of Georgia. 



37 



TABLE XXV.-CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c.-Continued. 





LUTHERAN. 


METHODIST. 


MORAVIAN. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
otrarehes 


Aggregate 
datious. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 
datious. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 

churches. 


Aggregate 
dations. 


Total value 
,,; church 
property. 








10 
10 

1 

6 
6 
1 
8 
3 
6 
6 

4 

8 

16 
10 


1,500 
9,000 

600 
2,040 

550 

125 
2,450 
1,098 
7,800 
1,760 

250 
2,000 
1,600 
2,300 
3,150 
3,700 


SI, 000 
1,5110 






























3,000 

18,700 

550 

50 

3,700 








































































1,080 

3,000 

970 



























































2,000 










1 


600 


$18,000 


27,800 
1,750 
2,725 

13,700 


































































5 
9 

11 
9 

10 
5 

17 

11 

6 

. 9 

14 
4 
4 
9 

12 

14 
8 
2 


2,300 
4,500 
4,850 
2,700 

800 
1,325 
4,865 

300 

900 
2,025 
3,600 

700 
1,700 

3,250 

3,000 

1,275 

210 


5,750 
1.800 
5,"00 
3,600 
300 
1,900 
8,470 
























1 


400 


350 
















































































500 
7,000 
3,900 

620 
1,200 

1,610 

2,450 

785 

275 










5 


1,575 


15,750 






































1 


75 


825 






















































































10 
16 
19 

6 
12 
13 
10 
18 
12 

6 

11 
8 
6 
6 
2 
3 
6 
8 

12 
9 
3 
2 
8 
9 

17 
8 
6 
8 
2 

18 

11 
5 

11 
5 
6 
6 

24 
4 
6 

14 

13 


4,500 
4,300 
7,700 
3,300 
3,050 
4,400 
3,400 
5,550 
5,050 
950 
2,000 
3,500 
2,800 
2,100 


6,000 

3,650 
19,000 
2,450 
9,650 
5,450 
4,300 
4,065 
10,850 
400 
2,525 
3,385 
2,,- 50 
3,330 










































































































t 














Ir 'i 






































































Y 














r 








450 
1,950 

1,800 

1.740 

2,400 

900 

400 

750 

2.150 

2,600 

6.8U0 

830 

3,000 

2,350 

5,000 

5,310 

5,650 

1,500 

4,150 

860 

2,400 

0L8 

4,450 

2.61)0 

1,500 

4,950 

2.750 


500 
1,033 
2,500 
1.320 
1,810 
2,000 

200 
3,000 
2,750 
4,600 

400 

280 

11,300 

2,375 

33,000 

7,920 

5,900 

500 
4,970 
1,375 
1,900 

770 

7,200 

18,500 

14,500 

6,470 

4,125 








r -i 














T i l' 














J . 














T 1 • 
















1 


£50 


750 








AT )* n 




































\. a ! V" 




























,J 














Mr 














M r 














M ^ 














N ° 



































































































































^ n en 










































88 



Census of 1850. 






TABLE XIV.-CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c.-Continued. 





LUTHERAN. 


METHODIST. 


MORAVIAN. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
churclies 


Aggregate 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 

churches. 


Aggregate 
accommo- 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 
accommo- 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 










8 

10 

10 

8 

13 


3,200 
866 
1,575 
1,000 
2.250 
5,200 


$4,250 

950 

105 

1,000 

2,400 

10,200 




























































































TJ 




























9 
22 
13 

8 

11 

15 

4 

7 

10 


4,500 


5,000 






















w 








2,575 

900 
3,700 
3,750 

336 
2,750 
2,000 


2,175 
450 
6,770 
4,500 
240 
5,520 
3,895 








W 














W 1 ' 














,„'' 1 bl 






































































Total 


sj 2,825 


$34,850 


375 


237,218 


393,943 


1 


75 


$25 



TABLE XIV.-CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c.-Continued. 



1 


PRESBYTERIAN. 


ROMAN CATHOLIC. 


UNION. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
Churches. 


Aggregate 

dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 
dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches. 


dations. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


,. 










































1 

1 
1 


500 

COO 
500 


$3,000 

15,000 
5,000 














Bibb 


1 


300 


$1,000 
































1 
2 

1 


400 

700 
720 
100 


300 

580 

2,500 

50 








1 


350 


$300 












1 


100 


1,000 






























Cass and Gordon — 


3 

4 


1,200 
1,425 
1,450 
1,000 
1,050 


1,200 

81,000 

2,000 

800 

5,400 














1 


500 


20,000 






























Clark 




























Cobb 


3 

1 

1 


1,550 
500 

1,100 
300 


4,250 
200 

2,100 
200 








































































1 


280 
700 


600 
2,450 








1 


300 


500 


DeKalb 


1 


250 


2,500 












1 


500 


1,500 
























































































Floyd 


1 


400 






























Franklin 


3 


775 


600 




























1 


250 


1,000 






























2 


1,700 


3,000 













Statistics of Georgia. 



39 



TABLE XIV.-CHURCHES, CHTJBCH PROPERTY, &c.-Continued. 





PRESBYTERIAN. 


ROMAN CATHOLIC. 


UNION. 


COUNTIES. 


Xo. of 
Churches. 


Acrgrejrate 
(iations. 


Total value 
of church 
properly. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 

uu lions. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 


No. of 
churches. 


Aggregate 

dutious. 


Total value 
of church 
property. 




3 

1 


1,700 
400 


$2,700 
1,000 










































Hancock 


~ 


5.30 


4,000 






























1 
1 


401 

1,100 

451 


300 

900 

2,000 


























































o 
1 
1 


800 
400 
500 


1,100 

1 ,200 

550 


































































































1 


726 


9,000 






























1 
1 


150 
500 


150 

600 












































1 
1 


550 
1,200 

300 
400 
800 


500 
4,300 
10U 
400 
400 








1 


301) 


i'.ioo 






































































1 

1 
3 


500 

800 

2,0011 

850 

800 


4,000 
3,000 
10,000 
1,075 
2,300 






























1 


2,000 


$10,000 












































2 


1,000 


3,250 










































1 


1 ,500 


15,000 




















1 
1 


350 

1,200 


800 
20,000 
















1 


600 


40,000 






































1 
3 
1 


350 

1,200 

320 


900 

1,200 

200 














Taibut 










































Telfair 




















Tilimias 


o 
3 


COO 

1,200 


400 
5,000 




























Twiggs 








12 

14 


4,800 


5,000 




































Walker 


4 
1 


200 
300 


3,000 
250 














Walton 














Ware 






















1 


200 


2,000 










































Wilkes 


1 


300 


1,500 


1 


300 


3,000 




































Total 


97 


40,596 


218,805 


8 


4,250 


79,500 


30 


7,250 


21,100 



40 



Census of 1850. 



TABLE XIV.-CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c. -Continued. 





1 \l VI I.-n.U.IST. 


MINOR SECTS. 


TOTAL. 


COUNTIES. 




Total 

value 4' 

mtnluc's. church 

proper! 


No. of 
churche 




Total 

church 
prupe rt; 


No. of 
churche: 


modul's 


Total value 
of church 
property. 














r 
21 

I 

i; 
n 
it 

is 

1C 

i 
21 
1 I 
I! 
34 
•,'1 


2.551 

2,501 

1,451 
2, 1 51 
7,251 

i 

5,0 1C 
551 

5 301 


91,560 

12,250 

- 

17,548 

3,160 


Baker 
























Bibb 
























Bullock 






















Burn 
































































7.300 

7.010 












































Chirk 








1 










Cobb 












20 

l: 
n 
34 

li 
21 

LI 
12 

11 

30 

1-J 


5,501 

lO.OOl 

1 2,35( 

9, 

3,525 


22,950 

4,ooo 
14,900 

150 
3,750 
















1 




















Dade 




























DeKalb 














Dooly 
























- 














I i 










































E ! ■ ■ d 




























3,625 
1,385 
















Gilmer 
























































33 

11 
21 
31 
24 
40 
•J I 
12 
14 
27 
15 
16 
12 

9 
10 
14 
23 
34 

11 
12 
22 
21 
36 
13 
19 
27 
6 
30 
23 
15 
28 
13 
12 
13 
44 
14 
13 
33 
25 


13.000 

15,100 

4 - 
10,000 


IT. 00.5 

13,950 
11,215 

21,000 

930 






























Hall 












Hancock 












Harris 












Heard 




























Houston 










































8 530 


Jefferson 




























Laurens 
















Lee 














12,276 

7,100 

2,600 
3.350 

7, 150 

1,605 

- 
13,000 

11,750 
3,440 

- 
9,150 

10, .-,1)0 

2,900 
1 L.375 
5,8501 


4,100 
11 666 


Liberty 














Lincoln 
















Lowi 














4,410 
4,210 
















Macon 




























2 170 


Mcintosh 














12,500 
















6.400 


Meriwether 














Monroe 














6,400 
















Morgan 














20,100 
", 335 


Murrav . . . 














Muscogee 
















Newton . . 














13.995 
21,700 

3,195 
16,230 

5,580 
18.650 


Oglethorpe 














Paulding 














Pike........ 














Pulaski 














Putnam 










• 




Eiabnn 
















Randolph 


1 


300 


400 


2 


700. 


1,200 


14,425 
122,000 




8ci iven 














■jr.. "'<'n 


Stewart 

Sumter. 


1 


:■.' 


350 


1 


" 


100 


13,930 

- 



Statistics of Georgia. 
TABLE XTV- CHURCHES, CHURCH PROPERTY, &c.-Continued. 



41 





I'XITEKSALM. 


MIXOR SECTS. 


TOTAL. 


COUNTIES. 


No. of 
churches 


\ 'grog 1 ! 

tii-xiat's. 


Total 
value of 

church 
property. 


Xo. of 
churches 


Agtjreg' 
modat's 


Total 
value of 
church 
property. 


Xo. of Aocoouno- 

churches ( tlutious. 


Total value 
of church 
properly. 
















25 10,000 
7 2,758 


$12,150 
3,150 

105 
1,400 

30,100 
5,000 
1,975 

10.400 
3,000 

850 
15,350 

8,600 

19,720 
8,895 






























Telfair 














14 
18 
32 
12 
28 
21 
49 
32 
15 
27 
31 
8 
17 


1,400 

5,750 

12,050 

4, SOU 

5 880 
10,000 

6,705 
11,325 

1,500 
10,220 

7,750 
821 








































































r 






















3 


400 


$275 


Ware 








Warren 










































Wilkes 














Wilkinson 














23 S nun 




















Total 


3 


900 


Si 000 


7 


1,275 


1 ,625 


- 


627,197 


1,269 359 











I 





































o 












^ 
C 



. > 









<p 



< 




. 






- 






~* 































































*f* 

























_ 


































-A* 



